(May 2005 TG Entry: Priesthood, Authority, Given as a Sacrament Meeting Talk, May, 2005, Woodridge Second Ward, Joliet Stake)
Overview
This topic discusses the basis and necessity for the priesthood or proper authority.
I Purpose of the Priesthood
The follow scriptures explain the necessity for the priesthood.
II God’s Purpose
39 For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.
III No Unclean thing Can Enter
37 And I say unto you again that he cannot save them in their sins; for I cannot deny his word, and he hath said that no unclean thing can inherit the kingdom of heaven; therefore, how can ye be saved, except ye inherit the kingdom of heaven? Therefore, ye cannot be saved in your sins.
IV The Atonement of Christ Can Cleanse Sin
41 That he came into the world, even Jesus, to be crucified for the world, and to bear the sins of the world, and to sanctify the world, and to cleanse it from all unrighteousness;
V Jesus Christ is the Only Name
6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.
7 And when they [the rulers, elders and scribes] had set them [Peter and John] in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?
8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,
10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.
12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
VI Cleansing Comes Through Baptism
20 Now this is the commandment: Repent, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day.
VII Baptism Must Be In His Name
24 And now behold, these are the words which ye shall say, calling them by name, saying:
25 Having authority given me of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
73 The person who is called of God and has authority from Jesus Christ to baptize, shall go down into the water with the person who has presented himself or herself for baptism, and shall say, calling him or her by name: Having been commissioned of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
VIII The Lord decides who can speak in his name
16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
4 And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.
IX It is Spiritually Discerned Who Has Authority
X Keys continue today with President Hinckley
Continue At
Priesthood, Keys of [Forward Reference]
Other References
Here is a quote that Chad researched for me. I think it is very good.
“On page 315 of NAM [Neil A Maxwell] biography it says “the ‘only moral authority to which people respond is example.'” Hafen references back to a NAM book which I don’t own, entitled “a More Excellent Way” pgs. 3,28,30,56,60-62,65 90, 99. Hafen uses a number of NAM quotes in this section of the book.”
Kip on Character 
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