5th Article of Faith

[pam]

There have been many investigators using this website to get some basic doctrinal information about the Church. Each week I will post an Article of Faith so that the discussion of each can be done. Keep in mind..this is based on LDS doctrine and debating of that will not be tolerated.

We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.

[a-train]

Perhaps the most questioned portion of that is 'prophecy'. What does that mean? Prophecy is the gift of testimony (Rev. 19:10). It is the testimony of Jesus Christ. A prophet receives inspiration, revelation and makes it known.

A man cannot go out to teach on his own, he must be sent by the LORD's prophets. Moses consecrated priests, but he himself was also consecrated by his father-in-law Jethro (D&C 84).

Joseph Smith was indeed consecrated by Peter, James, and John. He was called of God by prophecy and by the laying on of hands. Those three acted not on their own, but only under the direction of God.

-a-train

[PapilioMemnon]

Priesthood - LDS.org - Topic Definition - Priesthood

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.

I can't express how grateful I feel for the restoration of the Priesthood... and sincerely would like to thank all males who want and are, and keep themselves worthy to be a priesthood holder because so many of you have been an instrument in God's hand to bless me and my children. I humbly thank you and have the highest respect and appreciation for you and all that you do!

Edited July 22, 2008 by PapilioMemnon

[PapilioMemnon]

1. Called of God: Topical Guide: Called of God

Num. 27: 16 (15-20).

16 Let the Lord, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation,

Scriptures: Topical Guide: Called of God

Ex. 3: 10 I will send thee unto Pharaoh.

Ex. 28: 1 take thou unto thee Aaron.

Ex. 40: 13 Aaron . . . anoint him, and sanctify him.

Num. 27: 23 he laid his hands upon him, and gave him a charge, as the Lord commanded.

1 Sam. 16: 3 (1 Sam. 16: 1-13) anoint unto me him whom I name.

Jer. 1: 5 I ordained thee a prophet.

Ezek. 2: 4 I do send thee unto them.

Amos 7: 15 Lord said unto me, Go, prophesy.

Matt. 4: 21 he saw . . . James . . . and John . . . and he called them.

Luke 6: 13 called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve.

Luke 10: 1 Lord appointed other seventy.

John 15: 16 I have chosen you, and ordained you.

Acts 1: 24 Lord . . . shew whether of these two thou hast chosen.

Acts 6: 5 they chose Stephen, a man full of faith.

Acts 9: 17 Jesus . . . hath sent me.

Acts 13: 2 Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.

2 Cor. 10: 8 our authority, which the Lord hath given us.

1 Tim. 2: 7 I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle.

Heb. 5: 4 no man taketh this honour unto himself but he that is called.

1 Ne. 2: 2 Lord commanded my father, even in a dream.

Alma 13: 3 they . . . are called with a holy calling.

3 Ne. 12: 1 these twelve whom I have chosen.

D&C 1: 17 (D&C 20: 2) Lord . . . called upon my servant Joseph Smith.

D&C 9: 14 Stand fast in the work wherewith I have called you.

D&C 20: 60 ordained according to the gifts and callings of God.

D&C 42: 11 except he be ordained by some one who has authority.

D&C 90: 11 through those who are ordained unto this power.

JS-H 1: 28 by one who was called.

[PapilioMemnon]

2. Prophecy - LDS.org - Topic Definition - Prophecy

Inspired words of a prophet about a future event.

Scriptures: - Topical Guide: Prophecy

Ex. 4: 16 he shall be thy spokesman . . . instead of God.

Ex. 7: 1 Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet.

Num. 11: 29 would God that all the Lord’s people were prophets.

1 Sam. 10: 10 Spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied.

2 Sam. 23: 2 Spirit of the Lord spake by me.

Ezra 6: 14 they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai.

Jer. 1: 9 I have put my words in thy mouth.

Ezek. 3: 27 I will open thy mouth, and thou shalt say.

