What is the priesthood?

Ethan answered…

I like to approach questions by looking at the words of things

"priest" has reference to either the concept of one who leads, one who is elder, or one who is holy I like to remember that the words 'holy' and 'whole' are linked by a common ancestry. When something is 'holy' it's essentially saying that it's complete, that it's healthy..

And "-hood" makes reference to the state of being, and not just any state of being but a state of being that's worthy or correct for it's placement. That is, that it's done properly.

So one could say the priesthood is leadership or a point of reference that's completely suited to the position in which it's been placed.

Another way to look at it is to say it's God's perfect order. That is, it's God's perfect arrangement.

In our Church we often give a definition of priesthood as being "the authority to act in God's name" and that's exactly what it means to be a part of God's perfect order. If God commands something to be done by you, and you do it, then you are acting under, and with that portion of God's authority that he's permitted you to exercise within his perfect order.

Just as with any instance where someone tries to act in the name of someone else there are bound to be those who try and do so falsely. That's why God has things ordered in such a way that one can know for certain if someone has His God's authority, or not.

Gary answered…

The priesthood of God has been a blessing to me in my life.

I have personally witnessed miracles that can only be explained by the power of the priesthood of God exercised upon individuals who were ill or otherwise afflicted. As a physician I am unable to explain the way that this works; however my knowledge of the priesthood allows me to understand more fully the witnessed healings.

God continues to bless his children through the priesthood. He has not abandoned us here on earth to walk in darkness without the ability to assist one another. Jesus Christ is the greatest physician. He healed the sick, brought sight to the blind, restored many to the previous normal state and raised the dead. All of this was performed by the priesthood power of God.

I know without a doubt that the authority or the priesthood is on the earth today as I am an eyewitness to its' restorative power.

Devin answered…

The priesthood is the authority to act in God's name. The priesthood is service. The following scripture tells how the priesthood ought to be used
" . . . the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness....No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned; By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile. . . " (Doctrine and Covenants 121:36,41-42).

I know that the priesthood of God has been restored on the earth today.

Dwight answered…

The priesthood is the authority to act in God's name here on the earth. Many times as a member of the church or some one looking in to the church you may hear "the power of the priesthood". While we believe that there is power in the Priesthood it is necessary to have the authority of the priesthood bestwoed to you by one already having that authority. The power in the priesthood comes from living a life consistant with the teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ and maintaining worthiness through consistant choices.

Cameron answered…

The priesthood is God's power on Earth, and the Authority to act in his name. I have the blessing and responsability of holding this priesthood and use it regularly in my life.

John Curtis answered…

The priesthood is the authority to act in the name of God. This priesthood is the same priesthood held by the ancient prophets such as Adam, Moses, Noah, Elijah and Isaiah. The priesthood was removed from the earth during the Great Apostasy after the apostles of Christ were killed. The priesthood was restored to the earth through the Prophet Joseph Smith and is held today by the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and given to all worthy male members of the Church.

Jerry. answered…

Priesthood is the name that we call the power of God. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ use their power, their priesthood, to create worlds, heal the sick, perform miracles, etc. Heavenly Father allows faithful men to receive and use the priesthood, His power, to serve His children here on earth. When Heavenly Father gives a man His priesthood He is also giving that man permission, or authority, to represent Him. It is through the power and authority of the priesthood that we teach the gospel, perform baptisms, give blessings, conduct church meetings, etc. In fact, every thing we do in the church is under the authority of the priesthood. Without that authority we are not authorized to represent Him. 

Scott answered…

The Priesthood is the power and authority that God gives to man to bless his children. It includes a call to serve others. In Matthew 10 in the Bible we read about when the Savior gave that authority to the Twelve Apostles so they could preach the gospel, serve individuals, and heal the sick. Those same things happen today because the Priesthood was restored to the earth. I know the Priesthood is real. I have experienced special blessings and miracles in my own life as a direct result.

Anthony answered…

Priesthood power is the power and authority that God used to organize the earth from the beginning. The priesthood is the authority that God has given to man to keep his work orderly here on earth. We use the priesthood to bless the lives of those around us and to act for Jesus Christ in officiating his church.

Jonny Harmer answered…

The priesthood is the authority from God to act in his name while performing ordinances (such as baptism) and while providing service to others. While we do not need the priesthood to serve, we do need the priesthood to act in God's name.

Dag answered…

It is the power and authority of God Given to man on earth to act in His behalf.

Matt answered…

The Priesthood is the power and authority to act in Gods name. I like to explain like this, Imagine you and I are driving down a road in seperate cars. So lets say I see you do an illegal thing...I dunno, speeding. Anyways, I end up flagging you down and telling you to pull over. You do so, I walk up and tell you what you did and give you a ticket to pay. Well, I can't do that! if we all could do that, it would be chaos! You have to have the authority to do pull people over and give them the ticket! Well, just the same as authority to pull people over, God has authority for people to act in his name and to perform saving ordinaces such as baptism and the laying on of hands! In Matthew 10:1 it shows Christ giving the Apostles "power" to do the same thing that he did! He gives that power by the laying on of hands! That is what the Priesthood is, the power and authority to act and do in Gods name. Because we are to do Gods will, He will not allow us to do anything contrary to his will.

Terry answered…

Priesthood is God's power. He grants men the opportunity to exercise that power to bless His children.

Ofa Fetuli answered…

Priesthood is an authority given to WORTHY MAN that MEMBER OF THE CHURCH ,so they can do works in God's Name for the Salvation of MEN.

dave answered…

The priesthood is the power to act in the name of God. It is the power to do Gods work here on earth.

Dave answered…

The priesthood is the authority God grants to men to act in his name on the Earth. Whenever the Lord's true church has been on the Earth, it has been led by men holding His priesthood. Jesus Christ is our role model for priesthood service. Priesthood is as much a duty to lift and serve others as it is a calling to lead. In our church all worthy men and boys over the age of 12 are ordained to the priesthood.

Luis answered…

It is the power and authority of God given to men to serve others. With the priesthood it is intended to bless the lives of others. With the priesthood men that are worthy may place there hands on those that request a blessing and we can ask for power from heaven to come upon them as the Lord inspires.

