How Can I Obtain Priesthood?

Who can obtain priesthood? Who confers priesthood? What does God mean when he says, “The rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven”? How is Melchizedek priesthood obtained? 

It would be helpful to read What is Melchizedek Priesthood? and  How Does Aaronic Priesthood Prepare? before reading this post.

First, let’s look at how priesthood is maintained.  That’ll give us a big clue as to how the Holy Priesthood, after the Order of the Son of God is obtained.

Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen. And why are they not chosen? Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men, that they do not learn this one lesson— That the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness.

That they may be conferred upon us, it is true; but when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man. Behold, ere he is aware, he is left unto himself, to kick against the pricks, to persecute the saints, and to fight against God.

We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion. Hence many are called, but few are chosen. D&C 121:34-40

Can someone have priesthood if they: Set their heart on the things of this world? Aspire to the honors of men? Cover their sins? (As a side note: who covers sins?) Gratifies their pride? Exercises control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness? Why do many men suppose they have even a little authority? 

How do we maintain priesthood?

No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned; By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile—

Reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy; That he may know that thy faithfulness is stronger than the cords of death.

Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven. 

The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion, and thy scepter an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth; and thy dominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow unto thee forever and ever. D&C 121:41-46

Does someone who has priesthood stand in the presence of God just as Melchizedek? What are the qualities of someone who holds High Priesthood? How is the doctrine of the priesthood distilled? What is a scepter? What is it used for? What is the scepter of the Priesthood?  

As I was reading about the fruits of the spirit, it sounded just like what I read in D&C 121. The fruits of the Spirit are the qualities of priesthood holders. Just like in D&C 121, there is also a warning to put off the carnal man. 

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. Galatians 5:22-26

Is it important to look at the fruits of “priesthood holders”? Why? Do true High Priests-Priestesses after the Order of the Son of God come clothed, manifesting the fruits of the spirit? 

Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Matthew 7:16-20

Look at what Moroni says about charity . .

 . . .  for none is acceptable before God, save the meek and lowly in heart; and if a man be meek and lowly in heart, and confesses by the power of the Holy Ghost that Jesus is the Christ, he must needs have charity; for if he have not charity he is nothing; wherefore he must needs have charity.

45 And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

 46 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail—

 47 But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.

 48 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen. Moroni7:44-48

It looks like the fruits of the priesthood, the fruits of the spirit, and the fruits of charity are all the same thing. As I pondered over this, everything started to come together in my mind.

Who bestows charity? Who bestows priesthood? Is charity the same things as the Holy Priesthood, after the Order of the Son of God? How do I become a son of God? Does God give his sons priesthood? (Side note: If men can be a bride of Christ, then women can be sons of God) What is the power of love? How does charity seal, bind, and govern? How does priesthood seal, bind, and govern? Is there any difference?

 19 And this greater priesthood administereth the gospel and holdeth the key of the mysteries of the kingdom, even the key of the knowledge of God.

 20 Therefore, in the ordinances thereof, the power of godliness is manifest.

 21 And without the ordinances thereof, and the authority of the priesthood, the power of godliness is not manifest unto men in the flesh;

 22 For without this no man can see the face of God, even the Father, and live. D&C 84:19-22

What is the key of the mysteries of the kingdom? What is the key of the knowledge of God? (Notice key is singular.) Is charity the key to see the face of God, even the Father, and live? 

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

 

What is the law? Is there one law or many laws? Is this the law of charity?

 

How is priesthood obtained? Can children obtain priesthood? Can women obtain priesthood? Can men obtain priesthood? Are there both priests and priestesses in God’s kingdom? Can anyone obtain priesthood?

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.  Galatians 5:22-23

What does Paul mean, “Against such there is no law?” Do the dead works and laws of the Aaronic priesthood give way and pass away under the Holy Priesthood, after the Order of the Son of God? Is the law fulfilled in Charity, the pure love of Christ?

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen. [emphasis added] Moroni 7: 48

When are you considered a true follower of Jesus Christ? When is charity bestowed? (pay careful attention to the verb tenses) After the gift is bestowed, how is the gift used in becoming sons? Do we open the gift? Play with gift? See all the wonderful things that we can do with this gift? Are we excited when we see opportunities to use and exercise this gift? 

Who is willing to receive priesthood? What happens when I use every experience to play with charity?

Wow! What many call “challenge” and “trial” are actually great gifts from God.  Isn’t it so awesome that God is stripping me of all of my attachment to outward stuff? How can I have charity if I’m attached and shackled to the things of the natural, profane man? 

