How do Aaronic Priesthood holders hold the keys to the “gospel of repentance,” as stated in Doctrine and Covenants 13?

Darrel B. Harker, recently released bishop of the Sherwood Park Second Ward, Edmonton Alberta Bonnie Doon Stake. I was asked this question some time ago by the members of an Aaronic Priesthood class I taught, and I was stumped. After some study, I felt better able to answer.

One of the principles I learned was that when Priesthood keys are turned they open “spiritual doors” for our Heavenly Father’s children. I also learned that since the bishop is the president of the Aaronic Priesthood in his ward (see D&C 107:13–15), he holds the keys to repentance for the people of his ward. As a judge in Israel (see D&C 107:72–74), a bishop helps those who have committed serious sins to repent. He decides what action, if any, they must take to fully repent, and he also offers support to help them put their lives in order so that they can again be worthy to receive the blessings of the gospel.

When John the Baptist gave the Aaronic Priesthood keys to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery (which keys have subsequently been given to others), he also gave them the right to help others repent so they can come unto Christ and enjoy the blessings of the Atonement. Today, each bishop holds these keys to open the “spiritual door” of repentance for the members of his ward.

Several months after I had taught that Aaronic Priesthood class, I again had the opportunity to meet with them. I admitted that the answer I had previously given was incomplete and that because of their question I had learned a principle I might not have learned otherwise. I explained how a bishop exercises the key to the gospel of repentance as he works with members who need his help to repent.

As we discussed the matter, I wondered how I could make this principle relevant to the young men in the quorum—none of whom were bishops. As I thought about how to do so, I realized that the office of bishop is not the only office of the Aaronic Priesthood that can open a “spiritual door” that will put members in a position where they can go through the steps of repentance.

The repentance that leads to salvation cannot occur until we look to the Savior and accept his atonement. Aaronic Priesthood ordinances are designed to put us on the path to effectual repentance by turning our thoughts and hearts to Christ.

In biblical times, the sacrificial ordinances performed by Aaronic Priesthood holders were done in a way that helped the children of Israel appreciate their Savior and his atonement—to which they must look for a remission of their sins. John the Baptist, an Aaronic Priesthood holder, spent his ministry helping to prepare the Church members of his day to accept Christ as their Savior and come unto Him—the only way they could truly receive the “gospel of repentance.”

For the same reasons, latter-day Aaronic Priesthood holders prepare, administer, and pass the sacrament, and baptize. Both of these ordinances help ward members to repent. Baptism, the first ordinance necessary for salvation, can be performed by those who hold the Aaronic Priesthood office of priest. It is an essential step for all who accept the atonement of Christ and the cleansing from sin it offers. Through baptism, we take upon ourselves the name of Christ and covenant to serve the Lord and keep his commandments.

The sacrament, another important ordinance in which we review our baptismal covenants, is administered by the Aaronic Priesthood. The sacrament plays an important part in our salvation because it symbolizes our acceptance of the Atonement and our partaking of Christ’s sacrifice for our sins. As young men prepare, bless, and pass the sacrament each week, they help others to repent and come unto Christ.

In addition to participating in these ordinances, many Aaronic Priesthood holders have the opportunity to “warn, expound, exhort, and teach, and invite all to come unto Christ.” (D&C 20:59.) Such teaching strengthens members and helps bring souls to Christ.

Both former-day and latter-day Aaronic Priesthood holders have exercised the keys of the gospel of repentance as they have participated in ordinances that turn repentant hearts and souls to Christ and his atonement. Indeed, all the duties of Aaronic Priesthood holders help to open a “spiritual door” by which we can come unto the Lord, repent of our sins, and enjoy the blessings of “the gospel of repentance.”