Christian answered…

The Priesthood is the Authority to act in God's name for the benefit of his children. The Priesthood is used to heal the sick, bless those in need, and to perform ordinances such as baptism, and giving the Gift of The Holy Ghost. The Priesthood is essential in the administration of the Church of Jesus Christ.

When Christ was on the earth, he called 12 apostles, laid his hands upon their heads and conferred this power upon them (John 15:16). They were to lead his church (Ephesians 2:19-20) Unfortunately, the Apostles were persecuted and killed, and this power was lost from the earth for a time. The Priesthood was restored to the earth once again through the Prophet Joseph Smith. He received the Priesthood from Angelic Visitors (John the Baptist, and Peter, James and John). Since the spring of 1829, the Priesthood has again been on the earth.

Marcus answered…

Simply, the priesthood is the power to act in God's name to bless His children. Similarly to Christ healing and blessing the sick and afflicted in the New Testament, worthy males members of the church can hold the priesthood and bless the lives of everyone around them.

Brad answered…

 The most common and direct answer is that the priesthood is the power of God to bless people on earth through worthy priesthood holders. If you are familiar with the Bible, prophets in the Old Testament and up to Jesus Christ and his Apostles in the New Testament held the priesthood of God. Prophets like Abraham, Moses and others held the presthood. Prophets were not the only men to hold the priesthood, but they are good examples of men who did. All of the prophets had to hold the priesthood in order to be called as a prohet of God.
When Christ was on the earth he too held the priesthood as he was the son of God as well. He called twelve apostles twelve special witnesses of Jesust Christ, and gave them the priesthood of God. John the Baptist, the man that baptized Jesus Christ, also held the priesthood. After the death of Jesus Christ, his apostles continued to excersize the priesthood until they all had been killed or died. With their deaths, the priesthood power was taken from the earth and lost.
As part of the restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ through Joseph Smith, the priesthood too was once restored again to the earth. Without the restoration of the priesthood power to the earth all men and women would still lack the ability to be blessed by the saving ordinances of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
The Priesthood is essential for the salvation of all men and women. With the priesthood power worthy priesthood holders can baptize people for the remission of their sins. The first covenant promise/commitment we make in living a Christlike in our effort to return to our Heavenly Father. Priesthood holder also can give the gift of the Holy Ghost the third member of the Godhead, give blessings of comfort and healing, and bless and pass the sacrament every sunday. The sacrament is patterned after the sacrament that Christ gave to his Apostles before he was crucified, and it allows members of his church to repent and renew their baptismal covenant. By partaking of the sacrament, we are blessed to have the Holy Ghost and love of Christ with us throughout the coming week. There are many other blessings available through the priesthood of God and I am grateful for all of these blessings.
I have been blessed to be baptized and partake of the sacrament each week and I know that the priesthood of God was restored through Joseph Smith. I know that the priestood is the power of God to bless all people on this earth and I know that by the priestood we can recieve the saving blessings of Jesus Christ's gospel. The priesthood of God is once agian on earth and it is here to bless all that come unto Christ and believe in him.

Bryce answered…

The priesthood is the delegated power and authority of God, given to man for the purposes of serving the Lord and those around us. The priesthood allows worthy and dedicated men to serve Him by leading congregations of the church, performing sacred ordinances like baptism, conferring the Holy Spirit, and administering communion, and laying hands on those who are sick or afflicted and giving blessings of comfort, counsel and healing.

Austin answered…

Priesthood is the authority to act in God's name. It is one of the largest things that sets our Church apart from any other church. We believe that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the only church that has this authority. This may sound arrogant, but think about the facts. Not everybody in the Bible had the authority to do things ie. Jesus Christ walking for three days to be baptized of John the Baptist. John had the authority to baptize and if it wasn't required then Jesus could have gone to anybody to be baptized. The authority is only available to those who are called of God (Hebrews 5:4).

Dustin Green! answered…

The priesthood is the authority of god given to man to act in his name. 

Richard answered…

The Priesthood is the authority to act in God's name. I guess that is exactly what the priesthood means. When we are given the priesthood, we are given a responsibility to do as he would as if he were here himself on the earth. As a priesthood holder, I strive to do as if he were the one doing it, and to try and show his love for others through my actions. Yes, through priesthood, we have the proper authority to perform ordinances which really has to be done in his name as well, but I think it takes on a bigger meaning as we establish our families and become a leader through service and love. Through the priesthood, god provides us blessings such as prophets and apostles, and also many other blessings to help bless the sick and comfort those in need of it. Every worthy male member can receive the priesthood, and as they do will bless those around them! :) As priesthood holders, we strive to act as if we were performing all things in the name of the savior.

Nate answered…

The ability to act in God's name for the salvation of His children.

Robbie answered…

Priesthood is one of the biggest reasons this church is so important. We believe that God has one church, and we also believe he's given his authority to one church and the priesthood authority allows for baptism to take place and a number of other important ordinances.

Alysen answered…

Authority given to man from God.

Mason Sawyer answered…

The authority to act in Gods name.

Tyler answered…

The Priesthood is the authority or permission given to men to act in the name of God. A man must hold the priesthood in order to do things like baptize, give the Gift of the Holy Ghost, bless the sacrament, and bless the sick and afflicted. This authority was lost from the earth after the deaths of Christ's Apostles and was restored to the earth by the Lord through the Prophet Joseph Smith.

Tanner answered…

The priesthood is God's power directed through man to carry out His work.

Joseph answered…

The priesthood is authority given to man from God to act in His name. It is the authorithy that God uses to keep his church orginized, the doctrines pure, and to make sure that men do not use the church for their own personal gain or social recognition. This authority is the same authority the Moses had and that Christ gave to his origional twelve apostles. this authority allows man to serve Gods children in performing sacred ordinances for his children such as baptism and the blessing of the sacrament, Blessing those who are sick or otherwise afflicted, and serving in different leadership roles through out His church. Because this priesthood is from God, He expects those who hold it to follow Jesus Christ's example by serving with love, gentleness, diligence, and kindness, as well as living all of the commandments to high standards

Chal answered…

The priesthood is the authority to act in the name of God. With righteousness then through the priesthood comes God's power to bless the lives of the people it is being used for. Heavenly Father uses those with the priesthood as instruments to accomplish is work and will. Those who hold the priesthood are duty bound to serve faithfully all of God's children.

