One of the most distinctive beliefs of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the emphasis on priesthood authority. To many Christians, this raises sincere and important questions: Why does authority matter so much? Isn’t faith in Jesus Christ enough? Can God work without formal authority?
For Latter-day Saints, priesthood authority is not about hierarchy, power, or personal status. It is about God’s order, consistency, and love. They believe God works through divinely authorized servants to bless His children, administer sacred ordinances, and guide His Church. Authority, in this view, is God’s permission to act in His name for the benefit of others.
Priesthood authority gives meaning and reliability to ordinances such as baptism, confirmation, the sacrament, and temple covenants. Latter-day Saints believe these ordinances are not merely symbolic acts, but sacred covenants that must be performed as God has directed in order to be recognized by Him.
Understanding why Mormons believe priesthood authority matters requires exploring how they understand God’s nature, Jesus Christ’s ministry, biblical patterns of authority, the loss and restoration of authority, and how authority functions today as a tool of service rather than control.
What Is the Priesthood?
In Latter-day Saint belief, the priesthood is the authority and power of God delegated to human beings so they can act in His name. It is not a title of honor, an indication of spiritual superiority, or a reward for righteousness. It is a responsibility to serve.
The priesthood is received through ordination by someone who already holds that authority. No one can claim it independently, earn it through education, or assume it through personal ambition.
Latter-day Saints carefully distinguish between priesthood authority and personal righteousness. A person may hold authority and still be accountable for how they live and act.
Authority Versus Influence
Holding priesthood authority does not mean someone is more valuable, more loved by God, or spiritually superior to others. All people are considered equal before God.
Authority refers only to the right to perform certain acts in God’s name, such as administering ordinances or presiding in specific responsibilities. Influence, on the other hand, comes from Christlike behavior, humility, love, and service.
Service, Not Control
A core teaching in Latter-day Saint belief is that priesthood authority exists to serve, bless, and lift others. It is not meant to dominate, coerce, or control.
Jesus Christ taught that true leadership means serving others. Priesthood authority is meant to reflect that same principle.
Biblical Foundations for Priesthood Authority
Latter-day Saints believe priesthood authority is deeply rooted in the Bible. From the beginning of scripture, God worked through individuals He called and authorized.
In the Old Testament, prophets such as Moses, Aaron, and others were given authority to lead Israel, administer ordinances, and represent God. Their authority was not self-appointed; it was given directly by God.
In the New Testament, Jesus Christ Himself organized His Church and gave authority to His apostles. He chose them, ordained them, and sent them forth to preach, baptize, heal, and govern the Church.
Jesus Christ and Authority
Latter-day Saints point to Jesus Christ as the ultimate example of authorized ministry. Christ did not claim authority independently; He declared that His authority came from the Father.
He gave His apostles specific authority, including the power to bind and loose on earth and in heaven. This authority allowed them to act in His name, not merely as private believers.
Authority Passed Through Ordination
Throughout scripture, authority was passed through ordination by the laying on of hands. This showed that authority was transmitted in an orderly way rather than assumed.
Latter-day Saints believe this pattern demonstrates that authority matters to God and is not interchangeable with personal faith alone.
Why Authority Matters in God’s Plan
A key reason Latter-day Saints believe priesthood authority matters is their belief that God is a God of order. He does not operate through confusion, contradiction, or random self-appointment.
Just as God established order in creation, He also established order in His Church. Authority ensures that ordinances, teachings, and leadership are consistent and reliable.
Authority does not limit God’s power. Rather, it reflects how God chooses to work with humanity.
Loss of Priesthood Authority After the Apostles
Latter-day Saints believe that after the deaths of Jesus Christ’s apostles, the original priesthood authority was gradually lost. This belief is often called the Great Apostasy.
They do not believe this happened because people were evil or insincere. Many faithful Christians remained and did their best to follow Christ. However, without apostles holding authority, the ability to pass that authority on was lost.
Over time, doctrines were debated, practices changed, and authority fragmented. While truth and goodness remained, Latter-day Saints believe the original authority Christ gave His apostles was no longer present.
Restoration of Priesthood Authority
Latter-day Saints believe priesthood authority was restored in the early nineteenth century through divine intervention. They believe God once again called prophets and restored authority through heavenly messengers.
According to their belief, John the Baptist restored the authority to baptize, and later, ancient apostles such as Peter, James, and John restored higher priesthood authority.
This restoration is believed to reconnect the modern Church with the authority Jesus Christ originally established.
Continuity With Ancient Christianity
Latter-day Saints believe the restored priesthood is not new or invented, but the same authority held by prophets and apostles in biblical times.
This continuity is central to why priesthood authority matters—it connects modern ordinances directly to Christ.
Why Authority Matters for Ordinances
For Latter-day Saints, ordinances are sacred covenants between God and individuals. Baptism, confirmation, priesthood ordination, and temple covenants are not merely symbolic rituals.
