THE DOCTRINE OF PATRIARCHAL BLESSINGS PERSONAL DIVINE DECLARATIONS CONVEYED THROUGH A REVELATOR

D&C 107:39–100

“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists [patriarchs]; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God...”

Ephesians 4:11-13

REFERENCES AND SOURCES

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• Church Videos: The Office of Patriarch (4:24)
• Joseph Smith, History of the Church HC 3:381
• Instructions & Duties of the Ordained Patriarchs: 1958, 1981, 2000, 2005, 2010, 2016.
• Joseph Fielding Smith, “The Patriarchal Priesthood,” Improvement Era, Nov. 1956, pp. 789, 852
• Bruce R. McConkie, Doctrines of Salvation, 3 vols. [1954–56], 3:170.
• Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, p. 559
• Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual [Religion 324-325 Section 107]
• Lesson 10: Patriarchs and Patriarchal Blessings [Institute Teachers Manual]
• Patriarch Sources gathered from B. H. Roberts, Journal of Mormon History by Gary E. Smith, [in Lost Legacy]
• Spencer W. Kimball, Digest from Patriarch Training with General Authorities, Oct 1958.
• Boyd K. Packer, 2005 World-Wide Leadership Training
• Boyd K. Packer (“The Power of the Priesthood,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2010, 9).
• Dallin H. Oaks, 2016 World-Wide Patriarch Training.
• Gordon B. Hinckley, (“This Is the Work of the Master,” Ensign, May 1995, 71).
• James E. Faust. Your Patriarchal Blessing, New Era, Nov 2005.
• Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, Nov 1986.
• Russell M. Nelson, Ensign, Nov 1990, 7.

THE DOCTRINE OF PATRIARCHAL BLESSINGS OUTLINE

THE DOCTRINE OF PATRIARCHAL BLESSINGS

1. What is an evangelical minister [Patriarch]

2. What is a Patriarchal Blessing

3. Frequent content of a Patriarchal Blessing

4. How do I assure the promises in my blessing are fulfilled

5. Summary and Conclusion

Experiences and true doctrines shape conversion !

WHAT IS AN EVANGELICAL MINISTER [PATRIARCH] IN THE MELCHIZEDEK PRIESTHOOD ?

One of the five ordained offices of the Holy Melchizedek Priesthood

D&C 107

The offices in the priesthood are delineated in D&C 107.

39 It is the duty of the Twelve, in all large branches of the church, to ordain evangelical ministers, as they shall be designated unto them by revelation—

 41 This order was instituted in the days of Adam

Aaronic Priesthood Melchizedek Priesthood

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Deacon Elder

Teacher High Priest

Priest Seventy

Bishop Patriarch

Apostle/Prophet

Those who hold the office of patriarch in the Melchizedek Priesthood

EVANGELICAL MINISTERS

Patriarchs are called and ordained under the direction of the Twelve Apostles to give special blessings. Due to the far-reaching, worldwide expansion of the Church, stake presidents have been delegated permission to recommend possible patriarchs to the Twelve. Upon approval they then are authorized [by the President of the Quorum of the Twelve] to call, and ordain that patriarch under specific apostolic direction.

“An Evangelist is a Patriarch…of the blood of Joseph or of the seed of Abraham. Wherever the Church of Christ is established in the earth, there should be a Patriarch for the benefit of the posterity of the Saints.”

Joseph Smith

Patriarchs and Patriarchal Blessings, Duties and Blessings of the Priesthood: Basic Manual for Priesthood Holders, Part A, (2000), 69–76

“…you are the voice of the Lord as few people of the Church are and therefore you should be the closest men in the world to the Lord. I believe every patriarch must realize that in giving blessings he himself has no blessing to give but that he is the mouthpiece of the Lord and if he will keep himself in tune, then the Lord will send a message through him.

“The patriarch is in a position to make friends with everyone. There is no need of having anything but the best of feelings…as I see it the patriarch never needs to make an enemy. You are in a position where you can always give blessings but never need to criticize because it is only those who are righteous who come to you. They have already been screened by the bishop.

“…When you make an appointment for a blessing it gives the member time to anticipate the blessing far more than just sitting down and immediately getting the blessing. He anticipates it, he prays to the Lord for inspiration for the patriarch, he realizes the blessing comes from the Lord.”

