All doctrines, ordinances, and powers associated with the gospel of Jesus Christ assume force and meaning only in and through Christ’s atoning sacrifice. Such was the plan prepared before the foundation of the earth. Men are called to receive the priesthood to assist in the redemption of souls.
They are called to preach and make available what Paul described as the “ministry of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:18). They are called to bless lives-to lighten burdens, to strengthen the feeble knees and lift up the hands that hang down-just as their Master, the great high priest, is called upon to do. The priesthood bearers before and after Christ are thus involved in the work of his ministry.
Their work is preparatory. They, like the preeminent forerunner, John the Baptist, prepare the way of the Lord. Those prophets and priests who labored before the meridian of time sought to prepare mankind for the coming of the Redeemer. In the words of Elder Bruce R. McConkie: “They could preach redemption; they could foretell its coming; but their work was preparatory only. Redemption itself would come through the ministry of Him of whom they were but types and shadows.” (Promised Messiah, p. 451.)
Those who have lived since that time seek to instruct and warn and exhort mankind-all in preparation for his second advent, that final redemption of the earth and its inhabitants.