March 21 — Melchizedek Priesthood Qualifications. Hebrews 7:1-3, 26 “For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; 2 To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace; 3 Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually. 26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens.”
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When a Mormon tells you they alone hold the authority to be members of the Melchizedek priesthood, ask them if they qualify based on the Hebrews passages above. When they say Peter, James, and John ordained Joe Smith with it, ask them to show in the Bible where any of the apostles held the priesthood. You can’t pass something on if you don’t have it to begin with!
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Doctrine and Covenants 2:1-3 “Behold, I will reveal unto you the Priesthood, by the hand of Elijah the prophet, before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. 2 And he shall plant in the hearts of the children the promises made to the fathers, and the hearts of the children shall turn to their fathers. 3 If it were not so, the whole earth would be utterly wasted at his coming.”
Christians have a Priesthood, His name is Jesus. He is our High Priest…there was never a succession of priests after Jesus. His Priesthood is unique and everlasting, without end.
This was a major issue for me when I began researching The LDS church several years ago. As a Christian I just couldn’t wrap my head around it. My first thoughts were how incredibly arrogant. And now I feel so sad. Like Michelle said, you can’t give something away that’s not yours.
My examination of the Biblical Melchizedek priesthood proves that Mormons (nor anyone else) can ever hold it:
http://watchmanvlds.blogspot.com/2014/10/the-melchizedek-priesthood.html
Joe Smith’s take on the Melchizedek Priesthood was just another way to make the Mormon Church exclusive. You can’t listen to a talk during sacrament meeting where the speaker doesn’t says: “I know that Joseph Smith was a true prophet of God; I know the Book of Mormon is true and I know that this church is God’s only true church.”. Its like mantra, used a lot in various cults. Convince people that you are the ONLY WAY to salvation. In Mormonism, it’s all about serving the church. Serve the church (tithing, callings, appointments, service projects, temple attendance, counseling sessions with the Bishop etc) and you will be saved. JOHN 14:6, however, tells us what true salvation is all about.