Keys

This is definitely a definition posting. I am studying and trying to understand exactly what it means that we have "keys" -  that there are priesthood keys here upon the earth.  I fear that even after all the reading that I share below, I have yet to get beyond a legal definition and to find a meaning that satisfies my soul.

So what is the difference between keys and authority and power?

Priesthood = the power of God delegated to man.

Priesthood keys = the authority to use authority.

Jesus Christ holds all priesthood keys. This is His church and His work upon the Earth.

Joseph Smith was given "the keys of this dispensation"

Today the First Presidency and quorum of the Twelve hold those keys. Those keys govern the work of the ministry.

Priesthood keys are defined as "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." Gary E Stevenson April 2016 general conference

M Russell Ballard: "Those who have priesthood keys... literally make it possible for all who serve faithfully under their direction to exercise priesthood authority and have access to priesthood power."

This is an important statement because it does not say that that only those holding the priesthood or ordained to the priesthood can exercise priesthood authority and have access to priesthood power. It says that all who serve faithfully under their direction (and that would include women) and in whatever capacity we serve under those who have priesthood keys,  have authority and power.

Dallin H Oaks: Priesthood keys "limit by directing who will be given the authority of the priesthood, who will hold its offices, and how its rights and powers will be conferred."

And that is how it is in the church. We don't choose what we want to do in the church. We are called and asked to serve by those who have the authority over our wards and stakes.

Elder Bednar: "The priesthood is the authority of God delegated to men on earth to act in all things for the salvation of mankind."

• Qualifications for this service - our worthiness and willingness
• The priesthood itself is received through ordination by one who already holds the priesthood and authorized by one with the keys.

Elder Bednar continues:  "Higher priesthood is received by a solemn covenant that includes the obligation to act in the office and the authority that have been received. The priesthood is there for an active responsibility not a passive gift."

"The covenant is the commitment to actively use the priesthood."

Elder Bednar again: Priesthood power is "God's power operating through men and boys... And requires personal righteousness, faithfulness, obedience and diligence. A boy or man may receive priesthood authority by the laying on of hands but will have no priesthood power if he is disobedient, unworthy or unwilling to serve." D&C 121:36 - 37

So in effect, the keys are the administrative arm of the priesthood. Those with keys determine who will be given authority.

The authority is your right to exercise the priesthood responsibilities given to you. Those responsibilities could be actual priesthood responsibilities or it could be Relief Society or Primary or Young Men and Young Women responsibilities - all of those fall under the same category.

The power behind that authority is your own personal righteousness which empowers you and connects you to God. As we serve in our callings we have the right at to expect the Lord to bless us as we in all righteousness try to serve His children.

From Come, Follow Me for the Aaronic priesthood I found:

We receive the holy priesthood by an oath and covenant. This means that Heavenly Father gives us His oath that we can have the power or and blessing of the priesthood if we covenant with Him to magnify our callings, be faithful in keeping the commandments, and live by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God."

That certainly is not limited to those who have been ordained to the priesthood.