The carnal man tries to find happiness by changing his environment. The man of God changes the world by allowing God to change his heart. What does this have to do with having a broken heart and contrite spirit?

Can a man and woman full of charity bind the enemy with love?  Is charity power? Who can resist it? Was the atonement was wrought through charity? Are the chains and shackles of hell broken through love?

And this Melchizedek, having thus established righteousness, was called the king of heaven by his people, or, in other words, the King of peace. JST, Genesis 14:36

Why was Melchizedek given the name King of peace? What does this have to do with priesthood power?

I can see Jesus shaking his head as he watches us and interacts with us.  It’s probably quite comical.  We’re scampering around trying to find out who is the best and who is the greatest in the kingdom, and he replies:

He that is ordained of God and sent forth, the same is appointed to be the greatest, notwithstanding he is the least and the servant of all. Wherefore, he is possessor of all things; for all things are subject unto him, both in heaven and on the earth, the life and the light, the Spirit and the power, sent forth by the will of the Father through Jesus Christ, his Son. D&C 50:26-27

Or in other words, he who is charity has the greatest priesthood.

24 And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.
25  And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors.
26  But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.
27  For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.
28  Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations.
29  And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me;
30  That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. Luke 22:24-30

Every day is an opportunity to open myself and let God fill me with charity. Instead of resisting the gift of charity, I choose to glory in my God for teaching me to be even as he is.  The greater the “challenge” the greater the opportunity is.

Satan lies to us and tells us to avoid the very experiences that imbue charity into our being. The carnal man agrees with the enemy and would rather live a life of ease and luxury. The devil knows that charity is the only power that can bind him.  It totally disarms him.

On the other hand, the man of God glories in the obstacle course.  God is good and his mercy endures forever!!! Yippee, hooray for life’s adventures!!!

How Does Aaronic Priesthood Prepare?

The Aaronic priesthood is a preparatory priesthood, but what does that mean? How does Aaronic priesthood prepare us for Melchizedek Priesthood? Read "What is Melchizedek Priesthood?" before reading this post.

 

19 And this greater priesthood administereth the gospel and holdeth the key of the mysteries of the kingdom, even the key of the knowledge of God.

 20 Therefore, in the ordinances thereof, the power of godliness is manifest.

 21 And without the ordinances thereof, and the authority of the priesthood, the power of godliness is not manifest unto men in the flesh;

 22 For without this no man can see the face of God, even the Father, and live.

 23 Now this Moses plainly taught to the children of Israel in the wilderness, and sought diligently to sanctify his people that they might behold the face of God;

What was the first priesthood offered to the children of Israel in the wilderness? 

 24 But they hardened their hearts and could not endure his presence; therefore, the Lord in his wrath, for his anger was kindled against them, swore that they should not enter into his rest while in the wilderness, which rest is the fulness of his glory.

 25 Therefore, he took Moses out of their midst, and the Holy Priesthood also;

How did the children of Israel respond to God’s offer to give them the Melchizedek priesthood? How did God respond to their rejection of Him? Why were the children of Israel given Aaronic priesthood after they rejected the Lord at Mt. Sinai? Why was Moses and the Melchizedek priesthood taken from the Israelites?

 26 And the lesser priesthood continued, which priesthood holdeth the key of the ministering of angels and the preparatory gospel;

 27 Which gospel is the gospel of repentance and of baptism, and the remission of sins, and the law of carnal commandments, which the Lord in his wrath caused to continue with the house of Aaron among the children of Israel until John, whom God raised up, being filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother’s womb.

 28 For he was baptized while he was yet in his childhood, and was ordained by the angel of God at the time he was eight days old unto this power, to overthrow the kingdom of the Jews, and to make straight the way of the Lord before the face of his people, to prepare them for the coming of the Lord, in whose hand is given all power. D&C 84:19-28

Was the Aaronic priesthood a sign of God’s favor and blessing? “Which the Lord in his wrath caused to continue with the house of Aaron among the children of Israel” - What does that mean? What kind of priesthood did John have?

And the Lord said unto Aaron, Thou and thy sons and thy father’s house with thee shall bear the iniquity of the sanctuary: and thou and thy sons with thee shall bear the iniquity of your priesthood. Numbers 18:1

What does it mean to “bear the iniquity of the sanctuary” or “bear the iniquity of your priesthood’? Is this some kind of burden?

