By What Authority – Part 2

This is Part 2 of 3 of an Adult Study Class
with Seventy Richard Neill
November 16th, 2025

(Class video under study notes)

Summary

In this profound and inspiring teaching, Seventy Richard Neill explores the divine authority of Jesus Christ, grounding the discussion deeply in scripture and restoration theology. Beginning with Jesus’ powerful declaration in Matthew 28:17 that “all power is given unto me in heaven and on earth,” the lesson unpacks the significance of Christ’s authority from the foundation of the world through to the present church. Richard details how the inspired version of the Bible uniquely reveals Jesus’ role in creation, contrasting it with other biblical versions that are less explicit on this point. Moreover, the teaching delves into the pre-mortal “celestial battle” between Jesus and Satan, where both presented competing plans for salvation—Jesus advocating for human agency and Satan seeking to remove it.

This eternal conflict highlights the core of God’s plan: that salvation must be freely chosen, a concept that resonates deeply with the restoration of lost truths. The lesson also emphasizes the redemption of Adam and Eve, demonstrating that Jesus’ atonement was foreordained from the foundation of the world and that even they were redeemed through His power and priesthood authority.

Finally, Richard encourages the audience to embrace and understand divine authority, not only as a doctrinal point but as a vital spiritual reality that empowers believers in their faith journey. This message serves as a call to elevate faith, comprehend God’s eternal plan, and accept the authority that Christ imparts to His church.

Highlights

1. Jesus declared that all power in heaven and earth was given to Him, underscoring His supreme authority.
2. The inspired version of the Bible uniquely identifies Jesus as the Creator, contrasting with other biblical versions.
3. A pre-mortal contest existed between Jesus and Satan over the plan of salvation, centering on the principle of agency.
4. Jesus’ plan emphasized giving mankind free agency, while Satan sought to control and remove that agency.
5. Adam and Eve were redeemed through Jesus’ eternal plan, highlighting the power of the atonement from the foundation of the world.
6. The restoration of lost truths, including the understanding of authority and agency, is essential to a full gospel comprehension.
7. Accepting and receiving God-given authority is crucial for spiritual growth and participation in the church’s divine mission.

Key Insights

1. Authority of Jesus as Central to Faith: Jesus’ assertion of having all power affirms His divine nature and authority, which must be the foundation of Christian belief. This authority is not a boast but a declaration of truth that shapes the entire gospel message. It inspires believers to trust fully in His power and leadership.
2. The Inspired Version as a Restoration of Truth: The inspired version of the Bible restores crucial doctrinal truths lost or obscured in other translations, particularly about Jesus’ role in creation and the plan of salvation. This underscores the importance of ongoing revelation and restoration in understanding God’s plan.
3. Pre-Mortal Battle Over Agency: The teaching reveals that the conflict between Jesus and Satan over human agency is foundational to the gospel. Agency is not a trivial detail but the very essence of what it means to choose salvation freely, making the restoration’s emphasis on agency both doctrinally and spiritually significant.
4. Redemption Extended to the First Humans: Adam and Eve’s redemption through Jesus’ plan shows the eternal scope of the atonement. Their baptism and ordination of priesthood reveal that redemption and authority were part of God’s plan from the beginning, offering hope that no fall is permanent when met with divine grace.
5. Agency as a Gift and Responsibility: The contrast between Satan’s desire to remove agency and Jesus’ commitment to preserve it highlights the profound respect God has for human freedom. This insight encourages believers to own their spiritual choices, understanding that salvation is a partnership between divine grace and personal commitment.
6. Restoration Theology Provides Clarity: The restoration fills gaps left by traditional Christian teachings, especially on authority and scripture. This clarity nurtures faith and dispels confusion, offering believers a logical, coherent understanding of God’s plan that resonates with reason and spiritual experience.
7. Embracing Divine Authority Empowers Believers: Recognizing and receiving authority from God is not merely institutional but transformative. It empowers believers to act with divine sanction, participate in the work of salvation, and live with confidence in their spiritual roles within the church and the world.

(Click Here to Download or View the Slides Used in this Class)
(Click Here to Download or View a PDF of Study Notes)