Digest of the minutes of the meeting of the patriarchs of the church with the General Authorities held in Barratt Hall, Salt Lake City, Utah Oct 11, 1958

SALT LAKE TEMPLE DEDICATORY PRAYER

“Remember in loving kindness Thy servants, the Patriarchs. May they be full of blessings for Thy people Israel. May they bear with them the seeds of comfort and consolation, of encouragement and blessing. Fill them with the Holy Spirit of Promise and be graciously pleased to fulfill their words of prophecy, that Thy name may be extolled by the people of Thy Church and their faith in Thee and in the promises of Thy ministering servants be increasingly strengthened”.

Salt Lake Temple Dedicatory Prayer, 6 April, 1893, Wilford Woodruff.

WHAT IS A PATRIARCHAL BLESSING ?

Inspired and prophetic statements of a Celestial nature of life’s possibilities of the recipient

WHAT IS A PATRIARCHAL BLESSING?

• Heavenly Father knows and loves all His children and has promised a minimum of two direct and personal revelations from Him. [President Dallin H. Oaks, MTC Devotional]
• A revelation of belief and feeling [testimony]
• A revelation of conversion (becoming something) [patriarchal blessing]
• This sacred, confidential, and personal revelatory blessing is given once in a lifetime by a patriarch.
• It is recorded, edited, and a copy is given to the person receiving the blessing. A copy is kept in the archives of the Church in multiple formats and places.
• It is a sacred document comprising personal scripture and should be read and studied often but should not be shared casually with others.

Patriarchs and Patriarchal Blessings, Duties and Blessings of the Priesthood: Basic Manual for Priesthood Holders, Part A, (2000), 69–76

• The Church did not make up patriarchal blessings.
• Adam was the first patriarch
• Adam in one of his last acts of priesthood service for his worthy posterity was giving each of them a patriarchal blessing three years before he died. [D&C 107: 53]
• Your blessing follows the blessings that Jacob [Israel] gave to each of his twelve sons. [Genesis 49]
• Joseph Smith received revelation concerning patriarchs and patriarchal blessings. [D&C 107: 37-40]
• The first patriarch in this dispensation was Joseph Smith, Sr. who began conveying blessings in 1834.

WHEN DID PATRIARCHAL BLESSINGS BEGIN IN MORTALITY

RECEIVING A PATRIARCHAL BLESSING

“Before going to receive your blessing, you should prepare yourself spiritually through prayer, study, and fasting. You should pray for the patriarch that he may be inspired on your behalf”.

Patriarch Worldwide Training, January 8, 2005.

Patriarchs and Patriarchal Blessings, Duties and Blessings of the Priesthood: Basic Manual for Priesthood Holders, Part A, (2000), 69–76)

Patriarchs are instructed to not solicit giving blessings and so the recipient is responsible to contact the patriarch for an appointment.

PRAY FOR THE PATRIARCHS

Pres Gordon B Hinckley, Patriarch Worldwide Training, January 8, 2005.

"We all need to pray for you. That is an interesting thing. In all the public prayers that I have heard over the years, the General Authorities are frequently mentioned, the stake presidencies are mentioned, the bishoprics are mentioned, the missionaries are mentioned, but I have never heard a prayer uttered in a sacrament meeting or similar gathering where the stake patriarch has been mentioned, This is strange because no one needs to be closer to the Lord: no one needs to be more reliant on the dictates of the Holy Spirit than you."

CONTENT OF A PATRIARCHAL BLESSING

Identifying the parts of your blessing can help you find direction for your life.

PATRIARCHAL BLESSINGS

FREQUENTLY CONVEY SIX SEGMENTS

1. Remind you who you really are
• Eternal son/daughter of Heavenly Parents [Family Proclamation]
2. Give an assurance/appreciation for the divinity of Jesus Christ and the truthfulness of His Gospel
• “…patriarchal blessings verify the divinity of Christ and the truthfulness of the Church”
3. Participant/recipient in the Abraham Covenant
4. Denominate/designate you into a family [tribe] of Israel
5. Impart comfort, peace, and reassurance in times of confusion, questioning, and concern
• “…blessings can encourage us when we are discouraged, strengthen us when we are fearful, comfort us when we sorrow, give us courage when we are filled with anxiety, lift us up when we are weak in spirit”.
6. Provide guidance in seeking your mortal potential
• “…indicate what the Lord expects of us and what our potential can be”

James E. Faust, BYU Fireside, 30 Mar 1980.