When Joseph and Hyrum were alive, the church had the signs, wonders, tokens, and fruits of the Melchizedek priesthood. Why did the heavens close up again at the death of Joseph and Hyrum? What happened to the Latter-Day Saints when we failed to build the Nauvoo temple during the appointed time? D&C 124: 31-33 Why were Joseph, Hyrum, and the Melchizedek priesthood taken from us?

Many will say, “We still have Melchizedek priesthood.” But as a member of the church, I don’t see the manifestations of the Melchizedek priesthood. From what I can observe, we are left with the outward ordinances, the letter of the gospel, the baptism of repentance, and the keys of the ministering of angels.  

The power and authority of the lesser, or Aaronic Priesthood, is to hold the keys of the ministering of angels, and to administer in outward ordinances, the letter of the gospel, the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins, agreeable to the covenants and commandments. D&C 107:20

For those who think we have Melchizedek priesthood, ask yourself, “As a church, are we receiving new revelations and views on the things of heaven? Are the heavens open to our high priests? Have we really received anything new since the days of Joseph? Are the heavens open to us like they were for Joseph?” 

Is this what we have? “The power and authority of the higher, or Melchizedek Priesthood, is to hold the keys of all the spiritual blessings of the church— To have the privilege of receiving the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, to have the heavens opened unto them, to commune with the general assembly and church of the Firstborn, and to enjoy the communion and presence of God the Father, and Jesus the mediator of the new covenant.” D&C 107:18-19

Or do we “deny the power of God, the Holy One of Israel; and they say unto the people: Hearken unto us, and hear ye our precept; for behold there is no God today, for the Lord and the Redeemer hath done his work, and he hath given his power unto men; Behold, hearken ye unto my precept; if they shall say there is a miracle wrought by the hand of the Lord, believe it not; for this day he is not a God of miracles; he hath done his work.” 2 Nephi 28:5-6

Do we fall into this category,  “they draw near to me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me, they teach for doctrines the commandments of men, having a form of godliness, but they deny the power thereof.” Joseph Smith—History 1:19

If we have the higher priesthood, the signs, tokens, fruits, and wonders of the Melchizedek priesthood should be present with us as in former times.  We don’t seek for signs, but signs do follow those that believe.

But, behold, faith cometh not by signs, but signs follow those that believe. Yea, signs come by faith, not by the will of men, nor as they please, but by the will of God. Yea, signs come by faith, unto mighty works, for without faith no man pleaseth God; and with whom God is angry he is not well pleased; wherefore, unto such he showeth no signs, only in wrath unto their condemnation. D&C 63:9-11

Are we just like the Israelites who suffered the wrath of God and were left with the Aaronic priesthood? Why?

Wherefore, although a man should be baptized an hundred times it availeth him nothing, for you cannot enter in at the strait gate by the law of Moses, neither by your dead works. D&C 22:2

Why did God even give the Law of Moses if you can’t enter in at the strait gate by it?  What is a Law of Moses anyway?  To me, it looks like a lot of laws, rituals, and endless effort. There is a continual striving and falling short, only to feel spiritually dead inside. It’s almost like trying to earn a heavenly reward by good works.  It just doesn’t work.  The more orthodox I get, the greater my disappointment. 

There is a breaking point.  The obedience and sacrifice are not yielding the fruits of the spirit. How can I try so hard and yet be such a failure?   The gospel is supposed to bring happiness, right?

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

What do you mean, “against such there is no law”? Life under the preparatory priesthood is full of endless laws. Do this, don’t do that. If I don’t walk up to every covenant and commandment, I’m unworthy, right?  It’s all about choosing the right, am I getting it? 

No! No! No! I’ll never get, no matter how hard I try.  The preparatory priesthood moves me to a place of utter frustration with the outward ordinances and the letter of the gospel. 

The carnal man is consumed with and concerned about what is happening on the outside: how are my children performing, what kind of house do I live in, what do I look like, what kind of car do I drive, what do others think of me, what is my calling, etc. etc. Why is the natural, carnal man given outward ordinances, commandments, rituals, and endless regulations? Can he understand anything else?

 

Behold Satan hath come among the children of men, and tempteth them to worship him; and men have become carnal, sensual, and devilish, and are shut out from the presence of God. Moses 6:49

Why is the carnal man shut out from the presence of God?

And now, my son, all men that are in a state of nature, or I would say, in a carnal state, are in the gall of bitterness and in the bonds of iniquity; they are without God in the world, and they have gone contrary to the nature of God; therefore, they are in a state contrary to the nature of happiness. Alma 41:11

Can the carnal man ever be happy and at peace?