Joel 2: 28 (Acts 2: 17) sons and your daughters shall prophesy.

Amos 2: 12 commanded the prophets, saying, Prophesy not.

Amos 3: 7 he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.

Amos 7: 15 Lord said unto me, Go, prophesy.

Micah 2: 6 Prophesy ye not, say they to them that prophesy.

Zech. 13: 3 shall thrust him through when he prophesieth.

Matt. 7: 22 Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name.

Matt. 11: 13 prophets and the law prophesied until John.

Matt. 26: 68 (Mark 14: 65; Luke 22: 64) Prophesy unto us, thou Christ.

Luke 1: 67 filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied.

Rom. 12: 6 prophesy according to the proportion of faith.

1 Cor. 11: 4 Every man praying or prophesying.

1 Cor. 12: 10 working of miracles, to another prophecy.

1 Cor. 13: 2 though I have the gift of prophecy.

1 Cor. 13: 8 whether there be prophecies, they shall fail.

1 Cor. 14: 3 he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification.

1 Cor. 14: 5 I would . . . rather that ye prophesied.

1 Cor. 14: 22 prophesying serveth . . . for them which believe.

1 Thes. 5: 20 Despise not prophesyings.

1 Tim. 4: 14 gift . . . given thee by prophecy.

2 Pet. 1: 19 (D&C 131: 5) a more sure word of prophecy.

2 Pet. 1: 20 no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

2 Pet. 1: 21 prophecy came not in old time by the will of man.

Rev. 11: 3 my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy.

Rev. 19: 10 testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

Rev. 22: 18 heareth the words of the prophecy of this book.

1 Ne. 22: 2 by the Spirit are all things made known unto the prophets.

2 Ne. 25: 4 words of Isaiah . . . plain . . . with the spirit of prophecy.

Jacob 4: 6 we have many revelations and the spirit of prophecy.

Alma 45: 9 what I prophesy unto thee shall not be made known, even until the prophecy is fulfilled.

Morm. 8: 23 Search the prophecies of Isaiah.

D&C 1: 38 whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants.

D&C 11: 25 Deny not the spirit . . . of prophecy.

D&C 20: 26 prophets, who spake as they were inspired by the . . . Holy Ghost.

D&C 21: 5 his word ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth.

D&C 46: 22 to others it is given to prophesy.

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Inspiration - LDS.org - Topic Definition - Inspiration

Divine guidance that comes through the promptings of the Holy Ghost.

Scriptures: - Topical Guide: Inspiration, Inspire

1 Kgs. 19: 12 after the fire a still small voice.

Job 32: 8 inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.

Dan. 4: 18 spirit of the holy gods is in thee.

Dan. 5: 11 a man . . . in whom is the spirit of the holy gods.

John 16: 13 Spirit of truth . . . will guide you into all truth.

2 Tim. 3: 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God.

2 Pet. 1: 21 holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

1 Ne. 4: 6 1 was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand.

Enos 1: 10 voice of the Lord came into my mind.

Jarom 1: 4 not stiffnecked . . . have communion with the Holy Spirit.

3 Ne. 6: 20 began to be men inspired from heaven.

Moro. 7: 13 to do good, and to love God . . . is inspired of God.

D&C 8: 2 I will tell you in your mind and in your heart.

D&C 9: 8 if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn.

D&C 11: 13 Spirit, which shall enlighten your mind, which shall fill your soul with joy.

D&C 20: 11 (D&C 20: 26) God does inspire men and call them to his holy work.

D&C 21: 2 Being inspired of the Holy Ghost to lay the foundation.

D&C 43: 16 ye are to be taught from on high.

D&C 85: 6 still small voice, which whispereth through and pierceth.

Moses 6: 5 as many as called upon God to write by the spirit of inspiration.