Eric Berntson answered…

It is the permission from god to act in His name. With it God directs his church on the earch and we can preform ordinances like baptism and conformation of the Holy Ghost. With out this authority it would not be God's true church.

Sarah Cate answered…

It is the authority and power to act in the name of God. It is what directs the church. It is the same power that Jesus Christ possesed when he lived upon the earth.

Michael answered…

 The Priesthood is the power or authority to act in God's name here on the Earth. We practice this Priesthood through certain ceremonies or ordinance such as administering of the Sacrament to the church members or Baptizing individuals who promise to live and accept the Gospel of Jesus Christ.It is a power that has been given to every prophet since the beginning of time from Adam to our current Prophet Thomas S. Monson. Jesus Christ gave this same authority to His apostles when He was here on the Earth. After His apostles death this power was taken away from thr Earth but through Joseph Smith and the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ this power has been restored. Even the power to seal families for time and all eternity.

Mark answered…

God's way of organizing opportunities to bless and love his children.

Grant answered…

Priesthood is the power and authority of God.1 It is helpful to understand the following three concepts in order to comprehend the subject matter of the Priesthood: 1) Priesthood Authority, 2) Power of the Priesthood, and 3) Priesthood Keys. Sometimes these terms are used interchangeably, but generally they have distinct meanings. Priesthood Authority is the permission to act in God’s name delegated to mankind through ordination; Power of the Priesthood comes from ones’ unity with God, the source of all innate power; and Keys of the Priesthood refers to the right to direct the utilization of the priesthood, typically for the administration of Church affairs. The following analogy, even though somewhat flawed, may help you distinguish the utilization of these terms and their corresponding concepts.

A person needs to receive permission from the state in order to legally operate a vehicle on public streets. If an individual meets certain prerequisites, such as reaching a minimum age and passing a test, he is granted a license to drive. Think of this as being similar to God granting permission to individuals to act on His behalf if they satisfy certain requirements. This authority is obtained through ordination to the Priesthood. All worthy male members of the Church 12 years of age and older may be ordained to the priesthood. Generally, when members of the Church refer to the Priesthood, they are referring to this concept of Priesthood Authority.

However, just because someone has a license to drive does not mean he is a good driver. Think of our driving skill as the Power of God. It is an individual matter. The Power of the Priesthood comes from one’s unity with God, which is achieved by aligning our will to His. Consequently, if our life is out of harmony with God’s teachings, we alienate His Spirit and have less of His power. I personally believe that the Power of the Priesthood is inseparably connected with the pure love of Christ (charity). I believe it was through the power of God’s infinite love for us that He was able to effectuate the atonement. Consequently, I believe that as we diligently seek to follow the Savior, God fills us with His love and His power to do good in the world and bless others.2

Now, just because I know how to drive and have a license does not mean that I can go and pick the nicest car in the parking lot and drive off. The person holding the keys to that car needs to give me permission to drive his car. Similarly, just because one is ordained to the priesthood and is a good person does not mean he can unilaterally decide who is going to run the affairs of God’s Church. God’s kingdom is a house of order, not confusion, so He calls certain individuals to preside and direct the administration of Church affairs and the utilization of priesthood authority at each level of Church organization, whether it is local or national.

Let me try to demonstrate why this is so important. Anyone can go on the internet and purchase a minister certificate for a minimal fee, and then perform various ordinances such as a marriage ceremony. Now, what would happen if anyone could go on-line and purchase a police certificate and then unilaterally assert the police power of the state according to his whim? I dare say that ungodly consequences of confusion and turmoil would result. I believe the same principle applies with the kingdom of God.

Going back to our vehicle analogy, the person with the keys to a car can direct and limit another person’s right to drive that vehicle, such as “you can go to the store” or “you can use the car for your date tonight, but be back by mid-night.” Likewise, the Church leaders holding Priesthood keys direct the administration of various priesthood ordinances, such as baptism, priesthood ordinations, and blessing of the sacrament. Additionally, a person can have his driver’s license suspended for a major violation such as reckless or drunk driving. The same thing can happen with one’s priesthood authority if he commits a major violation of God’s laws. The individuals holding the keys in God’s kingdom determine the right one has to utilize the authority that was previously received by ordination, and thus help maintain order in the Church.

Continuing this somewhat flawed analogy, a driver’s skill level is not necessarily tied directly to his possession of a driver’s license. Often individuals growing up on a farm learn how to operate various vehicles on their private property at a young age. During the great depression, my dad drove a large truck full of coal from mines in the mountain to a central distribution center down in the valley when he was only 14 years old. Likewise, everyone has the ability to connect with God and obtain His power to do good in the world. However, certain things still require his authority. Yet, everyone has the ability to access God’s power through faith for help in their personal lives. I strongly believe that the faith and prayers of some non-Mormon friends were instrumental in God blessing my grandson who was born with multiple heart defects. However, as James directs in the Bible , God also provides for those with Priesthood authority to combine their power from God with the faith of all concerned to bless the sick.3

Regardless, one needs to receive authority from God through ordination from one who has authority in order to have the power to perform ordinances on behalf of God. Through these priesthood ordinances the power of godliness is manifested. Priesthood ordinances are a means whereby we become more at one with God. Baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, the sacrament, and temple ordainances all bring us closer to God so that we can experience more of his power in our life.

As with the anointing of the sick, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saint’s unification of Priesthood Authority (by ordination) with the Power of the Priesthood (through one’s unity with God through faith) resolves one of the major internal conflicts of Christendom. The Catholic Church bases its authenticity on the concept of ordained priesthood authority, while Protestant doctrine rejects this precept and instead adopts a concept called a “priesthood of all believers” which holds that all Christians have equal potential to minister for God and that no formal ordination is required. In reality, both the Catholic and Protestant theology regarding this issue have some merit, but if viewed properly they are each part of the whole picture which God restored when He re-established His Church in the latter-days through the Prophet Joseph Smith.

