Question
Gramps,
In D&C 13 it says the Priesthood of Aaron holds the keys of the ministering of angels. What does it mean to hold the keys of the ministering of angels? Does it mean that ministering angels hold the Aaronic Priesthood or that they receive their instruction from an Aaronic Priesthood holder or the person who is being ministered to holds the Aaronic Priesthood? Or does it mean something else?
Karen
Answer
Karen,
I have written before about the keys of the ministering of angels in the context of the Aaronic priesthood. I didn’t repeat myself either of those times, and I don’t think I’ll repeat myself. Simply put, the ministering of angels means a person is subject to the service of God’s messengers. Wilford Woodruff associated this blessing with the visitation of angels he enjoyed as a priest. “Keys” are the authority to direct. So in the case of the ministering of angels, it means having the authority to direct angels to serve.
Elder Perry, in the October 2010 General Conference testified:
“Young men of the Aaronic Priesthood, I testify to you that the Lord is bound by solemn covenant to bless your lives according to your faithfulness. If you will heed the voice of warning of the Holy Ghost and will follow His direction, you will be blessed with the ministering of angels. This blessing will add wisdom, knowledge, power, and glory to your life. This is a sure blessing promised to you by the Lord” (The Priesthood of Aaron).
I suspect that there is yet more that will be revealed on the full exercise of these keys. In the meantime, I rejoice in the great responsibility and privilege that has been granted to our young men.
Gramps