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Revelation - LDS.org - Topic Definition - Revelation

Revelation is communication from God to His children. This guidance comes through various channels according to the needs and circumstances of individuals, families, and the Church as a whole. When the Lord reveals His will to the Church, He speaks through His prophet. Prophets are the only people who can receive revelation for the Church, but they are not the only people who can receive revelation. According to our faithfulness, we can receive revelation to help us with our specific personal needs, responsibilities, and questions and to help us strengthen our testimony.

Scriptures: - Topical Guide: Revelation

Gen. 41: 39 God hath shewed thee all this.

Deut. 8: 3 (Matt. 4: 4; D&C 98: 11) by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God doth man live.

1 Sam. 3: 1 in those days there was no open vision.

1 Kgs. 19: 12 after the fire a still small voice.

Job 33: 14 God speaketh once, yea, twice.

Prov. 29: 18 where there is no vision, the people perish.

Dan. 2: 45 God hath made known to the king.

Matt. 7: 7 (3 Ne. 14: 7) Ask, and it shall be given you.

Matt. 11: 27 (Luke 10: 22) he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.

John 10: 4 sheep follow him: for they know his voice.

John 14: 21 I will . . . manifest myself to him.

John 15: 15 all things . . . heard of my Father I have made known.

John 16: 13 Spirit of truth . . . will shew you things to come.

John 17: 8 given unto them the words which thou gavest me.

1 Cor. 12: 3 no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.

1 Cor. 14: 6 speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge.

2 Cor. 12: 1 I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.

Gal. 1: 12 received it . . . by the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Gal. 2: 2 I went up by revelation.

Eph. 1: 17 God . . . may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation.

Eph. 3: 3 by revelation he made known unto me the mystery.

James 1: 5 lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all.

2 Pet. 1: 18 voice which came from heaven we heard.

Rev. 1: 1 Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave.

Rev. 4: 1 I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.

1 Ne. 4: 18 I did obey the voice of the Spirit.

1 Ne. 16: 9 voice of the Lord spake . . . by night.

2 Ne. 27: 7 revelation from God, from the beginning . . . to the ending.

2 Ne. 27: 11 (D&C 25: 9) all things shall be revealed.

2 Ne. 28: 30 I will give unto the children of men line upon line.

2 Ne. 32: 5 Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things.

Enos 1: 5 there came a voice unto me, saying, Enos.

Jarom 1: 4 have communion with the Holy Spirit.

Omni 1: 25 believe in prophesying, and in revelations.

Alma 5: 46 this is the spirit of revelation.

Alma 17: 3 (Alma 4: 20) had the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation.

Hel. 5: 30 (D&C 85: 6) it was a still voice of perfect mildness.

Morm. 8: 34 Lord hath shown unto me great and marvelous things.

Morm. 9: 7 speak unto you who deny the revelations of God.

Ether 3: 25 he showed unto the brother of Jared all.

Ether 3: 27 show them in mine own due time.

Moro. 7: 37 by faith that angels appear and minister unto men.

Moro. 10: 4 manifest the truth . . . by the power of the Holy Ghost.

D&C 1: 17 called upon . . . Joseph Smith, Jun., and spake unto him.

D&C 1: 38 my word . . . shall all be fulfilled.

D&C 3: 4 although a man may have many revelations.

D&C 8: 3 this is the spirit of revelation.

D&C 9: 8 if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn.

D&C 11: 25 Deny not the spirit of revelation.

D&C 18: 35 it is my voice which speaketh.

D&C 27: 1 Listen to the voice of Jesus Christ.

D&C 28: 2 (D&C 43: 2) appointed to receive . . . revelations.

D&C 42: 61 If thou shalt ask, thou shalt receive revelation.

D&C 59: 4 crowned . . . with revelations.

D&C 67: 11 no man has seen God . . . except quickened by the Spirit.

D&C 68: 4 whatsoever they shall speak when moved upon . . . shall be the voice of the Lord.

D&C 75: 1 (D&C 104: 36) speak even by the voice of my Spirit.

