It has been commonly accepted within the Restoration that the Priests and Priestesses of the Levitical Order do not have the authority to bless, because with the High Priesthood restored, the Elders should be called for. This custom and practice requires some clarification.
In Christianity there seems to be an ongoing battle between works and grace, salvation and exaltation, the Law and the fulfillment of that Law. Yet these are not opposites. The fulfillment of justice through mercy cannot be an opposite as these are forces working in unity.
We have been told there is one priesthood, and that it has been divided into two parts: the Lower or Levitical, and the High Priesthood (Hebrews 7:11, DoS 5b:1-9). Why this division? It is truly divided?
To understand God’s view of fornication, we must understand the relationship between God and the Church. In the Scriptures, God is the Groom. The Church (all of us) is the Bride.
In the scriptures we are taught to put on the armor of God (see Ephesians 6:10-18). One part of this armor is the Shield of Faith. This is not a metaphorical shield, but a literal shield, a spiritual tool available to use through the power of God; the priesthood.
“I have prepared a great endowment and blessing to be poured out upon them, inasmuch as they are faithful and continue in humility before me.” -Doctrine and Covenants 102:3e CoC, 105:12 LdS The term “endow” or “endowment” can be found a number of times in both the Latter-day Saint and Community of Christ Doctrine and Covenants. These are from revelations given through Joseph Smith Jr., Israel Smith, W. Wallace Smith, and Wallace B. Smith. The term refers to a number…
The tallit, it should be remembered, is not to be worn out of pride, but in grace and humility. It is not worn to place one above another, but as an equalizer; a reminder that we are all God’s creations.