And the Lord said unto me: Marvel not that all mankind, yea, men and women, all nations, kindreds, tongues and people, must be born again; yea, born of God, changed from their carnal and fallen state, to a state of righteousness, being redeemed of God, becoming his sons and daughters; Mosiah 27:25

What does it mean to be born again? Where do we find the kingdom of God?

And when he (Jesus) was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you. Luke17:20-21

Can the carnal man even understand what Jesus is talking about? Why must the carnal man be crucified? Why must we be born again?

Up until now, I’ve been unwilling to crucify the carnal man because I believed the lie. I thought the outward stuff meant something.

The Aaronic priesthood has done a perfect job in preparing me for a new birth. Put another way, the Aaronic priesthood is the law of complete frustration.

I am now willing to give up my carnal man and go inside my heart to find God.  The Law of Frustration has prepared me to accept what God has always been willing to bestow upon me.

Upcoming Post: 
How Can I Obtain Priesthood?

What is Melchizedek Priesthood?

What is Melchizedek Priesthood? There seems to be two classifications of priesthood. 

There are, in the church, two priesthoods, namely, the Melchizedek and Aaronic, including the Levitical Priesthood. Why the first is called the Melchizedek Priesthood is because Melchizedek was such a great high priest. Before his day it was called the Holy Priesthood, after the Order of the Son of God. But out of respect or reverence to the name of the Supreme Being, to avoid the too frequent repetition of his name, they, the church, in ancient days, called that priesthood after Melchizedek, or the Melchizedek Priesthood. All other authorities or offices in the church are appendages to this priesthood. D&C 107:1-5

How does one obtain this Holy Priesthood?  Abram left family traditions and land of his fathers to find one who held this great priesthood. How would I find and recognize someone who holds this priesthood? 

 25 And Melchizedek lifted up his voice and blessed Abram.

 26 Now Melchizedek was a man of faith, who wrought righteousness; and when a child he feared God, and stopped the mouths of lions, and quenched the violence of fire.

 27 And thus, having been approved of God, he was ordained an high priest after the order of the covenant which God made with Enoch,

What does it mean to be a man of faith? How did he wrought righteousness? What does it mean to fear God? What was Melchizedek doing as a child?

 28 It being after the order of the Son of God; which order came, not by man, nor the will of man; neither by father nor mother; neither by beginning of days nor end of years; but of God;

 29 And it was delivered unto men by the calling of his own voice, according to his own will, unto as many as believed on his name.

How does someone get this high priesthood? Can a man give it to you? Can your father or mother give it to you? Who delivers this priesthood unto men?

30 For God having sworn unto Enoch and unto his seed with an oath by himself; that every one being ordained after this order and calling should have power, by faith, to break mountains, to divide the seas, to dry up waters, to turn them out of their course;

 31 To put at defiance the armies of nations, to divide the earth, to break every band, to stand in the presence of God; to do all things according to his will, according to his command, subdue principalities and powers; and this by the will of the Son of God which was from before the foundation of the world.

 

Wow! Look at what Melchizedek priesthood can do! How are we using this priesthood today?

 32 And men having this faith, coming up unto this order of God, were translated and taken up into heaven.

 33 And now, Melchizedek was a priest of this order; therefore he obtained peace in Salem, and was called the Prince of peace.

 34 And his people wrought righteousness, and obtained heaven, and sought for the city of Enoch which God had before taken, separating it from the earth, having reserved it unto the latter days, or the end of the world;

 35 And hath said, and sworn with an oath, that the heavens and the earth should come together; and the sons of God should be tried so as by fire.

 36 And this Melchizedek, having thus established righteousness, was called the king of heaven by his people, or, in other words, the King of peace.

What is the order of the Son of God? Why was Melchizedek first called the Prince of peace and then the King of peace? What does peace have to do with priesthood? 

 37 And he lifted up his voice, and he blessed Abram, being the high priest, and the keeper of the storehouse of God;

 38 Him whom God had appointed to receive tithes for the poor.

 39 Wherefore, Abram paid unto him tithes of all that he had, of all the riches which he possessed, which God had given him more than that which he had need.

 40 And it came to pass, that God blessed Abram, and gave unto him riches, and honor, and lands for an everlasting possession; according to the covenant which he had made, and according to the blessing wherewith Melchizedek had blessed him. JST Genesis 14:25–40  

Who blessed Abram in verse 25? Who blessed Abram in verse 40? 