REMIND WHO YOU REALLY ARE

REMIND WHO YOU REALLY ARE

“The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches that all human beings, male and female, are beloved spirit children of heavenly parents, a Heavenly Father and a Heavenly Mother. This understanding is rooted in scriptural and prophetic teachings about the nature of God, our relationship to Deity, and the godly potential of men and women.”

• The Family: A Proclamation to the World
• Elaine Anderson Cannon, “Mother in Heaven,” in Encyclopedia of Mormonism, ed. Daniel H. Ludlow, 5 vols. (New York: Macmillan, 1992), 2:961.
• David L. Paulsen and Martin Pulido, ‘A Mother There’: A Survey of Historical Teachings about Mother in Heaven,” BYU Studies 50, no. 1 (2011): 70–97.

David A. Bednar. Ensign, Nov. 2005.

“We were foreordained in the premortal existence and born into mortality to fulfill the covenant and promise God made to Abraham.…That is who we are, and that is why we are here—today and always.”

FOREORDINATION

During your patriarchal blessing, you have a glimpse of who you were in the premortal world. You will see how valiant and influential you were in persuading others to follow Christ.

Randall L. Ridd, April General Conference, 2014

GIVE ASSURANCE OF THE DIVINITY OF JESUS CHRIST AND THE TRUTHFULNESS OF HIS GOSPEL

Joseph Smith stated: “Nothing in the entire plan of salvation compares in any way in importance with that most transcendent of all events, the atoning sacrifice of our Lord. It is the most important single thing that has ever occurred in the entire history of created things; it is the rock foundation upon which the gospel and all other things rest. Indeed all ‘things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it,” (Teachings of the Prophets: Joseph Smith, p. 121)

Neal A. Maxwell stated: “Later, in Gethsemane, the suffering Jesus began to be “sore amazed” (Mark 14:33), or, in the Greek, “awestruck” and “astonished).

“Imagine, Jehovah, the Creator of this and other worlds, ‘astonished’! Jesus knew cognitively what He must do, but not experientially. He had never personally known the exquisite and exacting process of an atonement before. Thus, when the agony came in its fulness, it was so much, much worse than even He with his unique intellect had ever imagined!

“That is why he asked if the cup could be removed.”

JESUS’ ATONING SACRIFICE

(Willing to Submit, General Conference, April 1985, Sunday Afternoon Session)

Joseph F. Smith: “Jesus had not finished his work when his body was slain, neither did he finish it after his resurrection for the dead; although he had accomplished the purpose for which he then came to the earth, he had not fulfilled all his work. And when will he? Not until he has redeemed and saved every son and daughter of our father Adam that have been or ever will be born upon this earth to the end of time, except the sons of perdition. That is his mission.” [Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith (2011). p 87.] [Gospel Doctrine p. 442.]

WHEN WILL JESUS CHRIST FINISH THE ATONEMENT?

RECIPIENT OF AND PARTICIPANT IN THE ABRAHAMIC COVENANT

The New and Everlasting Covenant

“One of the primary reasons we receive a patriarchal blessing is to help us more fully understand who we are as the posterity of Abraham and to recognize the responsibility that rests upon us.”

David A. Bednar

Quorum of the Twelve

(Ensign, Nov. 2005)

Some of the most powerful blessings and warnings in our patriarchal blessings can be a little hidden within the lineage that we are pronounced with. Why does this matter? Our lineage back to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob enable us to access the blessings of the Abrahamic Covenant.

16 BLESSINGS SPECIFICALLY FOR ABRAHAM’S SEED

• Special covenantal relationship with God (Hesed) (D&C 132:19)
• Higher relationship with God which yields higher blessings
• Completely surrounded by the full blessings of the Atonement (RMNelson)
• Capacity to become one with God (D&C 112: 10-26)
• Receive Christ’s name (D&C 20:37, 77; Mosiah 5:5-7)
• Graven thee upon the palms of my hands (Isa 49:16-17; 1 Ne 21:16-17)
• Protection amidst the destroyer’s influence (Gen 15:1; Abr 2:11; D&C 132:28)
• Heir to Holy Melchizedek Priesthood (D&C 84:33-41; Heb 5:10)
• Claim to the power of the Priesthood Covenants (D&C 84:)
• Gift of discernment (1 Cor 12:10)
• Ability to perceive eternal truth (D&C 93:24)
• God bless you beyond measure (Deut 30:9-16; Abr 2:9)
• Opportunity for exaltation (D&C 132:19-20)
• Family unit continue throughout eternity (D&C 132:19-20)
• Vast and noble posterity (Gen 13:16; Abr 3:12-14; D&C 124:58; 131:1-4)
• Promise to possess Earth as the Celestial Kingdom (D&C 132:49)
• Become pillar of the temple of my God (Rev 3:12)