D&C 76: 116 understood by . . . the Holy Spirit.

D&C 82: 4 Ye call upon my name for revelations.

D&C 88: 68 he will unveil his face.

D&C 90: 14 revelations to unfold the mysteries.

D&C 100: 11 shall be a revelator unto thee.

D&C 102: 9 president of the church . . . is appointed by revelation.

D&C 102: 23 president . . . obtain the mind of the Lord by revelation.

D&C 107: 39 designated unto them by revelation.

D&C 107: 92 to be a seer, a revelator.

D&C 108: 2 resist no more my voice.

D&C 121: 26 knowledge by his Holy Spirit.

D&C 124: 125 Joseph to be . . . a revelator.

D&C 130: 3 Father and the Son . . . a personal appearance.

D&C 130: 13 voice declared to me, while I was praying.

D&C 132: 7 revelation . . . through the medium of mine anointed.

D&C 137: 7 came the voice of the Lord unto me.

D&C 138: 11 eyes of my understanding were opened.

Moses 7: 4 I will show unto thee the world.

Moses 7: 54 show me these things.

Moses 7: 67 Lord showed Enoch all things.

JS-H 1: 17 when the light rested upon me I saw two Personages.

JS-H 1: 21 no such things as visions or revelations.

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Divine Guidance - Topical Guide: Guidance, Divine

Holy Ghost - LDS.org - Topic Definition - Holy Ghost

Gift of the Holy Ghost or Gifts of the Spirit - LDS.org - Topic Definition - Spiritual Gifts

Spiritual gifts are blessings or abilities given by God to His children through the power of the Holy Ghost. Gifts of the Spirit are given to bless and benefit those who love the Lord and seek to keep His commandments. (See D&C 46:9.)

[PapilioMemnon]

Laying on of Hands - LDS.org - Topic Definition - Laying On of Hands

The laying on of hands is the procedure revealed by the Lord for performing many priesthood ordinances, such as confirmation, ordination, setting members apart to serve in callings, administering to the sick, and giving other priesthood blessings. Those having the proper priesthood authority place their hands upon the head of the person receiving the ordinance. In doing so, they serve as instruments through whom the Lord blesses His children.

The procedure of laying on of hands has always been used by priesthood holders. Adam ordained his righteous male descendants by the laying on of hands (see D&C 107:40–50). When Jacob pronounced blessings on Ephraim and Manasseh, he laid his hands on their heads (see Genesis 48:14–19). Alma "ordained priests and elders, by laying on his hands according to the order of God" (Alma 6:1). The Apostles Peter and John bestowed the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands (see Acts 8:14–17). In this dispensation, John the Baptist conferred the Aaronic Priesthood upon Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery by the laying on of hands (see Joseph Smith—History 1:68–69).

See also Holy Ghost; Priesthood

—See True to the Faith (2004), 95

Scriptures: Topical Guide: Hands, Laying on of

Gen. 48: 17 father laid his right hand upon the head.

Ex. 29: 10 (Lev. 8: 14) sons shall put their hands upon the head.

Lev. 1: 4 put his hand upon the head of the burnt offering.

Lev. 16: 21 Aaron shall lay both his hands upon the head.

Num. 27: 23 he laid his hands upon him, and gave him a charge.

Deut. 34: 9 Moses had laid his hands upon him.

Matt. 9: 18 (Mark 5: 23) come and lay thy hand upon her.

Matt. 19: 13 children, that he should put his hands on them.

Mark 6: 5 (Luke 4: 40; Morm. 9: 24; D&C 66: 9) he laid his hands upon a few sick folk.

Mark 7: 32 beseech him to put his hand upon him.

Mark 8: 23 spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him.

Mark 16: 18 (Morm. 9: 24) they shall lay hands on the sick.

Luke 13: 13 he laid his hands on her . . . she was made straight.