As the Catholics properly teach, it is apparent from the study of the Bible that God intended His Church to have a properly ordained ministry. Paul taught that “no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.”4 Christ ordained his twelve apostles so that they would have his authority to preach on his behalf and to heal the sick.5 The Bible is clear that God intended this ecclesiastical quorum of twelve apostles to continue because it states that one more must “be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection” to replace Judas Iscariot who betrayed the Lord.6 Christ also called and appointed seventy to minister on His behalf.7 Paul’s instruction to Titus to “ordain elders in every city” demonstrates that the practice of ordaining local priesthood authorities continued after the death of Christ, as does Timothy’s ordination to the priesthood.8 The principle of an ordained ministry is so ingrained in Christianity that even Protestant churches that reject the need for ordained ministers often still continue this practice.

The Roman Catholic Church claims it is the true church by attempting to trace its authority through a succession of popes back to Peter. Even though there is great scholarly debate regarding the validity and accuracy of this claim, there is no question that the supremacy of the bishop of Rome anciently was not universally accepted, resulting in the Great Schism in 1054 A.D. when the Greek Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches split, accusing each other of falling into heresy. Regardless, it seems obvious to me that the world lost the light of the full gospel and that this led to the Dark Ages.

Again, my vehicle analogy may help explain what happened. If I give my son the keys to my car to run an errand, and he in turn gives them to a friend to take care of the errand for him, who then gives the keys to someone else to use as he pleases, who then thinks he has the right to drive everyone else’s car, it is obvious that they exceeded my permission and lost my authority to drive my car. Similarly, the apostles held the keys of the kingdom after Christ’s death, but because they were all killed before they could ordain replacements for each of them, the keys to direct the Church as a whole were lost. Consequently, only the local leaders had authority to direct the work in their respective area, but no one had authority to replace them when they died. Accordingly, over time, true priesthood authority in the ancient Church was replaced by a counterfeit theocracy that did not have authority from God to act in His name, regardless of the sincerity of some of the individuals involved. Additionally, because the Church lacked true priesthood authority and revelation from God, the priesthood became corrupt and there was great confusion regarding various doctrines.

Even though Martin Luther, a priest in the early 1500’s, initially was simply trying to reform the Catholic Church, the tyranny and corruption was so pervasive that his message struck a chord with the masses and sparked a revolt that eventually lead to the creation of numerous Protestant (protesting) churches. I believe that as Martin Luther sought truth and goodness, he drew closer to God and felt His love and power flow into his soul, as all people can and should experience. When Martin Luther contrasted this source of power from the light of Christ with the empty practices of the Catholic priesthood, he reached the conclusion that an ordained ministry was not required by God. In essence, he threw the baby out with the bath water. It is understandable how he reached this conclusion when we realize that the priesthood he was evaluating was not authorized of God, yet the doctrine of an ordained priesthood as taught in the Bible is still a true doctrine. This truth was recognized by other reformers and early Protestant leaders such as Roger Williams, the seventeenth-century pastor who founded Rhode Island. Roger Williams later refused to continue as pastor in Providence on the grounds that there was “no regularly-constituted Church on earth, nor any person authorized to administer any Church ordinance; nor could there be, until new apostles were sent by the great Head of the Church, for whose coming he was seeking.”9

That is why God sent divine messengers in these latter-days to restore the priesthood authority that was previously lost. We now have in the restored Church apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, and evangelists, as spoken of by Paul to the Ephesians.10 These priesthood offices were previously established by the Savior when He organized His Church in the meridian of time. We recognize the two orders of the priesthood and the offices contained within them: the lesser priesthood is the Aaronic Priesthood, named after Aaron; and the greater priesthood is the Melchizedek Priesthood, named after Melchizedek, to whom Abraham paid tithes. The Aaronic Priesthood was restored on May 15, 1829, under the hands of John the Baptist, and the Melchizedek Priesthood within a month under the hands of the ancient Apostles Peter, James, and John to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. Thus those possessing the priesthood today claim the authority to act in the name of God through this priesthood that was restored by these divine messengers.11 Of course, the amount of power from God which an individual ordained priesthood holder personally possesses depends on the degree of his unity with God.

Today, all worthy male members of the Church 12 years of age and older may be ordained to the priesthood.12 Sometimes church members even refer to the adult male population of the Church as the Priesthood, but that usage is more of a colloquialism than proper usage of the term. Some people criticize the Church because females are not ordained to the priesthood. We do not know all of God’s reasoning, but we do know that God loves all of His children, male and female, and that throughout the history of the world God has limited the priesthood to be borne by various groups; yet, all of God’s children are invited to enjoy the blessings of the Priesthood in their lives, including receiving power from God through their faith to do much good in the world in their individual capacity; and, in the eternities all who are faithful in following the Savior will receive a fullness of His grace and be made equal in power, might, and dominion.13 Many people do not realize that today some sisters in the Church are given authority to perform various ordinances in God’s temples. The temple presidents’ wife used to be called the high priestess of the temple, but this title was changed probably so that people would not be confused in thinking that she held the same priesthood authority as the brethren of the Church.

I certainly do not know all of the reasons why God has directed at this point in our eternal existence that only worthy males be ordained to the priesthood, but I would like to suggest one possible partial reason. One of my non-Mormon legal secretaries attended a number of our church services and mentioned the following observation to me: “The women in your Church are like women in the other churches I have attended, but the men are different. All of the women are sweet, caring, and devoted, but unlike men in other churches, the men in your Church are also caring and devoted individuals. I finally figured out why, and it is because the men are so involved in running the affairs of the Church.” I believe that women generally have more natural Christ-like attributes, so God has directed that all worthy men in His Church receive the priesthood so that we will be put in a position where we will develop more of these Christ-like attributes as we serve others in our priesthood responsibilities than we would otherwise develop if left to our own devices.

Regardless, I do know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is God’s Church on the earth, and that He directs the affairs of His Church. I would like to share one very spiritual experience I had several years ago regarding this point. As a young man, one of my clients was a famous Baptist preacher (his funeral was covered on national television). One day he chided me that once the pressure on the Church was great enough, it would succumb and change its policy so as to allow blacks to hold the priesthood. I assured him that God directed the Church and it would never yield to public pressure. Well, that same week the Church announced that the Lord had revealed that all worthy men in the Church could be ordained to the priesthood, regardless of race or color.14 Naturally, I imagined the razing this minister would give me the next time we met. Regardless, I decided to follow the Church’s instruction to pray about issues to receive my own personal confirmation that this change in policy was from God. As I prayed, it was as if I could hear a great host of deceased persons in the spirit world shouting for joy because now many of them and their friends would be able to have saving ordinances performed for them in the temples, which thought had never occurred to me before. And then I heard in my mind this piercing question, “Would you deny all of this happiness (in essence for me to simply save face with the minister)?” Then it was over. As only God can do, I was simultaneously rebuked and humbled while inspired and uplifted. I received the confirmation I prayed for. So, I personally can testify that God directs the affairs of this Church and the administration of His Priesthood authority.

