Melchizedek and the Priesthood

I am grateful that the Priesthood is still on the earth today and that worthy men can receive it through the laying on of hands by those who are in authority. After holding the Aaronic Priesthood one can receive the Melchizedek Priesthood.

We can know who has authority in the church today when they hold the proper keys and have been given the Priesthood through someone with the authority to give it.

Melchizedek was considered a great high priest because he was full of love and service. He didn’t charge money for what he did. He has been compared to Joseph Smith who worked side by side with the laborers in the field.

In the Joseph Smith Translation of Genesis 14:25-40 it mentions that Melchizedek was able to stop the mouths of lions and quench the violence of fire as a child.

Melchizedek blessed Abraham, gave him the priesthood and even collected tithes from him, his family, and other church members.

My classmate Casey said, “Up to the time of Melchizedek, the priesthood he held was called “the Holy Priesthood, after the Order of the Son of God.” But to avoid using God’s sacred name too frequently, and to honor this faithful high priest, it became known from his time forth as the Melchizedek Priesthood.”

In Hebrews 6:1 Joseph Smith makes an important doctrinal correction. He adds the word “not” so that it reads “therefore not leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ…” Taking away faith, repentance, baptism, and the gift of the Holy Ghost would leave us without foundational principles which would leave us floundering for truth.

To become a son of perdition one must know Jesus and then forsake him, essentially “crucifying” him again. This sin will earn one “outer darkness”.

Hebrews 7:1-6 teaches us that Abraham was so great that the patriarch, Abraham gave him his tithing. He was called the King of Peace. He was always a priest from the beginning of time.

Hebrews 7:3 speaks of Melchizedek and Jesus Christ. It also points out in the Joseph Smith Translation that those who are ordained to the priesthood are made like unto the Son of God, abiding a priest continually.

Christ is perfect and through the Priesthood and the Atonement He is able to save us all when we repent.