The Power of Godliness

By Hollie Wells

This month, we study Doctrine & Covenants section 84, an important revelation on priesthood, missionary work, and the organization of the church in the last days. You cannot talk about this section without talking about verses 19-20, 

“(19) And this greater priesthood administereth the gospel and holdeth the key of the mysteries of the kingdom, even the key of the knowledge of God. (20) Therefore, in the ordinances thereof, the power of godliness is manifest.” 

This verse carries so much power. Reading it silently or aloud brings the Spirit and there seems to be a whole sermon contained in these two short verses. It is also a constantly quoted passage, consistently being featured in General Conference (over 120 times!) and devotional addresses. However, this year as I came upon these verses in my Come, Follow Me study, I have realized I do not have a concrete grasp on the real meaning of them. Here are some of my insights as I have tried to uncover the meaning. 

The Mysteries of the Kingdom 

Let’s dissect the first part of the passage. The “greater priesthood” mentioned in verse 19 is the Melchizedek priesthood. Although the ordinances as we know them today were not fully developed at this time in church history, these verses are alluding to ordinances that Melchizedek priesthood holders administer, including the gift of the Holy Ghost and all the ordinances of the temple. This verse teaches that ordinances unlock mysteries. The doctrine associated with the temple ordinances reveal many mysteries of eternity. Through the endowment we learn that we can be bound to God through sacred covenant and receive power through Him, and return to live with Him as a glorified being. We learn our purpose here in this life. Through the sealing ordinance we learn we are all part of the family of God and that we can be with our spouses for eternity. Although sometimes it feels like these doctrines open up more questions than they answer, it is assuring to the soul to know that we are bound to God and to our families through the covenants we make. With that knowledge, we can trust many of the particulars of life to an all-knowing and all-loving Father. That is a powerful teaching from Doctrine & Covenants 84. 

The Power of Godliness 

The next verse raises a question: what is the power of godliness? We learn that this power lies within the ordinances of the Melchizedek priesthood, but what is it? Godliness is an attribute, and described in the 1828 Webster dictionary as “A religious life; a careful observance of the laws of God and performance of religious duties, proceeding from love and reverence for the divine character and commands; christian obedience.” You could describe someone who walks the covenant path as godly or living a godly life. Thus, the power of this godliness comes in. It comes from living a covenant life, bound to Jesus Christ and drawing upon His power.

Having partaken of the ordinances and living along a path marked by the weekly ordinance of the sacrament, we become more and more godly. There is power in personal righteousness, and I believe that is what is meant by “In the ordinances thereof, the power of godliness is manifest.”