In the doctrinal framework of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the concept of priesthood keys encompasses various authorities granted by God to His servants to perform sacred ordinances and govern His Church. Among these is the key of resurrection, which holds a unique and profound place. According to Latter-day Saint belief, the key of resurrection—the authority to resurrect the dead—is currently held exclusively by Jesus Christ and is not possessed by mortals during their earthly existence. This key will only be conferred upon individuals after they themselves have been resurrected.
The foundation for this belief is rooted in the teachings of early Church leaders. President Brigham Young elucidated this doctrine, stating, "It is supposed by this people that we have all the ordinances in our possession for life and salvation, and exaltation, and that we are administering in those ordinances. This is not the case. We are in possession of all the ordinances that can be administered in the flesh; but there are other ordinances and administrations that must be administered beyond this world. I will mention one. We have not, neither can we receive here, the ordinance and the keys of resurrection."
This perspective emphasizes that while the Church possesses the necessary ordinances for salvation and exaltation during mortal life, certain keys, such as that of resurrection, are reserved for the post-mortal sphere. President Young further explained that these keys "will be given to those who have passed off this stage of action and have received their bodies again. ... They will be ordained, by those who hold the keys of the Resurrection, to go forth and resurrect the Saints."
The singular role of Jesus Christ in the Resurrection is central to this doctrine. As the first to overcome death and be resurrected, He holds the keys of resurrection.
This act not only demonstrated His divine authority but also established the pattern that resurrection is contingent upon divine authority and timing.
In contrast to some religious traditions that may hold varying views on resurrection and authority over life and death, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints maintains that the authority to resurrect is a divinely held key, currently exercised solely by Jesus Christ. This understanding underscores the belief in a divinely ordered plan, where certain powers and ordinances are administered according to God's wisdom and timing.
The belief that the key of resurrection is reserved for the post-mortal realm offers unique insights and privileges to adherents. It instills a sense of humility, recognizing that certain divine powers are beyond mortal reach and are bestowed according to God's eternal plan. This doctrine also provides comfort, affirming that loved ones will be resurrected through divine authority and that faithful individuals may, in the eternities, participate in the resurrection of others under the direction of Jesus Christ. This perspective fosters a profound trust in divine wisdom and timing, reinforcing the importance of faith and obedience in the mortal journey.
The doctrine that the key of resurrection is held exclusively by Jesus Christ and will only be conferred upon resurrected beings highlights the structured and hierarchical nature of divine authority as understood in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It emphasizes the sanctity of certain powers, the orderliness of God's plan, and the ultimate hope of resurrection and eternal life through adherence to divine principles.