Priesthood Power – What is it?
Encyclopedia of Mormonism, pg. 1134; “The word “priesthood” has several meanings for Latter-day Saints:1. Priesthood is power, the power of God, a vital source of eternal strength and energy delegated to men to act in all things for the well-being of mankind, both in the world and out of it (DS 3:80; Romney, p. 43). Priesthood is authority, the exclusive right to act in the name of God as his authorized agents and to perform ordinances for the purpose of opening certain spiritual blessings to all individuals.”
Hebrews 4:14-15; “Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.”
Romans 12:1; “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”
Holman Bible Dictionary defines the priesthood this way:
Function of the priest: PRIESTS Personnel in charge of sacrifice and offering at worship places, particularly the tabernacle and Temple.
Priesthood of the believer:
The role of Christ as our only priest means that He is the only Mediator between God and the believer (1 Tim. 2:5). The priestly role of Christ is a major theme of the Epistle to the Hebrews (see 4:14-15). Further, this priesthood of Christ is said to be “after the order of Melchizedek” (Heb. 5:6), which means that God appointed Him directly and Jesus did not have to trace His priesthood through the human line of Aaron or Levi. This priestly ministry of Christ is the foundation of the doctrine, because the work of Christ is sufficient for all and His “once for all” sacrifice fulfilled the promise and purpose of the Old Testament priesthood.
From the definitions given above we can see that the priesthood power of the Mormon Church does not exist in the eyes of God. Mormon priests are not making sacrifices or offerings after the manner in which God called the Israelites to do for atonement and because Jesus fulfilled that solitary role there is no need to keep making sacrifices. If He didn’t do what the Bible says He did then what’s the point in worshipping Him or believing He was/is the Christ?
Secondly, their role of priesthood does not fit the pattern of New Testament priesthood. Each member in the body of Christ is of the royal priesthood. In Mormonism this isn’t allowed as only men are allowed to hold priesthood positions or any position of authority.