Acts 6: 6 (Acts 8: 17) apostles . . . laid their hands on them.

Acts 9: 17 putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul.

Acts 13: 3 had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands.

Acts 28: 8 prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.

1 Tim. 4: 14 gift . . . given . . . with the laying on of the hands.

1 Tim. 5: 22 Lay hands suddenly on no man.

2 Tim. 1: 6 gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.

Heb. 6: 2 doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands.

Alma 6: 1 ordained priests and elders, by laying on his hands.

Alma 31: 36 clapped his hands upon them, they were filled.

3 Ne. 18: 36 touched with his hand the disciples.

Moro. 2: 2 upon whom ye shall lay your hands.

Moro. 3: 2 After they had prayed . . . they laid their hands upon them.

D&C 20: 41 laying on of hands for the baptism of fire.

D&C 20: 58 teachers nor deacons have authority to . . . lay on hands.

D&C 20: 68 (D&C 33: 15) being confirmed by the laying on of the hands.

D&C 20: 70 children . . . bring them unto the elders . . . to lay their hands upon them.

D&C 25: 8 he shall lay his hands upon thee.

D&C 35: 6 (D&C 39: 23; D&C 49: 14; D&C 53: 3; D&C 55: 1; D&C 68: 25; D&C 76: 52; A of F 4) receive the Holy Ghost by the laying on of the hands.

D&C 36: 2 lay my hand upon you by the hand of . . . Sidney Rigdon.

D&C 42: 44 elders . . . shall pray for and lay their hands upon them.

D&C 52: 10 laying on of the hands by the water’s side.

D&C 68: 21 lineage . . . ascertain it by revelation from the Lord under the hands of the . . . Presidency.

D&C 84: 6 Priesthood which he received under the hand of . . . Jethro.

D&C 107: 44 Enos was ordained . . . by the hand of Adam.

D&C 107: 67 blessings upon the church, by the laying on of the hands.

JS-H 1: 68 having laid his hands upon us, he ordained us.

[PapilioMemnon]

Authority - Look up Priesthood

Scriptures: Topical Guide: Authority

Ex. 3: 12 I have sent thee.

Ex. 7: 2 speak all that I command thee.

2 Chr. 24: 19 he sent prophets to them.

Isa. 6: 8 whom shall I send.

Ezek. 2: 7 thou shalt speak my words.

Matt. 8: 9 I am a man under authority.

Matt. 10: 1 (Luke 9: 1) twelve disciples, he gave them power.

Matt. 21: 23 by what authority doest thou.

Mark 1: 22 taught them as one that had authority.

Mark 13: 34 gave authority to his servants.

Luke 19: 17 servant . . . have thou authority over ten.

Luke 22: 29 Father hath appointed unto me.

John 5: 27 authority to execute judgment.

John 5: 43 come in my Father’s name.

John 8: 28 I do nothing of myself, but as my Father.

John 15: 16 not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you.

John 20: 21 as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.

Acts 13: 3 laid their hands on them, they sent them.

Acts 14: 23 ordained them elders in every church.

Eph. 4: 11 he gave some, apostles, and some, prophets.

1 Ne. 2: 22 be made a ruler and a teacher.

2 Ne. 5: 26 Nephi, did consecrate . . . that they should be priests and teachers.

Mosiah 21: 33 none . . . that had authority from God.

Alma 11: 2 judge executed authority.

Alma 25: 5 usurped the power and authority over the Lamanites.

Alma 49: 30 ordained by the holy order of God.

3 Ne. 18: 36 disciples whom he had chosen.

Ether 12: 10 called after the holy order of God.

D&C 18: 26 others who are called to declare.

D&C 20: 2 Joseph Smith . . . called of God.

D&C 25: 3 an elect lady, whom I have called.

D&C 27: 8 that you might be called and ordained even as Aaron.

D&C 42: 11 except he be ordained by some one who has authority.

