Keys, Covenants, and Easter
The keys committed by ancient prophets to the Prophet Joseph Smith in the Kirtland Temple are an essential part of the restored gospel.
It has been a special blessing to have the Sunday session of general conference coincide with the actual day we celebrate Easter. Our emphasis at Easter encompasses the eternity-shaping events that occurred in the Garden of Gethsemane, on the cross at Calvary, and in the Garden Tomb where Jesus Christ was resurrected.
It is my witness that His Atonement accomplished His Father’s plan of salvation and provides the way for everyone who has ever lived to be free of death unconditionally and free of sin on condition of repentance. Therefore, the seminal doctrines of the Resurrection and the Atonement have been accomplished by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. FN: (That through his atonement, and by obedience to the principles of the gospel, mankind might be saved. 19 And there he preached to them the everlasting gospel, the doctrine of the resurrection and the redemption of mankind from the fall, and from individual sins on conditions of repentance.)
This Easter Sunday also coincides with the magnificent vision of the Savior that occurred in the Kirtland Temple on Easter Sunday of 1836—190 years ago—just one week after the Kirtland Temple was dedicated. (FN For behold, I have accepted this house, and my name shall be here; and I will manifest myself to my people in mercy in this house. 8 Yea, I will appear unto my servants, and speak unto them with mine own voice, if my people will keep my commandments, and do not pollute this holy house.)That day, like today, was one of those times when Easter and the Passover season overlap.
The appearance of the Savior to the Prophet Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery and the keys committed by Moses, Elias, and Elijah (FN revered as prophets by Christians, Jews, and Muslims.)are central to the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ in the latter days. The role of Elijah in restoring the priesthood keys of the sealing power is crucial in our journey of returning to our Father as a covenant people.
A little Church history will help put these events in perspective.
During the night of September 21, 1823, the angel Moroni appeared to 17-year-old Joseph Smith in a small log cabin near Palmyra, New York. The angel Moroni visited three times during that night and again in the morning. He taught and retaught critical information related to the unfolding of future events in the Restoration of Christ’s gospel.
He told Joseph of gold plates hidden in the hillside nearby. In addition, he quoted prophecies from the Old Testament. The second section of the Doctrine and Covenants contains Moroni’s words to Joseph Smith relating to Elijah:
“Behold, I will reveal unto you the Priesthood, by the hand of Elijah the prophet, before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. (FNJoseph Smith later explained: “Why send Elijah? Because he holds the keys of the authority to administer in all the ordinances of the Priesthood; and [unless] the authority is given, the ordinances could not be administered in righteousness”)
“And he shall plant in the hearts of the children the promises made to the fathers, and the hearts of the children shall turn to their fathers.
“If it were not so, the whole earth would be utterly wasted at his coming.” (FN that he [Elijah] should be sent, before the great and dreadful day of the Lord come—15 To turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the children to the fathers, lest the whole earth be smitten with a curse—)
If I were a 17-year-old and had access only to the Bible, I would have been very confused. Who was this prophet Elijah? And what priesthood would he reveal? Why would the whole earth be wasted if the children did not turn their hearts to their fathers and remember the promises made to them?
Elijah was a remarkable prophet who held sacred priesthood keys and through whom mighty miracles were performed. Christians, Muslims, and Jews the world over accept Elijah as a prophet. (FN Elijah held the sealing power of the Melchizedek Priesthood and was the last prophet to do so before the time of Jesus Christ)Muslims believe that Elijah was a prophet sent by God (Allah) to call people away from idol worship—especially the worship of Baal—and back to the worship of the one true God.
The Jews have been waiting for Elijah’s return for over 2,900 years as a forerunner to the coming of the Messiah.
Prior to Jesus Christ’s mortal ministry, the prophet Elijah exercised the sealing power of the Melchizedek Priesthood.
It is noteworthy to me that Elijah also appeared, with Moses, at the time of the transfiguration of Christ. Elijah conferred priesthood keys of the sealing power upon Peter, James, and John.
It is also significant that when Christ visited the people on the American continent, He specifically recited to them the Old Testament account in Malachi concerning Elijah and his role in uniting families eternally prior to the Second Coming of Christ.
Because of the Restoration, we understand the important and pivotal role Elijah has played in the salvation of mankind. Elijah committed to Joseph Smith the priesthood keys pertaining to the sealing power to bind sacred ordinances and covenants on earth and in heaven. This includes the vicarious ordinances of salvation and exaltation that must be performed here on earth in the temples of the Lord. The sealing ordinances are effective after this life and in the eternities—to seal husbands and wives, parents and children. Without these keys, there are no eternal families, and “the whole earth would be utterly wasted.”
One of the many special spiritual experiences I had with my dear friend and beloved missionary companion—and later my Quorum President—President Jeffrey R. Holland, related to the prophet Elijah.
