“Joseph and Oliver Receive Priesthood Keys,” Doctrine and Covenants Stories (2024)
“Joseph and Oliver Receive Priesthood Keys,” Doctrine and Covenants Stories
April 1836
Joseph and Oliver Receive Priesthood Keys
Jesus Christ and angels visit the Kirtland Temple
One week after the Kirtland Temple was dedicated, a thousand Saints met in the temple to worship the Savior. It was Easter Sunday. Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdery, and the Twelve Apostles gave the sacrament to the Saints.
Doctrine and Covenants 110, section heading; Saints, 1:239
After the sacrament, Joseph and Oliver found a quiet place in the temple, behind a curtain, to pray.
Doctrine and Covenants 110, section heading; Saints, 1:239
When they finished praying, they looked up. Jesus Christ was standing before them! He knew the Saints had worked hard to build the temple. “I have accepted this house,” He said. Jesus told Joseph and Oliver that the blessings of the temple would bring great joy to many people.
Doctrine and Covenants 110:1–10
After Jesus left, the Old Testament prophet Moses appeared to Joseph and Oliver. He gave them the priesthood keys of gathering Israel. This meant that they could lead the work of sharing the gospel. They could send missionaries all over the world to bring people into the Savior’s Church.
Next, the prophet Elias appeared. He gave Joseph and Oliver the keys to restore the Abrahamic covenant. This meant that the Saints could receive from the Lord the same covenant Abraham received. They would have power to bring the gospel and God’s blessings to people everywhere for many years to come.
Finally, the prophet Elijah appeared. He gave Joseph and Oliver the priesthood keys to seal, or unite, families for eternity. The work that the Saints did in temples would be accepted in heaven. Now the Church had the power to do the Savior’s work and prepare for Him to come to earth again.