COVENANT COMPONENTS

Priesthood – Posterity – Protection – Property - Perfection

DESIGNATE INTO A SPECIFIC FAMILY [TRIBE] OF ISRAEL

Clearly the most important part of the blessing

Harold B. Lee, Conference Report, Oct. 1973, pp. 7–8; or Ensign, Jan. 1974, p. 5

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“It would seem very clear, then, that those born to the lineage of Jacob, who was later to be called Israel, and his posterity, who were known as the children of Israel, were born into the most illustrious lineage of any of those who came upon the earth as mortal beings.”

LINEAGE OF JACOB

Elder Dallin H. Oaks said: “A declaration of lineage is not a scientific pronouncement or an identification of genetic inheritance. A declaration of lineage is representative of larger and more important things…This declaration concerns the government of the kingdom of God, not the nature of the blood or the composition of the genes of the person being blessed.”

Worldwide Leadership Training Meeting: The Patriarch, Jan 8, 2008, p. 8

“Because the tribes of Israel have intermixed with one another, most people are of mixed lineage. Even family members can be of mixed lineage…The blessing of one tribe may be dominant in one child, and the blessing of another tribe may be dominant in another.”

DECLARATION OF LINEAGE

WHY IS LINEAGE IMPORTANT?

• Every member of the Church belongs to at least one of the twelve tribes of Israel. [predominance]
• Those who aren’t literal descendants are “adopted” into the house of Israel through baptism.
• Provides access to the Abrahamic Covenant
• Your lineage is a significant guide to knowing and fulfilling your life expectations and promises. [foreordination]
• Belonging to one of the twelve tribes brings the blessings/commissions specific to your tribal father.
• Requires both heir to the covenant and fulfilling your covenant to establish you as a literal “seed” of your promised noble family blessings.
• Jacob’s individual blessings to his sons. (Gen 49)
• Moses expanded and applied the blessings for

the whole specific tribe. (Deut 33)

TRIBES OF ISRAEL

Individual [49] Tribal [33] Blessing [to do with]* Reuben x x Know right/wrong

Simeon x Controlling temper

Levi x Disbanded Tabernacle Guardians

Judah x x Noble/legislate/health

Dan x x Judging others

Naphtali x x Respectful/solicitous

Gad x x Overcome obstacles

Asher x x Entrepreneur/children

Issachar x x Multitasker/hope

Zebulon x x Explore new frontiers

Joseph Gathering of Israel

Ephraim^± x x God fight their battles

Manassah x Gilead / Machir Trusted disciple

Benjamin x x Share successes

* Modern terminology/interpretation

^± Ephraim leader of the House of Israel

Set the example

Birthright

IMPART COMFORT, PEACE, REASSURANCE & FORTIFY IN TIMES OF CONFUSION & QUESTIONING

Some things will happen as we travel through mortality

[feeling, emotions] and we need a compass [Liahona]

• It can give you spiritual strength
• “Cherishing my patriarchal blessing while I was young blessed me with courage when I was discouraged, comfort when I was fearful, peace when I felt anxious, hope when I felt hopeless and joy when I needed it most.” (Randall K. Bennett, Apr 2023 General Conf)
• It can help you navigate life
• “A patriarchal blessing is not going to map out your life or answer all your questions.” (Kazuhiko Yamashita, Apr 2023 Gen Conf)
• It can deepen your faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ
• “Preparation for your patriarchal blessing will help you increase your faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. ... When you receive your patriarchal blessing and read and ponder it, you can focus on Them more often.” (Elder Yamashita)

THREE WAYS YOUR BLESSING CAN BRING PEACE

Conference Report, Apr. 2023

PROVIDE GUIDANCE AS YOU SEEK TO ATTAIN MORTAL POTENTIAL

• You will never be able to say: “My blessing is fulfilled”.
• Your blessing can help guide you through any circumstance that you may face in mortality and the life hereafter.
• Therefore, the guidance will generally be non-specific.
• Each time you read your blessing the Holy Ghost will give you new insights.
• Your blessing will see you through the darkest night and the brightest of days.