Starting in 2009, Elder Holland and I had the privilege of escorting various groups of people—including Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox Rabbi leaders, as well as secular Jewish leaders—through open-house tours in temples here in Utah.
At the baptismal font, I had the opportunity to explain to them the doctrine of baptism for our deceased ancestors. This relates directly to Malachi’s promises of turning the hearts of children to their deceased fathers. I read to them from 1 Kings 7:25, where Solomon’s temple is described. The baptismal font sits on top of the hinder parts of twelve oxen representing the twelve tribes of Israel. This brought both recognition and tears to some. They realized that they were essentially looking at certain aspects of Solomon’s temple, which has sacred significance to both Jews and Muslims.
When we entered the sealing room, Elder Holland was overcome with emotion and, with tears in his eyes, explained to them that he did not want to offend them but felt compelled to share something. Then, in a very spiritually powerful way, he explained that Elijah indeed had come and restored the sacred keys that allow the eternal sealing of husbands and wives and their families. He explained that the sealing room, where we were assembled, is a place where the restored keys are exercised. Our Jewish friends appreciated the fact that Old Testament scriptural accounts of prophets are featured so prominently in our temples and doctrine.
A few years later, Jewish leaders requested that we celebrate the 175th anniversary of Orson Hyde’s historic dedication of the Holy Land in Jerusalem. Elder Holland and I were blessed to represent the Church at that celebration.
Two additional experiences following that event were particularly significant to me. First, I came to understand Elder Holland’s history with Jerusalem. He was in his 30s when, on behalf of President Spencer W. Kimball and other Church leaders, Elder Holland spearheaded the effort to establish the Jerusalem Center on the Mount of Olives. He worked for almost 15 years with many others to accomplish most of what the Church built in Jerusalem. Elder Holland worked tirelessly with both Palestinian and Jewish leaders.
Elder Holland loved being in the places where the Savior performed miracles and accomplished the Atonement.
Second, during the visit to Jerusalem, there was time for Elder Holland and me, along with our wives, Pat and Mary, to be together next to the Garden Tomb and read the precious verses from each of the four Gospels that recount the last few days of the Savior’s earthly ministry, culminating in His atoning sacrifice and glorious Resurrection.
Can you imagine how it felt for two former missionary companions, then serving as Apostles, and our sweet wives, having the opportunity to walk where Jesus walked, to read from sacred scriptures of the last days of His mortal ministry, and to feel the spirit of these miraculous events?
Let me assure you that you do not need to physically visit Jerusalem to feel the same things that we felt that day and have many times since.
You can have that knowledge and confirmation by the Spirit when you study the life of our Savior, the restoration of the priesthood, and the return of the sealing keys by Elijah that unite our families for eternity. You can feel by the surety of spiritual confirmation that our Savior accomplished the Father’s plan. He atoned for our sins and broke the bands of death so that we might return to the Father and the Son in the celestial kingdom.
I promise to you on this Easter Day that as you adhere to His ordinances, covenants, and commandments, you will grow closer in your relationship with our Savior as well as your appreciation and gratitude for the sealing keys that have been restored in this dispensation.
I testify that the keys committed by ancient prophets to the Prophet Joseph Smith in the Kirtland Temple are an essential part of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.
As an Apostle, I bear my sure and certain witness of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, who leads His Church. I testify of His Atonement and Resurrection and rejoice with you on this special Easter Sunday for all that the Savior has accomplished that we might have eternal life. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Main Points:
Keys are essential to the restored gospel
Resurrection (all will live again) and Atonement (all can be free of sin conditionally) foundational doctrine accomplished by Christ to establish the plan of salvation.
Forgiveness comes by obedience to the principles of the gospel and by repentance
When Christ appeared in the Kirtland Temple he said, “My name will be here; I will manifest myself to my people in mercy in this house; I will appear unto my servants, and speak unto them with mine own voice, if my people will keep my commandments, and do not pollute this holy house
Moses, Elias, and Elijah, all revered as prophets by Christians, Jews and Muslims, appeared and gave keys as part of the restoration.
Elijah restored sealing power which is crucial in our journey back to our Father as a covenant people. He holds the authority to administer in all ordinances of the priesthood. He was the last to hold the Melchizedek Priesthood before Christ.
He restored the keys to Peter, James and John.
This act was to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the children to the fathers. If that didn’t happen, the whole earth would be smitten with a curse
Without the sealing keys there would be no eternal families and the whole earth would be utterly wasted.
Our baptism fonts in the temple are after the pattern in Solomen’s temple.
You don’t need to visit Jerusalem to have a witness of what happened there. Study the life of Jesus, the restoration of the priesthood and the return of the sealing keys by Elijah and gain a confirmation by the spirit.
Live by these ordinances, covenants and commandments and you will grow closer to the Savior and in appreciation and gratitude for the sealing keys.
Elder Cook gives a “sure and certain” witness of Jesus Christ as the Savior and the leader of His Church.
If I believe this... what am I saying I really believe?