I invite you to investigate and study these issues for yourself, and then ask God to give you your own witness that it is true. I promise you that if you ask with real intent, He will answer.


1 Gospel Principles, pg. 67.
2 Moroni 7:48
3 James 5:14
4 Hebrews 5:4
5 Mark 3:14; John 15:16; Luke 9:1
6 Acts 1:22-26
7 Luke 10:1
8 Titus 1:5; 1 Timothy 4:14
9 James E. Faust, Ensign, May 2006; See also William Cullen Bryant, Picturesque America; or, the Land We Live In, 2 vols. (1872–74), 1:502
10 Ephesians 4:11
11 James E. Faust, Ensign, May 2006
12 D&C Official Declaration 2
13 D&C 76:94-95; 132:20.
14 D&C Official Declaration 2

Gail answered…

The Priesthood is a priviledge, not a right. The Priesthood is a token given to worthy men on while we are on earth to act in the name of God. With that said, all men have the power in any way to act, but not all have the jurisdiction to act. The Prophet has more juisdiction compared to someone else.

TANNER T. WEST answered…

The priestood is the power of God wich is given to worthy men that are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Its the authority to act in God´s name.
This power and authority allows a man to direct God´s church, perform baptisms, and give blessings to people who are in need of health, comfort, protection, or any other thing in need. This Power is sacred and is to be used with care and not to be abused by an unworthy person performing these ordinances. This is God´s church and he expects his priestood holders to follow the example of Jesus Christ

Joe. answered…

Since God loves His children, He blesses them with the ability to act in His name. This is the priesthood. By giving worthy male members the opportunity to serve others using the priesthood, God blesses the lives of the members.

Sam answered…

Priesthood is the authority to act in the Name of Jesus Christ. Priesthood is what Jesus gave to his disciples when he gave them power to cast out devils, and perform miracles. Priesthood, or the authority to act in the name of Christ, is essential for ordinances like baptism, and the giving of the Gift of the Holy Ghost. Without priesthood, those ordinances, and others like them cannot be performed properly.

Steve Close answered…

The priesthood is defined as the power and authority of God. In mortality, the priesthood is the power and authority that God gives man to act in all things necessary for salvation.
Personally, the priesthood is the love of God. It allows every priesthood holder to love others the way Jesus Christ did. To bless them in all things in accordance with God's will. 

Ryan answered…

The Priesthood is the authority that God gives man to act in his name. The miracles that Jesus preformed where accomplished by the power of the Priesthood. Today the priesthood allows my the ability to bless my family and help other, just as Christ did.

Mike answered…

The Priesthood is "the authority to act in God’s name". To do things such as baptisms, give the gift of the Holy Ghost, and to conduct church meetings you need the priesthood.
I know the priesthood has been restored. The most spiritual experiences on my mission have been when someone has been baptized with that authority.

Jake answered…

The preisthood is the power and authority of God delegated to men on earth to accomplish the works, designs and purposes of God. We believe that Joseph Smith was called to be an Apostle of Jesus Christ, and that he was visited by the resurrected Peter, James, and John, three of the original Apostles in the New Testament, and that they conferred upon Joseph Smith the priesthood authority to organize and establish the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. We believe that all priesthood authority must be conferred by someone holding the priesthood physically laying their hands on another and conferring that priesthood power upon them. However, we also believe that since this is God's power, and not man's that God will only work through those who are worthy to hold this sacred trust.

Dwight or Scotty answered…

we cannot take the priesthood upon our selves it must given to us by the Lord who uses righteous men to serve others.

Chris. answered…

The priesthood is God's power. It is the authority to act in his name and the power to bless the lives of others.

The priesthood is what more fully brings God's power in our lives. Not the power to command. Not the power to control. But the power to bless. The power to demonstrate God's love unto all His children by officiating in the ordinances, which He has given for our salvation -- such as baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost, the sacrament, and blessings of health, comfort, and counsel, just as we read in the Bible and Book of Mormon.

Although God has ordained men to the priesthood, there is no blessing from the priesthood which a man receives that a woman will not also receive equally, for God is no respecter of persons.

Dana Michelle answered…

The priesthood is the authority to act in God's name on earth. It was given to prophets of the bible, Adam, Enoch, Noah, Moses, etc. Mormons believe that it has to be given through the proper authority. We believe that John the Baptist visited Joseph Smith and laid his hands on his head and restored the priesthood power by authority so God's priesthood could be used for good in these modern days. The priesthood is used to do such things as heal the sick, give blessings of comfort, perform baptisms and seal families together forever.

Colton answered…

The priesthood is the power and authority to act in the name of god.

Paul answered…

The priesthood is the power of God. When we think of it in the context of this life, it is the power of God delegated to man. Thus a man who holds the priesthood is authorised by God to act in his name. There are different positions in the priesthood, known as 'offices of the priesthood. For example, the Bible speaks of deacons, priests, elders, high priests, seventy, apostle, etc. These are all in the Church today, and each one has the authority and responsibility to carry out certain duties in the Church.

Christopher answered…

 The priesthood is the power and authority of Jesus Christ on the earth. The power He used in his life on this earth to heal the sick and teach the people.

Lisa answered…

The priesthood is the power and authority of God. God gives this power to man to act in His name for the salvation of His children. The Bible teaches us in Heb. 5: 4 "And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron." The priesthood is only given by the laying on of hands, by one who is authorized; who already has the authority. God has always given this priesthood authority to His prophets.

Priesthood authority is required in order to perform sacred acts such as baptism, giving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and blessing the sacrament. I am so grateful for the priesthood on the earth. I feel so happy that I was baptized into the true church of Jesus Christ by a worthy priesthood holder. I know that having the priesthood of God on earth is a great blessing. It makes it possible for us to fulfill all of God's commandments and and return to live with Him again some day.