The vision that Joseph and Sidney had about those who obtain the Celestial Kingdom gives us a lot of information about the Melchizedek priesthood. Pay close attention to the verb tenses: past, present, future.  

50 And again we bear record—for we saw and heard, and this is the testimony of the gospel of Christ concerning them who shall come forth in the resurrection of the just—

 51 They are they who received the testimony of Jesus, and believed on his name and were baptized after the manner of his burial, being buried in the water in his name, and this according to the commandment which he has given—

 52 That by keeping the commandments they might be washed and cleansed from all their sins, and receive the Holy Spirit by the laying on of the hands of him who is ordained and sealed unto this power;

 53 And who overcome by faith, and are sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise, which the Father sheds forth upon all those who are just and true.

 54 They are they who are the church of the Firstborn.

 55 They are they into whose hands the Father has given all things—

 56 They are they who are priests and kings, who have received of his fulness, and of his glory;

 57 And are priests of the Most High, after the order of Melchizedek, which was after the order of Enoch, which was after the order of the Only Begotten Son.

 58 Wherefore, as it is written, they are gods, even the sons of God—

 59 Wherefore, all things are theirs, whether life or death, or things present, or things to come, all are theirs and they are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s.

 60 And they shall overcome all things.

 61 Wherefore, let no man glory in man, but rather let him glory in God, who shall subdue all enemies under his feet.

 62 These shall dwell in the presence of God and his Christ forever and ever.

 63 These are they whom he shall bring with him, when he shall come in the clouds of heaven to reign on the earth over his people.

 64 These are they who shall have part in the first resurrection.

 65 These are they who shall come forth in the resurrection of the just.

 66 These are they who are come unto Mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly place, the holiest of all.

 67 These are they who have come to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of Enoch, and of the Firstborn.

 68 These are they whose names are written in heaven, where God and Christ are the judge of all.

 69 These are they who are just men made perfect through Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, who wrought out this perfect atonement through the shedding of his own blood.

 70 These are they whose bodies are celestial, whose glory is that of the sun, even the glory of God, the highest of all, whose glory the sun of the firmament is written of as being typical. D&C 76:50-70 [emphasis added]

Does “are” really mean present, now, currently, at this moment, in mortality? Does “shall” refer to later? Today, how many men “are priests of the Most High, after the order of Melchizedek, which was after the order of Enoch, which was after the order of the Only Begotten Son”?

The Melchizedek Priesthood holds the right of presidency, and has power and authority over all the offices in the church in all ages of the world, to administer in spiritual things. The Presidency of the High Priesthood, after the order of Melchizedek, have a right to officiate in all the offices in the church. High priests after the order of the Melchizedek Priesthood have a right to officiate in their own standing, under the direction of the presidency, in administering spiritual things, and also in the office of an elder, priest (of the Levitical order), teacher, deacon, and member. D&C 107:8-10

How does someone get Melchizedek Priesthood? Is it enough to be interviewed by a stake president, be found worthy, obtain sustaining vote by the church, and be ordained?  What does it mean to hold the right of presidency?

He says this power and authority is over all the offices in the church in all ages of the world. Wow! What is the Presidency of the High Priesthood, after the order of Melchizedek? Does this have anything to do with the Church of the Firstborn? Who has the right to officiate in their own standing? What does this mean?

The power and authority of the higher, or Melchizedek Priesthood, is to hold the keys of all the spiritual blessings of the church— To have the privilege of receiving the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, to have the heavens opened unto them, to commune with the general assembly and church of the Firstborn, and to enjoy the communion and presence of God the Father, and Jesus the mediator of the new covenant. D&C 107:18-19

What are the keys and privileges of the Melchizedek Priesthood? Who bestows this priesthood? Who decides when someone is ready to receive the higher priesthood? Is it any wonder that these High Priests are the ones who have the right to administer in spiritual things?

Of the Melchizedek Priesthood, three Presiding High Priests, chosen by the body, appointed and ordained to that office, and upheld by the confidence, faith, and prayer of the church, form a quorum of the Presidency of the Church. D&C 107:22

What happens if the body of the church appoints men who do not have the Melchizedek Priesthood to form a quorum of the Presidency of the Church? Does the Melchizedek Priesthood come by the will of men? How does the body of the church know who has obtained Melchizedek Priesthood?

Then comes the High Priesthood, which is the greatest of all. Wherefore, it must needs be that one be appointed of the High Priesthood to preside over the priesthood, and he shall be called President of the High Priesthood of the Church; Or, in other words, the Presiding High Priest over the High Priesthood of the Church. D&C 107:64-66

Can the body of the church appoint a man and make him a High Priest? Or do we need to choose a High Priest who has been chosen by God?

