Called of God by Prophecy and Laying on of Hands
The fifth Article of Faith and the biblical pattern of divine authority
The doctrine of being called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands is foundational to the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is a principle that is deeply rooted in Biblical scripture and exemplifies the way God organizes His Church and administers His authority on earth.
A Biblical Truth
The fifth Article of Faith states:
Fifth Article of Faith
“We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.”
This simple truth is supported by the Bible:
“And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.”
No one can claim the authority of God or choose to be ordained of themselves. Authority must come from God through His chosen representatives. This process ensures divine guidance and legitimacy in the administration of His work.
How Was Aaron Called?
Aaron’s calling demonstrates the divinely appointed process of being called by prophecy and receiving authority through the laying on of hands.
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Called by Revelation: God revealed His choice of Aaron through Moses, His prophet. In Numbers 17:1–5, the Lord instructed Moses to conduct a miraculous sign to confirm Aaron’s calling:
“And it shall come to pass, that the man’s rod, whom I shall choose, shall blossom: and I will make to cease from me the murmurings of the children of Israel, whereby they murmur against you.”
Through this revelation, Aaron was chosen by God, not by human decision or self-appointment.
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Given Authority Through an Authorized Servant: After being chosen, Aaron was set apart through the actions of Moses, who held the authority of God. This is described in Exodus 40:12–16:
“And thou shalt bring Aaron and his sons unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and wash them with water… anoint him, and sanctify him; that he may minister unto me in the priest’s office.”
Moses, under divine direction, performed these ordinances to confer the priesthood upon Aaron and his sons, solidifying their role in God’s service.
A Pattern for All Callings
The pattern established in the Bible continues today in the Lord’s Church. Just as Moses acted under divine direction to call and ordain Aaron, so too are individuals called by revelation and set apart by the laying on of hands by those who already hold the priesthood authority.
This ensures that God remains at the center of His work, and His Church operates according to His will. No man chooses to take this honor upon himself. Authority comes from God, and it is conferred through His chosen servants who act in His name.
Modern Application
In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, this principle is manifest in every calling, from local leadership to general authorities. Revelation guides the selection of individuals, ensuring that each is chosen according to God’s will.
For example, the calling of a bishop is revealed to stake leaders through prayer and inspiration. Once chosen, the individual is ordained and set apart by the laying on of hands by those who hold the necessary priesthood authority. This sacred process mirrors the Biblical pattern established with Aaron and Moses.
Conclusion
The principle of being called of God by prophecy and the laying on of hands is more than a tradition; it is a divine truth that safeguards the integrity of God’s work. It underscores the necessity of revelation and authority in the administration of His Church. By adhering to this eternal pattern, the Church remains aligned with God’s will and ensures that His authority is properly conferred and exercised.
As in ancient times, so also today, God’s work is led by those whom He has called, empowered, and authorized to act in His name. This sacred truth provides a foundation of order, trust, and divine legitimacy within His Church.