Keys are essential to the restored gospel
Resurrection (all will live again) and Atonement (all can be free of sin conditionally) foundational doctrine accomplished by Christ to establish the plan of salvation.
Forgiveness comes by obedience to the principles of the gospel and by repentance
When Christ appeared in the Kirtland Temple he said, “My name will be here; I will manifest myself to my people in mercy in this house; I will appear unto my servants, and speak unto them with minne own voice, if my people will keep my commandments, and do not pollute this holy house
Moses, Elias, and Elijah, all revered as prophets by Christians, Jews and Muslims, appeared and gave keys as part of the restoration.
Elijah restored sealing power which is crucial in our journey back to our Father as a covenant people. He holds the authority to administer in all ordinances of the priesthood. He was the last to hold the Melchizedek Priesthood before Christ.
He restored the keys to Peter, James and John.
This act was to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the children to the fathers. If that didn’t happen, the whole earth would be smitten with a curse
Without the sealing keys there would be no eternal families and the whole earth would be utterly wasted.
Our baptism fonts in the temple are after the pattern in Solomen’s temple.
You don’t need to visit Jerusalem to have a witness of what happened there. Study the life of Jesus, the restoration of the priesthood and the return of the sealing keys by Elijah and gain a confirmation by the spirit.
Live by these ordinances, covenants and commandments and you will grow closer to the Savior and in appreciation and gratitude for the sealing keys.
Elder Cook gives a “sure and certain” witness of Jesus Christ as the Savior and the leader of His Church.
The Church is true and necessary because it alone has the keys to administer saving ordinances. Even if there are “messy” things going on, nothing negates this essential truth.
I am reminded that forgiveness only comes through my faithfulness to live the gospel and repent when I fail so I may have the Spirit to guide me back to Father.
As I seek to take the name of Christ upon me, He reminds me that His name is in the Temple. He promises to manifest Himself, in mercy, to me - His people - in the temple.
Wondering if the phrase “I will appear unto my servants, and speak unto them with mine own voice, if my people will keep my commandments, and do not pollute this holy house” is some kind of mandate that if WE don’t keep the commandments and DO pollute the temple that He WON't appear to the prophets or speak to them with current revelation. Ouch!It is an important “missionary” fact, to know that Elijah is a revered prophet by all Christians, Muslims, and Jews. They would be interested in our claim that he visited the prophet Joseph in these latter days and restored all priesthood authority, which he held.
It is an important fact to realize Elijah restored the keys to Peter, James, and John.
Also important fact to know our fonts are patterned after Solomon’s temple
Is there a “curse” that we experience NOW, when hearts of parents and children are NOT turned to one another? There is a “cutoff” culture war being waged right now. What “curse” does that bring upon us?
Does the phrase "utterly wasted at His coming” mean it will have been for nothing? Or does it mean that it would be utterly destroyed and not preserved for a millennial reign or future celestial kingdom?
I need to have my own witness of the reality of the life of the Savior, the restoration of the priesthood and the return of the sealing keys by Elijah.
I need to appreciate these sealing keys and how important they are.
I should desire my own “sure and certain” witness of the Christ as my Savior and as the leader of His Church.
How will these beliefs influence my daily walk?
There is more to my religion than just believing and following Jesus. Anyone can do that. But there are keys and authority to exercise those keys in the restored Church of Jesus Christ. If I understand this, I will never leave.
Don’t get stuck in the messiness of the church. It’s just life and opportunities for growth. It is in the ordinances (given by authority and keys) that the power of godliness is manifest. Learn about that!
The ordinances and covenants made by the authority of these keys is essential and crucial in our journey back to our Father. It is what makes us His “covenant” people. In this verse there seems to be a distinction between the saints of the church and the covenant people of the Lord. Do I understand this?
1 Nephi 14: 14 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, beheld the power of the Lamb of God, that it descended upon the saints of the church of the Lamb, and upon the covenant people of the Lord, who were scattered upon all the face of the earth; and they were armed with righteousness and with the power of God in great glory.
Do I know what God defines as polluting His house? Am I guilty of that?
Do I believe He would manifest Himself to me in the temple? Does that make me want to go more?
What curse do I experience when there is a rift in my family relationships? Am I working on repairing the breach and reversing the curse?
I need to never stop studying the life of Jesus so I can better follow His example
I need to appreciate the importance of priesthood keys. It is what makes sharing the gospel with others so important! We are the only ones that have them
What can I do this week to act on these beliefs?
Go to the temple with renewed appreciation for the ordinances and covenants made here by authority from God, that are found nowhere else and that are crucial for my eternal progression.
Repent before I go and go focused so I don’t pollute His house. Ask Him for more light and truth on that
Keep working on the hearts of my family. Repair the breaches.
Spend time in the scriptures daily to learn more about Jesus and how I can follow His example.
Pray and then listen to this talk daily and continue to ponder. Read through these notes and commitments.