Jake answered…

The priesthood is the ability of man to act in God's name for the salvation of his children. Power given to man by the laying on of hands with proper authority, then allowing the holder of the priesthood to assist God in his work and his glory, which is to allow us to return to live with our Father in Heaven again! It is never, and can never be used for self gratification.

Jared answered…

The priesthood is Gods authority. This autority is given to men who are worthy of it. The priesthood authority is always given by God through what's known as the laying on of hands. This authority is what makes this church Gods church.

Bill answered…

 The priesthood is the power that God gives to man to serve in his name.

Theron answered…

The priesthood is one of the great blessings of discipleship. It holds the key to the knowledge of God. A worthy priesthood holder is entitled to recieve the knowledge neccesary to carry on the work he has been called to do. The Lord has promised it and he does keep his promises.

Maren answered…

The priesthood is the permission and authority to do God's work here on the earth. Even when Jesus Christ was on the earth, His apostles were sent out to teach and serve the people. They were given that permission and authority by Jesus Christ. With that priesthood, they could perform any necessary duties for the church of God, even including blessing people and performing miracles. When those apostles were all eventually dead, that priesthood was gone from the earth.

God had to give the priesthood, the permission and authority to act in His name, back to the earth Himself. When He restored His church to the earth, that was a very important part of it. Any worthy male member of the church can receive the priesthood, which is transferred to him through a special blessing from someone who already has it. Because the priesthood is on the earth again, men can teach, baptize, bless, and even perform miracles in God's name, just like the apostles in Bible times. It is important to remember that it is not the men themselves who are accomplishing the work, but it is actually God's power. Without God's power and authority, this church would not be His church.

Lachlan answered…

The Priesthood is the Authority to perform the ordinances of the gospel on the Earth.

Devon answered…

It is the Authority to act in Gods name here on earth. He gives us the priesthood to heal the sick, to help those in need, and to run His church on the earth today.

Paul answered…

The priesthood is the eternal power and authority of God. It is the same power through which “the worlds are and were created” (D&C 76:24). The purpose of the priesthood is simply to redeem and exalt all the children of God. A portion of this same priesthood is delegated or given to men in the flesh to accomplish the purposes of God “to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39).

The priesthood authority authorizes men to act in the name of the Lord to administer the saving ordinances of the gospel such as baptism, sacrament (The Lord's supper), temple marriage, etc.

Jeremy Andrew L. answered…

In short, the priesthood is the authority to act in the name of Christ. It is not purchased or earned through completion of a theology school. It is given to all worthy male members of Christ's true church who Love the Lord. Wouldn't it be confusion if God gave his priesthood to men of differing faiths? In Corinthians chapter 14 verse 33 it says, "For God is not the author of confusion ..." Thus there is only one church who has God's true authority. That church is, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.


The priesthood of God is conferred on a man by the laying on of hands by a priesthood holder. Thus, any true priesthood holder should have a line of authority, or a record showing from whence their authority came. That authority must have a direct connection to Jesus Christ himself. I am a priesthood holder and I have a line of authority which can be traced back to my Lord and Savior. It is my hope that I will ever be worthy of being a Priesthood holder and that I may serve my Savior to the best of my ability.

Eric Jorgensen answered…

God does most of his work through his children. The priesthood is a sacred trust given to people to do the will of God here on the earth. Any man who desires the priesthood may have it if he lives by the teachings of Jesus Christ. He must receive it by the laying on of hands from someone else who holds the priesthood.

A man who receives the priesthood promises to devote his life to living the commandments of the Lord Jesus Christ and to assist in His work. A priesthood holder is primarily a servant who seeks the guidance of the Holy Ghost to know who to serve and how to serve them.

Although it is only men who hold the priesthood; men and women are equally entitled to the blessings of the priesthood. These blessings include baptism, the gift of the holy ghost, celestial marriage, spiritual healing, and many more.

Herbert Vieira de Sousa answered…

=ENGLISH=
The Priesthood is God's power given to worthy male members. Holding this power allows you to act in God's name to give blessings to those who are sick and perform baptisms.

It is crucial that baptism is performed for someone holding this power because God will not accept a baptism which was not performed without his allowance.

All those who hold this divine power are to live according to Jesus Christ's example of service, virtue and love.

=PORTUGUES=
O Sacerdocio e o poder de Deus dado aos membros do sexo masculino que sao dignos de porta-lo. Ao portar este poder, voce pode agir em nome de Deus para dar bencaos aqueles que estao enfermos e realizar batismos.

E crucial que um batismo seja realizado por alguem que possua este poder pois Deus nao aceitara um batismo que nao foi realizado sem sua permissao.

Todos aqueles que portam esse poder divino, vivem de acordo com o exemplos de servico, virtude e amor ensinados por Jesus Cristo.

Codi Alan Rakes Ruttenbur answered…

The Priesthood is the authority to act in God's name. Our church believes that without Priesthood authority we cannot govern God's church here on earth.

Rick Gough answered…

I am humbled for this authority that God has given me to use for others in need.

Alyssa answered…

The permission for man to act in the name of Jesus Christ and be an instrument in His hands.

David Harold answered…

The priesthood is the authority and power of God given to men here on earth. It is through the priesthood that the ordinances of salvation is made available to God's children.

Linda answered…

The priesthood is the power and authority of God on the earth. I am truly grateful that my husband holds the priesthood of God and uses it to bless me and our lives. He is able to give me healing blessings when I am sick, and bless me with strength when I am weak.

Matthew answered…

The priesthood is the authority to act in the name of God. Following Christ's death the Apostles held his priesthood but were slowly killed off until the priesthood authority was lost from the earth. This period of time is known as the "Great Apostasy." This authority was later restored in modern days through the Prophet, Joseph Smith.

Emily answered…

This is a powerful principle of the gospel of Christ I have recently learned something new about. The priesthood is simply the power and authority to act in God's name. Worthy men, as young as 12, are ordained to offices in the priesthood with the purpose of presiding and serving the others. ANYone can ask for a blessing of comfort or healing from a priesthood holder.

In the church we often talk about having the priesthood in our homes. Typically this means the husband and father of the family holds the priesthood and can offer blessings of comfort or healing to family members and the home. I recently lost my sweetheart of 12 years to years and years of addiction to pornography and struggles with fidelity. When he stopped honoring his priesthood and we divorced, I felt like our family lost the priesthood in our home.

