Where Are the Keys and Authority of the Priesthood?

Without keys the vehicle couldn’t perform it’s function even with everything else in working order.

Without keys, Priesthood ordinances performed even in the otherwise proper way aren’t effective for our salvation.

Three ways (for young men and women) to find the keys or bless your life with Priesthood keys:
1: prepare for missionary service
2: attend the temple (at least keep yourself worthy to enter the temple even if time, distance, or circumstance prevents attending)
3: go forward with faith

As you do these things the Lord will make much more out of your life than you could yourself.

Each of the apostles holds all the priesthood keys but they are only authorized to use them by the unanimous setting apart by their fellow apostles.

Our family had enjoyed a fun-filled day on the ski slopes, which was now coming to a frosty close. Arriving at the car, I reached in my coat pocket for the keys and then another pocket and another. “Where are the keys?” Everyone was anxiously waiting on the keys! The car battery was charged, and all the systems—including the heater—were ready to go, but without the keys, locked doors would deny entrance; without the keys, the engine would not provide power to the vehicle.

At the time, our primary focus was on how we were going to get into the car and get warm, but I couldn’t help but think—even then—there just might be a lesson here. Without keys, this wonderful miracle of engineering was little more than plastic and metal. Even though the car had great potential, without keys, it could not perform its intended function.

The more I reflect on this experience, the more profound this analogy has become to me. I marvel at Heavenly Father’s love for His children. I stand in wonder at the heavenly visitation and the grand visions of eternity God bestowed upon Joseph Smith. And in particular, my heart is filled with overwhelming gratitude for the restoration of priesthood authority and priesthood keys. Without this restoration, we would be locked out from the vehicle necessary to transport us on our journey home to loving heavenly parents. The performance of every ordinance of salvation comprising our covenant pathway back to the presence of our Father in Heaven requires appropriate governance through priesthood keys.

Without keys any religious body lacks most of the potential that it promises. What can be done without keys is a small fraction of what can be done with them. (Although that small fraction is still good.)

First, an understanding of these terms may be helpful. The priesthood, or priesthood authority, has been defined as “the power and authority of God” and “the consummate power on this earth.” Priesthood keys are defined for our understanding as well: “Priesthood keys are the authority God has given to priesthood leaders to direct, control, and govern the use of His priesthood on earth.” Priesthood keys control the exercise of priesthood authority. Ordinances that create a record in the Church require keys and cannot be done without authorization. Elder Dallin H. Oaks taught that “ultimately, all keys of the priesthood are held by the Lord Jesus Christ, whose priesthood it is. He is the one who determines what keys are delegated to mortals and how those keys will be used.”

I have considered three ways that you can “find the keys,” or use priesthood keys and authority to bless your life and the lives of others.

The First Is to Prepare for Missionary Service

My young brothers and sisters, you may not realize it, but the keys of the gathering of Israel, restored by Moses, enable missionary work in our dispensation. …

The Second Way Is to Attend the Temple

Sealing keys, restored by the Old Testament prophet Elijah, enable ordinances to take place in holy temples. …

Finally, Number Three: Go Forward with Faith

… the blessings of the dispensation of the gospel to Abraham were restored. This occurred when the prophet Elias appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in the Kirtland Temple.

Through this restoration, each of you has access to the great blessings promised to Abraham. …

To summarize: prepare for missionary service, attend the temple, and go forward with faith.

The Lord has shown us that He will not leave us standing in the bitter cold without keys or authority to lead us safely home to Him. …

I testify that priesthood authority and priesthood keys start the engine, open the gates of heaven, facilitate heavenly power, and pave the covenant pathway back to our loving Heavenly Father.