In Mormonism, authority refers to the priesthood power given by God to act in his name. Mormons believe this authority was lost after the death of the original apostles and had to be restored through Joseph Smith. Only those who hold this restored priesthood are considered to have authority to preach, teach, and perform ordinances such as baptism, confirmation, or temple ceremonies. Ordinances performed outside the LDS Church are not regarded as valid.
Authority is also tied to priesthood keys — the right to direct how priesthood power is used. A bishop has keys in his ward, while apostles are believed to hold all the keys necessary to govern the entire church. This authority is considered the most important element of the Restoration, since without it the LDS temple system could not exist and no ordinances or covenants would have eternal effect.
Biblical Christianity, however, teaches that all believers are priests before God (1 Peter 2:9). There is no longer a separate priesthood with exclusive authority, since Christ is the one High Priest who has fulfilled the law and gives his people direct access to God.