UNDERSTANDING ITS GUIDANCE

HOW DO I ASSURE^* THAT THE PROMISES IN MY BLESSING ARE FULFILLED?

*Communicate to someone something positively or confidently to dispel any doubts that are certain to happen.

“A patriarchal blessing literally contains chapters from your book of eternal possibilities. I say eternal, for just as life is eternal, so is a patriarchal blessing. What may not come to fulfillment in this life may occur in the next. We do not govern God’s timetable.”

President Thomas S. Monson. Ensign, Nov 1986

PATRIARCHAL BLESSINGS

• All blessings are based on the recipient’s faithfulness and the Lord’s timing.

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• Blessings are fulfilled multiple times in a variety of ways throughout mortality and the life hereafter.
• According to God’s law it depends on your spiritual progress, faithful capacity, diligent effort, and personal conversion.

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• Heavenly Father wants you to return to Him in glory and majesty.

HOW WILL THE PROMISES IN MY BLESSING BE FULFILLED?

• The blessings and promises of a patriarchal blessing are marvelous and will be completely fulfilled according to God’s law in the resplendent method Heavenly Father sees fit.
• In the resurrection we will enjoy the blessings that we are willing to enjoy based upon our demonstrated faithfulness in mortality. [D&C 88:20-21; 31-36]
• We should be motivated to live in such a manner that we can eternally enjoy and fulfill those blessings, promises, and guidance [in our patriarchal blessing]. [D&C 88:32]

HOW WILL THE PROMISES IN MY BLESSING BE FULFILLED?

churchofjesuschrist.org

SUMMARY and CONCLUSION

You are edified as no others on earth are so blessed and guided.

“A patriarchal blessing from an ordained patriarch can give us a star to follow, which is a personal revelation from God to each individual. If we follow this star, we are less likely to stumble and be misled. Our patriarchal blessing will be an anchor to our souls, and if we are worthy, neither death nor the devil can deprive us of the blessings pronounced. They are blessings we can enjoy now and forever.”

President James E. Faust. Priesthood Blessings, Ensign, Nov 1995, p.63

PATRIARCHAL BLESSINGS

• What is an Evangelical Minister [patriarch] in the Melchizedek Priesthood?
• What is a Patriarchal Blessing?
• Content of a Patriarchal Blessing
• How do I assure the promises in my blessing are fulfilled
• Summary and Conclusion

THE DOCTRINE OF PATRIARCHAL BLESSINGS OUTLINE

• You are resurrected with the body for the glory that you have earned and receive the blessings relating to that glory. [D&C 88: 26-32]

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Q. Can you expect Heavenly Father to give Celestial blessings to a Terrestrial or Telestial body?

HOW WILL THE PROMISES IN MY BLESSING BE FULFILLED?

88: 33 For what doth it profit a man if a gift is bestowed upon him, and he receive not the gift? Behold, he rejoices not in that which is given unto him, neither rejoices in him who is the giver of the gift.

34 And again, verily I say unto you, that which is governed by law is also preserved by law and perfected and sanctified by the same.

130: 20 There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated—

21 And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated.

BLESSING FULFILLMENT GOVERNED BY LAW

26 Wherefore, it shall be sanctified; yea, notwithstanding it shall die, it shall be quickened* again, and shall abide the power by which it is quickened, and the righteous shall inherit it.

27 For notwithstanding they die, they also shall rise again, a spiritual body.

28 They who are of a celestial spirit shall receive the same body which was a natural body; even ye shall receive your bodies, and your glory shall be that glory by which your bodies are quickened.

29 Ye who are quickened by a portion of the celestial glory shall then receive of the same, even a fulness.

30 And they who are quickened by a portion of the terrestrial glory shall then receive of the same, even a fulness.

31 And also they who are quickened by a portion of the telestial glory shall then receive of the same, even a fulness.

32 And they who remain shall also be quickened; nevertheless, they shall return again to their own place, to enjoy that which they are willing to receive, because they were not willing to enjoy that which they might have received.

D&C 88: 26-32

* Quickened = resurrected

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