2:50Authority See also Call, Called of God, Calling; Keys of the Priesthood; Ordain, Ordination; Power; Priesthood The permission granted to men on earth called or ordained to act for and in behalf of God the Father or Jesus Christ in doing God’s work. I have sent thee, Ex. 3:12–15. Speak all that I command thee, Ex. 7:2. He gave the twelve disciples power, Matt. 10:1. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, John 15:16. Nephi and Lehi preached with great authority, Hel. 5:18. Nephi, the son of Helaman, was a man of God, having great power and authority from God, Hel. 11:18 (3 Ne. 7:17). Jesus gave power and authority to twelve Nephites, 3 Ne. 12:1–2. Joseph Smith was called of God and ordained, D&C 20:2. No one shall preach my gospel or build up my Church unless he is ordained and it is known to the Church that he has authority, D&C 42:11. Elders are to preach the gospel, acting in authority, D&C 68:8. The Melchizedek Priesthood has authority to administer in spiritual things, D&C 107:8, 18–19. What is done by divine authority becomes law, D&C 128:9. Any who preach or administer for God must be called of God by those in authority, A of F 1:5.