They believe these ordinances must be performed by someone authorized by God in order to be valid in heaven as well as on earth.
Without priesthood authority, an ordinance may be sincere and meaningful, but Latter-day Saints believe it lacks divine authorization.
God’s Order and Consistency
Authority ensures that ordinances are performed the same way throughout the world. This consistency reflects God’s order and prevents confusion.
A worldwide church requires shared standards so that members in different cultures can trust that ordinances have the same meaning and validity everywhere.
Priesthood Authority and Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the source of all priesthood authority. Latter-day Saints believe no one acts independently of Him.
Priesthood holders act in Christ’s name and under His direction. Their role is to represent Him, not replace Him.
Christ-Centered Power
The priesthood exists to testify of Jesus Christ, administer His ordinances, and help people come unto Him. It has no purpose outside of Christ.
Any use of priesthood authority that does not reflect Christ’s character is considered a misuse of that authority.
Priesthood Authority and Equality
A common concern is whether priesthood authority creates inequality. Latter-day Saints emphasize that authority does not determine worth.
All people—men and women—are considered equally valuable before God. Authority is about responsibility, not privilege.
While priesthood offices are held by men in the Church, women exercise significant spiritual authority through callings, teaching, leadership, and participation in ordinances. Authority and influence are understood differently but are both essential.
Accountability and Responsibility
Holding priesthood authority does not excuse wrongdoing. On the contrary, it increases accountability.
Priesthood holders are taught that misuse of authority brings serious spiritual consequences. Authority must be exercised with persuasion, kindness, patience, and love.
This emphasis protects against abuse and reinforces humility.
Priesthood Authority in Daily Church Life
Priesthood authority is present in everyday church life, often quietly and without display. It is seen when ordinances are performed, when blessings are given, and when leaders serve.
Most priesthood holders are ordinary men balancing work, family, and service. Authority does not elevate them above others; it gives them responsibility to serve faithfully.
Authority and Personal Revelation
Another important balance in Latter-day Saint belief is the relationship between priesthood authority and personal revelation.
Authority provides structure and order for the Church as a whole. Personal revelation guides individuals in their own lives.
These two are meant to work together, not compete. Authority does not replace personal spiritual experience, and personal revelation does not override priesthood order for the Church.
Common Misunderstandings About Priesthood Authority
One common misunderstanding is that priesthood authority guarantees righteousness. Latter-day Saints do not believe this. Authority does not make someone morally superior.
Another misunderstanding is that priesthood authority limits God’s power. Latter-day Saints believe God chooses to work through authorized means, not because He must, but because He is a God of order.
Some believe priesthood authority is about control. In Latter-day Saint belief, authority exists to serve, not dominate.
Priesthood Authority and Trust
Belief in priesthood authority gives Latter-day Saints confidence that ordinances are valid, covenants are binding, and guidance is consistent.
This trust allows members to focus on discipleship rather than uncertainty about legitimacy.
Authority creates spiritual assurance rather than dependence on personalities.
Priesthood Authority and Unity
Authority helps unify a global church. Shared authority prevents fragmentation and doctrinal chaos.
Members in different countries can worship together knowing they share the same covenants and ordinances.
Priesthood Authority and Faith
Faith in priesthood authority is ultimately faith in Jesus Christ. Members trust that Christ directs His Church and honors ordinances performed in His name.
This faith does not remove the need for personal effort, repentance, or growth. It provides a framework within which faith can flourish.
Why This Belief Matters
Belief in priesthood authority matters because it shapes how Latter-day Saints understand God’s involvement in the world. It affirms that God is not distant, but actively guiding His Church.
It provides continuity with ancient Christianity and confidence in modern worship.
For believers, priesthood authority brings spiritual assurance, unity, and trust in God’s order.
A Christ-Centered Understanding of Authority
Ultimately, priesthood authority matters because of Jesus Christ. He is the source, the model, and the purpose of all authority.
Latter-day Saints believe authority is meaningful only when it reflects Christ’s love, humility, and service.
Authority without Christ has no power.
A Broader Christian Context
Many Christian traditions recognize the importance of authority in different ways. Latter-day Saints see their belief as one expression of a broader Christian concern for legitimacy, order, and faithfulness to Christ’s original Church.
They believe God continues to guide His people through authorized servants.
An Invitation
Latter-day Saints invite others to explore priesthood authority with openness rather than fear. They encourage sincere seekers to study the life of Christ, the scriptures, and the role of authority in God’s work.
They believe God honors honest questions and reveals truth through the Holy Spirit.
Sources
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Gospel Topics: Priesthood
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org
Joseph Smith Papers – Priesthood Restoration
https://www.josephsmithpapers.org
Doctrine and Covenants Central
https://doctrineandcovenantscentral.org
Scripture Central
https://scripturecentral.org