Keys of the Priesthood

Understanding the right to preside and direct the work of God

Priesthood keys are the right to preside over and direct the Church within a jurisdiction. Keys usually apply to a geographic area, like a ward, stake, or mission. They also usually include authority over specific ordinances and activities (for instance, baptism, the sacrament, missionary work, and temple work).

There are many — although you won’t find an enumeration of them in the scriptures nor in the writings of the living prophets, at least clearly. Not sure why, but who knows.

One other thing to remember — keys aren’t taken away — they are rather no longer active. Thus once a person is a Bishop, they are always a bishop.

Keys of the Priesthood — Complete List

A scriptural enumeration of priesthood keys as presently known

Understanding Priesthood Keys

• Authority to Preside: Keys grant the right to direct the work of the priesthood within a specific jurisdiction, whether in a congregation or the entire Church.
• Role of the President of the Church: The senior Apostle, as the President of the Church, holds all priesthood keys necessary to govern the Church. Other leaders receive keys appropriate to their callings, such as bishops and quorum presidents.

Importance of Priesthood Keys

Priesthood keys ensure that ordinances are performed correctly and that the Church functions harmoniously. They prevent confusion and unauthorized actions, aligning the work of the Church with divine direction.

The List of Keys

Keys of the Kingdom — All of the Following

• The keys of the kingdom — D&C 81:2, Matt 16:19
• The keys of the priesthood of Melchizedek — JSH 1:72
• The keys of all spiritual blessings — D&C 107:18
• The keys of the priesthood of Aaron — D&C 13
• The keys of the ministering of Angels — D&C 13, D&C 84:26
• The keys of the gospel of Repentance — D&C 13, D&C 84:26–27, John 20:23
• The keys of Baptism by Immersion — D&C 13
• The keys of a Bishop — D&C 68:14–19, D&C 107:15–17 (Consecration — D&C 104:53–55)
• The keys of apostleship — D&C 27:12
• The keys of the gospel of Abraham — D&C 110:12
• The keys of the gathering of Israel — D&C 110:11
• The keys of sealing on earth and in heaven — D&C 128:8, D&C 128:14, D&C 132:39, D&C 132:45–46, Helaman 10:7, D&C 1:8, D&C 124:93, D&C 127:7
• The keys of the Sealing up of the Holy Spirit of Promise — D&C 124:123–124
• The keys of the Salvation of the Dead — D&C 128:11
• The key of knowledge & the mysteries of God — D&C 128:14, D&C 84:19, D&C 64:5, Luke 11:52
• The keys of the dispensation of the fullness of times — D&C 128:20, D&C 27:13
• The keys of standing in the presence of God — D&C 84:19–25
• The keys of salvation for the dead — D&C 2:1–3 (delegated to Temple presidencies)
• The keys of preaching the gospel to all the world — D&C 7:7
• The keys of many dispensations (we don’t know them all) — D&C 128:21
• The keys of that which has been sealed — D&C 28:7
• The keys of a Deacons Quorum presidency — D&C 124:142–143
• The keys of a Teachers Quorum presidency — D&C 124:142–143
• The keys of an Elders Quorum presidency — D&C 124:142–143
• The keys of Death and Hell (Resurrection) — Rev 1:18
• The key of the house of David — Isaiah 22:22
• The keys of creation — not yet given