Question
Gramps,
On the Mount of Transfiguration, Moses and Elijah gave the Priesthood keys to Peter, James, and John. If Jesus Christ was present and had all the Priesthood keys, why did Moses and Elijah have to come?
Dario
Answer
Dario,
In the New Testament, the Mount of Transfiguration stands out as a pivotal event that encapsulates the divine authority of Jesus Christ and the foundational principles of Priesthood keys. As recorded in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, this extraordinary moment not only showcased Christ’s divine nature but also served as the occasion for the conferral of Priesthood keys to His apostles, Peter, James, and John. Understanding why these keys were delivered at this specific event provides profound insights into the governance of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the everlasting authority of Christ’s Priesthood.
The Mount of Transfiguration is more than just a miraculous event; it is a divine confirmation of Jesus Christ’s authority as the Son of God. According to Matthew 17:1-9, Jesus took Peter, James, and John to a high mountain where He was transfigured before them, His face shining like the sun and His garments becoming white as light. This transformation was not merely for spectacle; it was a revelation of His divine nature and mission.
In this moment, the appearance of Moses and Elias (Elijah) alongside Christ illustrates the continuity of divine authority from the Old Testament to the New Testament, emphasizing that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. The voice of God, declaring Jesus as His beloved Son and commanding the apostles to “hear Him,” further solidifies Christ’s position as the ultimate source of divine instruction and authority.
In Latter-day Saint theology, Priesthood keys represent the rights of presidency and the authority to direct the use of Priesthood power. The keys are essential for the governance of the Church and for the administration of sacred ordinances. The event at the Mount of Transfiguration was a critical moment when these keys were entrusted to Peter, James, and John, establishing a foundation for future Church leadership.
This conferral of authority is not merely a ceremonial act; it signifies the establishment of a divine order that would govern the Church. The keys enable the apostles to perform sacred ordinances, such as baptism and confirmation, and ensure that the Church operates under the authority of Christ, who holds all Priesthood keys. This doctrine is crucial for understanding the continuous leadership structure within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The scriptural accounts of the Mount of Transfiguration are complemented by other revelations found in the Doctrine and Covenants. For instance, Doctrine and Covenants 110:11-16 recounts the appearance of Elijah in the Kirtland Temple, confirming the restoration of the keys of the sealing power, which were conferred upon Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. This connection links the events at the Mount of Transfiguration to the ongoing dispensation of the gospel and the authority necessary for the Church’s administration.
Church leaders have long emphasized the importance of Priesthood keys in maintaining the order and authority of the Church. President Gordon B. Hinckley remarked on the significance of these keys as essential for the administration of the Church and the performance of sacred ordinances. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland has also highlighted that the conferral of these keys is integral to the divine plan for the salvation of humanity, establishing a direct connection between the authority given to the apostles and the ongoing leadership of the Church today.
The Mount of Transfiguration is not only a moment of divine revelation but also a critical event in the establishment of Priesthood authority within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It underscores the belief that Jesus Christ holds all Priesthood keys, which He delegated to His apostles, thus ensuring the continuation of His Church on earth. This profound event teaches us about the divine order of the Church and the necessity of Priesthood authority in the administration of sacred ordinances. As we reflect on this pivotal moment, we are reminded of our responsibilities to uphold and honor the Priesthood in our lives, following the example set by the Savior and His apostles.
Gramps
