Authority to Teach
Those who teach through priesthood authority are responsible for teaching the doctrine of Jesus Christ faithfully and clearly.
Priesthood Authority
The Holy Priesthood After the Order of the Son of God
We're called by God to serve in the name of Jesus Christ. Through this calling, we teach His doctrine, administer ordinances, give blessings, and carry out His work according to His will.
The Holy priesthood has been restored and continues in the Church today.
“No man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.”
Hebrews 5:4What Priesthood Means
Authority That Comes From God
Priesthood is not simply a church title or position. It is a calling from God, received through ordination and carried with great responsibility.
It gives order to teaching, baptism, blessings, ordinances, and church service. Its purpose is to help people follow Jesus Christ, not to give anyone personal status or power.
The High Priesthood
The High Priesthood After the Order of the Son of God
The High Priesthood after the Order of the Son of God is the highest order of priesthood. It carries authority over every other priesthood and holds the keys of the authority of God’s kingdom.
The scriptures show this priesthood among prophets and faithful servants from the beginning. Jesus Christ is the source of its authority and the center of its work.
Alma 13
Living Authority
The Priesthood Continues Today
Priesthood is more than a teaching about the past. We believe God has restored this authority for the Church today.
Through it, people are baptized, blessed, taught, and called to serve. It helps keep the work of the Church centered on Jesus Christ rather than personal opinion or ambition.
Doctrine • Ordinances • Authority
Calling and Ordination
How Priesthood Authority Is Received
Priesthood authority is not self-appointed. It is received through calling, ordination, and the order God established.
The laying on of hands is performed after the biblical method of ordination. It shows that authority is given through an established order and carries real responsibility before the Lord.
Called of God
A Responsibility to Serve
Priesthood Is Meant for Service
Priesthood is not a reward, a title of importance, or a reason for personal pride. It is a responsibility to serve God and care for His people.
Those who hold it are accountable to Jesus Christ for how they live, act, teach, bless, lead, and administer ordinances.
The work should always point people toward the Savior, not toward the priests.
Learn More
Continue Exploring
Read more about how thev priesthood connects with scripture, covenants, ordinances, and the history of the Church.
Common Questions
Questions About Priesthood
What is the Holy Priesthood?
The Holy Priesthood is authority from God to serve in the name of Jesus Christ. It gives order to teaching, ordinances, blessings, and leadership in the Church.
What is the Order of the Son of God?
It is the highest priesthood order, centered in Jesus Christ. It carries authority over the other priesthoods and holds the keys of the mysteries of God’s kingdom.
Why must priesthood authority be restored?
We believe ordinances should be administered by authority from God. When that authority is lost, God must restore it before the Church can be ordered according to His will.
How is priesthood authority received?
A person does not claim priesthood for himself. It is received through calling and ordination, including the laying on of hands, according to the pattern in scripture.
What is the difference between the High Priesthood and the Levitical Priesthood?
The High Priesthood after the Order of the Son of God is the greater priesthood and carries the higher authority of the Church. The Levitical Priesthood is a lesser, preparatory order with its own duties and ordinances.
You Are Welcome to Ask
Learn More About the Priesthood
Read the scriptures, explore this page, or reach out with your questions. We welcome anyone who sincerely wants to understand priesthood authority and its place in the Church of Jesus Christ.