What kind of priesthood did Melchizedek have? Who gave this priesthood to Melchizedek? Do those who fill the LDS priesthood quorums have Melchizedek Priesthood?  What are the fruits, signs, tokens, and wonders of those who have Melchizedek Priesthood?

Upcoming Posts:  
How Does Aaronic Priesthood Prepare?
How Can I Obtain Priesthood? 

Understanding, Rejoicing, and Edification

The principles taught in D&C 50:20-21 have brought so much clarity, direction, and peace. God desires for us to discern between his voice and the voice of the adversary.  

There are spirits which have gone abroad in the earth. Many of those spirits are false spirits, and Satan wants to deceive and overthrow us.  These deceptions are even in the church and among those that profess God’s name.  D&C 50:1- 9 

God is merciful and gracious and understands that many times mortals can be fooled, so he gives us keys to help us detect the tricks of the adversary.  How does he teach?  How can we preach the word of truth by the Comforter, in the Spirit of truth? D&C 50:10-20

God asks the big question, “Therefore, why is it that ye cannot understand and know, that he that receiveth the word by the Spirit of truth receiveth it as it is preached by the Spirit of truth? Wherefore, he that preacheth and he that receiveth, understand one another, and both are edified and rejoice together.” D&C 50:21–22 

Here are three grand keys to discerning between spirits sent from God and those sent from the adversary.

God always sends understanding, edification, and rejoicing. “And that which doth not edify is not of God, and is darkness." D&C 50:23  

Wow! Can it really be that simple?  Can I judge everything in my life using this standard? Is the truth of God always accompanied with understanding, edification, and rejoicing? 

This was a big eye opener for me. I can see that I’ve been in the dark because I’ve judged things of God to be of the Devil and things of the Devil to be of God.  How many times have I experienced drudgery, boredom, and confusion, and yet made myself do it anyway, thinking I was somehow pleasing God by sacrificing my happiness for him.  No! Those things aren’t of God.  God is fun, exciting, inventive, intuitive, and always has something new to explore with me. He is also firm and clear, and when he "spanks me", I feel good and have new direction in my life.

If the enemy can trick me into thinking that boring meetings, dull exercises, tiresome tasks, numb-minding rules, dreary responsibilities, uninteresting lessons, tedious drudgeries, and dull rituals somehow represent the loving God of truth; then he can steal the truth and light that Jesus desires to give me. 

“That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day. And again, verily I say unto you, and I say it that you may know the truth, that you may chase darkness from among you;”
D&C 50:24-25 

God desires to purify and cleanse us so that we can ask for whatsoever we will in the name of Jesus and it shall be done. D&C 50:26-29 

God is so good; He is so interesting; He is generous; He is kind. I look forward with joyful anticipation to participate in many more of his great manifestations.  I love being edified, I love new understanding, and I love rejoicing in my God:)

“Wherefore, I am in your midst, and I am the good shepherd, and the stone of Israel. He that buildeth upon this rock shall never fall. And the day cometh that you shall hear my voice and see me, and know that I am. Watch, therefore, that ye may be ready. Even so. Amen.” D&C 50:44-46   

I love the way Graham Cooke talks about the Goodness of God.

Lifting a Burden

Jennifer's sister died on New Years Eve 2012.  Belinda has been a joy in our life, and we really miss her.  She was 49 years old when she died and is the mother of six children.  I’ve been thinking a lot about Belinda this last month.  She loved to talk to everyone, and she helped a lot of people. 

Over this last month I’ve thought, “What would Belinda do if the roles were reversed and I was the one who died?”  I know she would be in the middle of orchestrating things so that my family was well taken care of.  She would do what she could to help my husband and children.  That’s just the way she is.  I believe she still is orchestrating the success and happiness of her family.

This last week the idea came to create a Belinda Craft Donation Account so that friends and family can help relieve the financial burden of her death.  There are some medical bills that aren’t fully covered by insurance.  There is also the cost of the funeral.  Any little bit helps, and a lot of little bits add up to relieve the burden.

If you would like to make a donation, the Belinda Craft Donation Account is set up at Zions Bank.  If you don’t live in Utah, you can send a donation to Zions Bank- Providence Office, 284 South Highway 165, Providence, Utah 84332.  Make sure you let them know it is for the Belinda Craft Donation Account.

Feel free to pass this message on to others who might want to help.