I've since learned that is not true. I have the opportunity to call upon other worthy priesthood holders to bless my family. My father has given blessings of comfort to me and my children. My home teacher has given us blessings of healing. I know the priesthood is the power to act in God's name - to be His hands. I can receive the blessings of the priesthood through my faithfulness in many ways.

My sweet son is 7 years old and preparing for baptism. I am so very grateful for the diligent young men who honor their priesthood by ushering at church meetings and blessing and passing the sacrament. They are a profound example of Christ-like service for my son.

Anson answered…

The priesthood is the authority of God given to men on the earth to act in his name. It's the same authority by which Christ himself was able to heal the sick and afflicted, and even raise people from the dead. It is the power through which "that which you shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven and that which you shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."

Jackson Julian answered…

 The priesthood is the authority given to man to act in the name of God. This authority allows man to perform saving oridances, such as baptism, and to preach the one true Gospel in its absolute pure form. An Ordinance that is done without this authority is invalid in the eyes of God. This authority was given to the twelve Apostles when Jesus was on the Earth. When Jesus and the Apostles died, this authority was no long on the Earth. That is how so many different churches came about. Without the authority, plain and precious truths and doctrines were changed. And the Gospel was no longer pure. Until about 1800 years later when God called a young man, named Joseph Smith, to be His Prophet. Through Joseph, this authority was restored and the fulness of the Gospel was brought back to the Earth. This Pristhood Authority is only found in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saint, the one and only church that Jesus Christ established. 

Esau answered…

The priesthood is the authority, and power delegated to man for the administration of the Atonement of JesusChrist. The priesthood enables them to act in God’s name for the salvation of the human family. Through it they can be authorized to preach the gospel, administer the ordinances of salvation, and govern God’s kingdom on earth.
Without the Priesthood the ordinances are not valid.
Would you allowed a carpenter to perform a heart surgery?
Would you allowed a mechanic to perform a tooth extraction?
Even our Savior received grace per grace and never took this honor unto himself and we find this truth in HEBREWS CHAPTER 5:4-6

4 And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.
5 So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my aSon, to day have I begotten thee.
6 As he saith also in another place, Thou art a apriest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

The Priesthood is one of the great blessings that The members of JesusChrist of Latter Day Saints have received with the RESTORATION of the Gospel of JesusChrist in this Last Dispensation.

Byron answered…

The Priesthood is the authority given to worthy males to act in the name of God to bless the lives of others. 

Leon answered…

The authority and ability to act on the earth for and behalf of God. It is powerful, yet not self-serving. God's purposes are to be met, or none of it is His will.

Ken answered…

When Christ lived on the Earth He chose 12 apostles and gave them the authority to preach in His name and gave them the power to heal and bless others. The priesthood is that power.

We believe that the ancient apostles Peter, James and John appeared to Joseph Smith and gave him that power also. The priesthood must be conferred from one worthy person to another. Those who hold the priesthood today received it from men who received it from other men and you can trace the line back to that visitation from Peter, James and John.

Charles answered…

The Priesthood is the power of God. Because God loves us, if we are faithful to him and obey his commandments, every worthy man can obtain the Priesthood and share in that power.
In the Scriptures, the priesthood is that same power that Jesus Christ and the Prophets used to heal the sick, and to perform sacred ordinances and covenants (or promises) with God like Baptism.
This power has always been on the Earth when there has been a Prophet to pass it down. It is here today because God restored the power of the Priesthood through the Prophet Joseph Smith in the 1830's.

Brian answered…

The priesthood is the authority to act in God's name. Just as prophets and men of God anciently held the priesthood, so too do men hold the priesthood today. We know of Moses using the priesthood (which he received under the hand of Jethro his father-in-law) and of the miracles of Elijah and Elisha - all performed by the power of the priesthood. The miracles of the Savior, Jesus Christ were done by and through the power of the priesthood. Today the blessings of the priesthood are again on the earth.

D. Roskelley answered…

The Priesthood is the authority of God, granted to men upon the earth to act on his behalf in accordance with his will, to aid, assist, and serve his children as they progress through this life and accomplish that which our Father has for us. It is the authority that guides his church, our homes and my life.

Mark answered…

The priesthood is the power and authority given to man to act in the name of God. Worthy men who holed the priesthood use it to bless the lives of others. The Priesthood is a way for us to serve those around us, by giving blessings of comfort, of healing, of guidance.

Carson answered…

The priesthood is the authority that God has given man to act in the name of His son, Jesus Christ.   

Amy answered…

The priesthood is the power to act in God's name on earth. It is given to worthy males of the church i.e those living in accordance with the standards of the church from aged 12. It means that essential ordinances like baptism can be carried out by the power of God and with His authority. I am very grateful for the priesthood, it has blessed my life many times.


 

Mary answered…

The priesthood is the authority to act in God's name. While Jesus Christ was on the earth He gave His apostles the authority to conduct His church in His absense. The correct authority is always necessary...think about the Ice Cream Truck man pulling you over and trying to give you a ticket...not the correct authority. On the other hand, imagine the Highway Patrol Officer pulling you over and trying to give you a ticket...the correct authority. The correct authority is so important.
That same authority that Jesus Christ gave His apostles has been restored to the earth. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is led by that authority. All male members of the Church who prepare themselves are able to recieve that preisthood authority.

Clay answered…

The Priesthood is the authority to act in the name of God. Only through its power can we make covenants with our Heavenly Father through Priesthood Ordinances like Baptism.
The Priesthood can also refer to the men of the Church, because this authority is delegated only to the men, or the Leaders of the Church as they hold Keys to the Priesthood.

Katie answered…

The priesthood is the power & authority of God on earth, given to men to act, in righteousness, in His behalf.

Simon answered…

The priesthood is the authority to act in the name of God. It is the divine authorisation to perform sacred ordinances and bless the lives of God's children here on earth.

Just as a policeman must receive authority from Her Majesty's Government to perform arrests and enforce the law, so a man must worthily hold authority from God to act in His Name and perform His ordinances.

Jesus Christ originally held this authority when He organised His Church on the earth He called His twelve Apostles and bestowed upon them this same authority to teach, perform miracles, baptise and confer the Gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands. However, when Jesus Christ and His Apostles died, this divine authority was withdrawn from the earth.

