What Is Priesthood Authority?

Priesthood authority is not merely religious influence, public speaking ability, sincere belief, education, tradition, or personal desire. It is authority from God to act in the name of Jesus Christ according to His commandments and order.

The Church of Jesus Christ must be built upon divine authority. Sacred ordinances, covenants, teaching, ordination, Church order, and priesthood service cannot be invented by men. They must be received from God and administered according to His will.

Priesthood Authority Comes from God

Scripture teaches that no man takes priesthood honor unto himself. Authority does not come from ambition, popularity, inheritance, scholarship, or self-appointment. It comes by the calling and will of God.

This matters because the things of God must be done in God’s way. When men act without authority, even with sincerity, they cannot replace the order of heaven.

“No man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.”

Hebrews 5:4

Priesthood Authority Is Centered in Jesus Christ

All true priesthood authority belongs to Jesus Christ. He is the Son of God, the Great High Priest, the head of the Church, and the source of salvation. Priesthood is never meant to glorify man. It is given to serve Christ and bless His people.

Those who receive priesthood authority are accountable to the Lord. They are called to teach His doctrine, administer His ordinances, serve His people, protect sacred things, and point every soul back to Him.

Why Authority Matters for Ordinances

Sacred ordinances are not empty symbols. Baptism, laying on of hands, ordination, blessings, covenant ordinances, and other sacred acts belong to the Lord. Because they are His ordinances, they must be administered according to His authority.

Without priesthood authority, ordinances become human ceremonies. With divine authority, they are performed in the order of God and connected to the covenants and promises He has revealed.

Priesthood Authority Preserves Church Order

The true Church is not meant to be a loose collection of private opinions. The Lord establishes order in His Church through revelation, scripture, priesthood, covenants, ordinances, and righteous accountability.

Priesthood authority helps preserve that order. It guards doctrine, administers ordinances, supports families, calls people to repentance, and helps the Church remain centered on Jesus Christ rather than the changing opinions of the world.

The Holy Priesthood After the Order of the Son of God

The High Priesthood after the Order of the Son of God is the greater and holier priesthood order, centered in Jesus Christ. It is connected with the mysteries of the kingdom, the work of salvation, the gathering of God’s people, and the authority to build the Church according to heaven.

This priesthood is not a worldly office. It is a sacred stewardship. Those called to bear it must serve with humility, reverence, obedience, and fear of God.

Priesthood Authority and the True Church

One of the central marks of the True Church is priesthood authority from God. A church may contain sincere believers, beautiful worship, thoughtful sermons, and good works, but the fullness of Christ’s Church must also contain divine authority to administer His ordinances and preserve His order.

The True Church of Jesus Christ testifies that the Holy Priesthood has been restored for the blessing of God’s children, the preservation of His scriptures, the administration of sacred ordinances, and the gathering of His people in preparation for the return of Jesus Christ.

Priesthood Is a Stewardship of Service

Priesthood authority is not given for pride, control, status, or worldly honor. It is given for service. Those who hold priesthood authority must be servants of Jesus Christ and servants of His people.

True priesthood ministry should produce humility, repentance, reverence, holiness, teaching, blessing, protection, and greater devotion to Jesus Christ.

Questions to Ask About Priesthood Authority