D&C 63: 62 use the name of the Lord . . . in vain, having not authority.

D&C 68: 8 preach . . . acting in the authority.

D&C 107: 8 Melchizedek Priesthood . . . has power and authority.

D&C 112: 21 Twelve, duly recommended and authorized.

D&C 113: 8 put on the authority of the priesthood.

D&C 121: 39 as soon as they get a little authority.

D&C 128: 9 men did in authority . . . it became a law.

D&C 134: 10 religious society has authority to try men.

Moses 8: 19 the Lord ordained Noah.

Abr. 1: 3 conferred upon me from the fathers.

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Priesthood Authority - Topical Guide: Priesthood, Authority

See also Called of God; Priesthood, Power of

Ex. 18: 15 (1 Sam. 9: 9) people come unto me to enquire of God.

Ex. 28: 41 consecrate them . . . that they may minister unto me in the priest’s office.

Num. 1: 50 appoint the Levites over the tabernacle.

Num. 16: 5 him whom he hath chosen will he cause to come near unto him.

Num. 27: 23 (Deut. 34: 9) laid his hands upon him, and gave him a charge.

1 Sam. 2: 28 I choose him out of all the tribes of Israel.

1 Sam. 3: 20 Samuel was established to be a prophet.

2 Chr. 26: 18 It appertaineth not unto thee, Uzziah, to burn incense.

Hag. 1: 12 Haggai the prophet, as the Lord their God had sent him.

Matt. 16: 19 I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom.

Mark 3: 14 he ordained twelve.

Mark 11: 28 By what authority doest thou these things.

Luke 9: 1 gave them power and authority over all devils.

Luke 10: 1 Lord appointed other seventy.

John 15: 16 I have chosen you, and ordained you.

Acts 6: 6 (Acts 8: 18; Acts 13: 3; 1 Tim. 4: 14) apostles . . . laid their hands on them.

Acts 10: 42 testify that it is he which was ordained of God.

Gal. 1: 1 Paul, an apostle (not . . . by man, but by Jesus Christ).

Titus 1: 5 ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed.

Heb. 5: 4 he that is called of God, as was Aaron.

2 Ne. 5: 26 Nephi, did consecrate Jacob and Joseph.

Mosiah 8: 16 man may have great power given him from God.

Mosiah 18: 18 Alma, having authority from God.

Mosiah 21: 33 none in the land that had authority from God.

Mosiah 23: 17 none received authority to preach . . . except . . . from God.

Alma 5: 3 Alma, having been consecrated by my father.

Alma 13: 1 Lord God ordained priests, after his holy order.

Alma 17: 3 they taught with power and authority of God.

Hel. 10: 7 whatsoever ye shall seal on earth shall be sealed in heaven.

3 Ne. 11: 25 Having authority given me of Jesus Christ.

D&C 1: 4 my disciples, whom I have chosen.

D&C 1: 38 by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants.

D&C 5: 17 wait . . . for ye are not yet ordained.

D&C 11: 15 not suppose that you are called to preach until you are called.

D&C 13: 1 Upon you . . . I confer the priesthood of Aaron.

D&C 27: 12 Peter, and James, and John . . . by whom I have ordained you.

D&C 28: 3 declare . . . with power and authority unto the church.

D&C 42: 11 not be given to anyone to go forth . . . except he be ordained.

D&C 68: 8 acting in the authority which I have given you.

D&C 84: 21 without . . . the authority of the priesthood, the power of godliness is not manifest.

D&C 107: 8 Melchizedek Priesthood . . . has power and authority.

D&C 113: 8 her strength is to put on the authority of the priesthood.

D&C 121: 36 rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven.

D&C 132: 7 appointed . . . Joseph to hold this power.

D&C 132: 46 whatsoever you bind on earth, in my name.

Moses 1: 25 for they shall obey thy command as if thou wert God.

JS-H 1: 68 a messenger from heaven . . . ordained us.