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.

Holy, Holy, Holy

At the beginning of October, I was given a gift and powerful tool of light.  I was talking to a close friend about how I can experience God on a deeper level.  She shared a scripture with me. 

“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.” Psalms 100:4

I desire entrance into His Gates and the privilege of standing in His Courts. 

My friend told me to raise my arms up to heaven and sing to God.  She said to start with a familiar tune, but when different words start coming to mind, I am to sing the words I am given.  My heart took courage, “I can do this. Even though my religious upbringing is a little stiff, I can learn to praise my God.”

This last month has been wonderful.  I have discovered that darkness flees when I lift my voice to heaven.  I have been blessed as simple words and tunes have been given to me.

In the past, I’ve struggled focusing during my prayers.  Either I am so sleepy I can’t keep my eyes open, or my mind is racing in many directions at the same time.  I have found that when I sing my prayers, I am able to focus on the Lord.  My body is moving, my voice is singing, my heart is feeling, and my mind usually stays focused. 

I sing what is in my heart as the Lord helps me work through my thoughts, emotions, feelings, and desires.  I love the way I feel when I sing my prayers. There are joyous songs and solemn songs. Some of the songs help me work through feelings, and others embody the desires of my heart.

I dedicate all of these songs to God, for he has given them to me. 

 

 

There is much scriptural symbolism associated with the number three. “Holy, Holy, Holy” is repeated three times. There are three pictures of the sun using the golden colors of the Divine Father.  In the first picture the darkness is on top. The darkness is on the bottom in the second picture.  In the last picture, the rising sun (male) is between two mountain pillars (female). The male and female come together to create a beautiful representation of our God. 

Holy, Holy, Holy

Holy, Holy, Holy

Holy is my God

Holy, Holy, Holy

Holy is my God

He created the mountains

He’s in the wind

I can feel His Spirit burn within

Holy, Holy, Holy

Holy is my God

Holy, Holy – descant