As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we believe that God has once again reached out in love to His children by calling modern Prophets and Apostles, who lead the Church today with this same divine authority held by Jesus Christ Himself the authority was restored to the earth through the prophet Joseph Smith in 1829, shortly before the organisation of the Church in 1830.

Boley answered…

The priesthood is not magic or supernatural power; it is authority bestowed upon any worthy male member of the Church who who meets the requisite worthiness standards to qualify to receive it. Priesthood authority gives one the privilege to act in the name of the Lord to carry out the work that he exemplified while he dwelt on the earth among mankind. Priesthood authority is needed in order to bestow the priesthood on another. It is required to lead congregations of the church, to officiate in ordinances such as baptism and confirmation, and authority to offer blessings of healing, peace, and comfort. Priesthood authority grants additional privilege to go before the Lord in faith and request a blessing at His hands.

Rachel answered…

The priesthood is a holy order of authority from God. It is the authority to act in God's name and with his power here on Earth. The priesthood is a blessing to all people: men, women, and children. God loves us so much that he even shares His holy power with to bless, to heal, and to protect.

Chip answered…

The Priesthood is the authority to act in God's name. When Christ was on the earth, he organized his church and called twelve apostles to direct it once he was gone. Before he sent them out to preach the gospel and perform the saving ordinances such as baptism, he gave them the priesthood (authority) to act in his name. Without this authority, man is not representing the Savior...he is acting alone. left to his own resources and lacking direct revelation from the Lord, man will often get it wrong, even if his intentions are pure. The priesthood only exists in one church...the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Kaleb answered…

Simply the priesthood is the power and authority to act in gods name. The priesthood is the same power that jesus christ had to work all the mighty miracles that he did, healing the sick, restoring the sight to the blind, and raising the dead. The priesthood is required to perform saving ordinances such as baptism.

Colby Stewart Haymond answered…

Simply the Priesthood is the authority to act in God's name. Christ was given the authority by his Father (God) to act in his behalf. That same authority was given to the Apostles and they were to minister in the absence of Christ. That same authority that Christ and His Apostles had on the Earth 2000 years ago, has been restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith. Like when Christ was alive he healed the sick and ministered to those who are in need. The Priesthood today does exactly that. It heals the sick according to the faith of the giver and the receiver. It also ministers to those who are in need whether they are a member or not, it doesn't matter.

You might ask why does the Priesthood matter? It is a simple answer, if it wasn't for the Priesthood nothing we do in the church would matter. The Priesthood gives us the authority to do the things we do as a church. All the ordinances in the temple would be for naught, the right to preside in a meeting wouldn't mean anything. The Priesthood is everything to us, the church and should mean something to the world.

Trey answered…

The priesthood is one of the greatest parts of this church, in my opinion. It is the power and authority given to us by Heavenly Father to do what He would have us do. I have been blessed with this power and authority very recently at the time of this posting, and already (in less than a month) I have felt it's effects in my own life, and I have used it to help others. With the priesthood, and faith in the Lord, one can do anything that we need to (as long as it really IS what we need, not just something we THINK we need). And by anything, I mean anything, even perform miracles. I have heard a man tell his experience with using the priesthood to heal his newborn child of blindness. This isn't a "I heard of a guy who was told by some guy who said his cousin...", the one who performed this miracle told me. But there is so much more you can do with it, including giving comfort, performing baptisms and other ordinances, and so on and so forth.
There may be some confusing things about the priesthood, such as how it works, or why only men are allowed to use it. But the great thing about this gospel is that I know answers about those specifics will come with time. Until the answers are revealed, we just have to learn to use it to its full potential. And when you consider that this was the power that made the universe, or parted the Red Sea, that "full potential" is staggering.

Evan answered…

The priesthood is the power and authority to act in the name of Heavenly Father. It is like the state authorizing a police officer to pull people over. So, without that authorization the officer wouldn't have any more power than an ice-cream man. When it comes to the things of God the same authorization is necessary to perform things such as baptism.

Steve answered…

The priesthood allows God's work to be conducted on the earth today and provides sacred ordinances necessary for us to return to God.

Chanda answered…

The Priesthood, as in ancient times, is the power and authority given to man to act in God's name for the benefit of His children. It's through this authority that we are able to receive the saving ordinances necessary for our salvation-such as baptism.

Abbey answered…

The priesthood is the eternal power and authority of God. Through the priesthood God created and governs the heavens and the earth. Through this power He redeems and exalts His children, bringing to pass "the immortality and eternal life of man" (Moses 1:39). God gives priesthood authority to worthy male members of the Church so they can act in His name for the salvation of His children. Priesthood holders can be authorized to preach the gospel, administer the ordinances of salvation, and govern the kingdom of God on the earth.

Fred Zirkle answered…

The priesthood is the power and authority God gives to man to act on earth in building up the kingdom of Jesus Christ. God created the heaven and earth and all things through priesthood power. He has granted the priesthood to worthy males in His Church from Adam to current day. Every faithful male member of the Church may receive the priesthood. This power comes to priesthood holders living righteously and a desiring to serve. God wants us involved so that we may serve, learn and become more like our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Andrew answered…

The priesthood is the authority to act in God's name on this earth. With the priesthood we are able to administer important covenants like baptism and eternal marriage. We can also bless the lives of those around us with the priesthood by blessing the sick and afflicted and by giving blessings of healing and comfort.

Kyle answered…

It's God's power, which he gives to worthy men to bless the lives of all of God's children.

Kyle Rasmussen answered…

The priesthood is the power and authority of God to act in His name. This authority is necessary for His church to be established and operated. Jesus Christ gave this same authority to His apostles when He established His original church on the earth during His life. That same priesthood authority was restored to the Prophet Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdrey and has been given to worthy male members of the Church to lead and guide this church today.

The priesthood is necessary to led and guide Christ's church. Some of the functions of this priesthood are:
- Leading the Church congregations
- Performing necessary ordinances of salvation such as baptism
- Blessing those who are sick or afflicted

God's priesthood can only be used if the priesthood holder is righteous and are striving to follow the example of our Lord Jesus Christ and serve Him and others with love, gentleness, and kindness.