Lessons on the Temple
Lesson No. Ninety Five

The Keys of the Gospel of Abraham Restored The New and Everlasting Covenant of Marriage

Importance of priesthood keys – President Russell M. Nelson recently taught: “The significance of these keys being returned to the earth by three heavenly messengers under the direction of the Lord cannot be overstated. Priesthood keys constitute the authority and power of the presidency. Priesthood keys govern how the priesthood of God may be used to bring about the Lord’s purposes and bless all who accept the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.

“It is important to note that prior to the organization of the Church, heavenly messengers had conferred the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods upon the Prophet Joseph and had given him keys of both priesthoods. These keys gave Joseph Smith authority to organize the Church in 1830.

“Then in the Kirtland Temple in 1836, the conferral of these three additional priesthood keys—namely, keys of the gathering of Israel, keys of the gospel of Abraham, and keys of the sealing power—was essential. These keys authorized Joseph Smith—and all succeeding Presidents of the Lord’s Church—to gather Israel on both sides of the veil, to bless all covenant children with the blessings of Abraham, to place a ratifying seal on priesthood ordinances and covenants, and to seal families eternally. The power of these priesthood keys is infinite and breathtaking.

“Consider how your life would be different if priesthood keys had not been restored to the earth. Without priesthood keys, you could not be endowed with the power of God. Without priesthood keys, the Church could serve only as a significant teaching and humanitarian organization but not much more. Without priesthood keys, none of us would have access to essential ordinances and covenants that bind us to our loved ones eternally and allow us eventually to live with God.

“Priesthood keys distinguish The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from any other organization on earth. Many other organizations can and do make your life better here in mortality. But no other organization can and will influence your life after death. Temple work makes these exquisite blessings available to all of God’s children, regardless of where or when they lived or now live. Let us rejoice that priesthood keys are once again on the earth! (April 2024 General Conference, Rejoice in the Gift of Priesthood Keys, emphasis added)

What are the keys of the gospel of Abraham delivered by Elias, and why are they important? Elias brought the keys required to restore the new and everlasting covenant of marriage also known as the patriarchal order of the priesthood. (See D&C 131:1-4) These blessings were given to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. President Nelson explained why these keys are so important: “Priesthood keys [delivered by Elias] give us the authority to extend all of the blessings promised to Abraham to every covenant-keeping man and woman” (Ibid). Elias returned and delivered the keys by which eternal families are organized and continue for time and all eternity. This is the new and everlasting covenant of marriage.

The promises the Lord gave to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are also given to all who enter into the new and everlasting covenant of marriage, also known as the patriarchal order of the priesthood or celestial marriage. This ordinance of the priesthood and covenant of marriage according to God’s law can only be made and received in the House of the Lord. The Lord explained to Joseph Smith that those who keep the law of celestial marriage, as did Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, they “shall come forth in the first resurrection…and shall inherit thrones, kingdoms, principalities, power, dominions – then shall [their name] be written in the Lamb’s Book of Life…” (D&C 132:19). This includes, “the crowning promise and assurance of eternal increase, which means literally, a posterity as numerous as the dust particles of the earth” (Bruce R. McConkie, The Promises Made to the Fathers).

Testimony: The keys of the new and everlasting covenant of marriage, or the patriarchal order of the priesthood, or celestial marriage was restored by Elias. Elijah restored the keys of the sealing power which is the authority to place a ratifying seal on all priesthood ordinances and covenants, including celestial marriage. Both keys are necessary to create eternal families. Eternal families are the crowning blessing of the temple and the ultimate purpose of the House of the Lord.

Lesson for our day: President Joseph Fielding Smith taught: “The identity of Elias – whether he be Noah, Abraham himself, or a prophet named Elias from the days of Abraham – is not clearly known.” President Smith then taught what is known and what really matters: “This heavenly messenger restored the keys necessary to establish the ancient patriarchal order, making Joseph Smith and all those who receive celestial marriage heirs of the blessings and promises of the fathers – Abraham, Isaac and Jacob” (Doctrines of Salvation) . The ultimate purpose of the Father’s Plan of Salvation is the eternal family. This is His primary concern and it should also be ours. This greatest of all blessings will be given, in a temple of the Lord in this life or the next, to all those who are worthy and who desire it.

Released on April 21st. 2024.