Priesthood

From MormonWikia

In the Mormon Church, “priesthood” in its most basic sense is God’s eternal power and authority. God used the priesthood to make all of his creations and uses that power to save his children. God has imparted a part of his power, the priesthood, to men on earth so they can help in his work—to aid in the salvation of God’ children.

[edit] Priesthood Duties

The main duty of priesthood holders everywhere is to aid in the work of God. They have the authority to do things in his name, so they help in missionary work, saving ordinances like baptism and temple ordinances, and presiding in the Church. Common duties of priesthood holders are things like giving blessings to those in need (to call the power of God to their aid), letting people make covenants by the power of God through ordinances, and acting as bishops, mission presidents, stake presidents, and other leadership positions in the Mormon Church.

Worthy priesthood holders keep the commandments, treat their families well, and only use the priesthood to do the will of God. Priesthood holders can’t use their authority to rule over others unrighteously, and they can’t use the priesthood to bless themselves. The priesthood is always used for the benefit of others.

[edit] Priesthood Organization

There are two different levels of the priesthood given on earth: the Aaronic Priesthood and the Melchizedek Priesthood. There are also offices within the priesthood where men have different duties to serve.

Young men can receive the Aaronic Priesthood at the age of twelve, and have different offices depending on age and worthiness. Aaronic Priesthood holders prepare, bless, and pass the sacrament in church, among other things. When young men are 18, if they are worthy they can receive the Melchizedek Priesthood, which gives more authority to do other duties, and they can progress in the offices of that priesthood.

Melchizedek Priesthood holders can give blessings from God to heal, comfort, and assist those in need. Elders in the Melchizedek Priesthood can be set apart to do missionary work. The Melchizedek Priesthood is the priesthood with all of the other powers men have on earth, but not all Melchizedek Priesthood holders hold all of that power. They are given the authority to do different things based on what is required by their duties. The prophet of the Mormon Church is the only one that has all of the authority and power at once, and he gives parts of that power to others to do their duties. Priesthood holders who have that authority can give it to others.

[edit] Priesthood in the Family

Priesthood holders do their most important duties in the home. Melchizedek Priesthood holders who are fathers are the spiritual leaders of their families. They are responsible for the spiritual well-being as well as the physical well-being of everyone in the family. These priesthood holders preside with their wives as equal partners. Fathers are necessary in the home to develop balanced, happy children, and priesthood holders are especially necessary. They can bless their families immediately in times of trouble. Because to Mormons, families are so important, the power of God is necessary in the home, and priesthood holders are crucial to exercise that power.