LDS Doctrine and Covenants Critique
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The Doctrine and Covenants
SECTION 107
Revelation on the priesthood, given through Joseph
Smith the Prophet, at Kirtland, Ohio, in late winter or spring 1835.
Although this section was recorded in 1835, the historical records
affirm that most of verses 60 through 100 incorporate a revelation
given through Joseph Smith on November 11, 1831. This section was
associated with the organization of the Quorum of the Twelve in
February and March 1835. The Prophet likely delivered it in the
presence of those who were preparing to depart May 4, 1835, on their
first quorum mission.
1–6, There are two priesthoods: the Melchizedek and the Aaronic; 7–12,
Those who hold the Melchizedek Priesthood have power to officiate in
all offices in the Church; 13–17, The bishopric presides over the
Aaronic Priesthood, which administers in outward ordinances; 18–20, The
Melchizedek Priesthood holds the keys of all spiritual blessings; the
Aaronic Priesthood holds the keys of the ministering of angels; 21–38,
The First Presidency, the Twelve, and the Seventy constitute the
presiding quorums, whose decisions are to be made in unity and
righteousness; 39–52, The patriarchal order is established from Adam to
Noah; 53–57, Ancient Saints assembled at Adam-ondi-Ahman, and the Lord
appeared to them; 58–67, The Twelve are to set the officers of the
Church in order; 68–76, Bishops serve as common judges in Israel;
77–84, The First Presidency and the Twelve constitute the highest court
in the Church; 85–100, Priesthood presidents govern their respective
quorums.
1 There are, in the church, two priesthoods, namely, the Melchizedek and Aaronic, including the Levitical Priesthood.
Note: The New Covenant abolished the Aaronic Priesthood.
Now this is the main point of the things we are saying: We have such a
High Priest, who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the
Majesty in the heavens, a Minister of the sanctuary and of the true
tabernacle which the Lord erected, and not man. For every high priest
is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices. Therefore, it is
necessary that this One also have something to offer. For if He were on
earth, He would not be a priest, since there are priests who offer the
gifts according to the law; who serve the copy and shadow of the
heavenly things, as Moses was divinely instructed when he was about to
make the tabernacle. For He said, “See that you make all things
according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.” But now He has
obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of
a better covenant, which was established on better promises. For if
that first covenant had been faultless, then no place would have been
sought for a second. Because finding fault with them, He says: “Behold,
the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant
with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah— not according to
the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them
by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they did not
continue in My covenant, and I disregarded them, says the LORD. For
this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after
those days, says the LORD: I will put My laws in their mind and write
them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My
people. None of them shall teach his neighbor, and none his brother,
saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ for all shall know Me, from the least of them
to the greatest of them. For I will be merciful to their
unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember
no more.” In that He says, “A new covenant,” He has made the first
obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to
vanish away. Hebrews 8
2 Why the first is called the Melchizedek Priesthood is because
Melchizedek was such a great high priest. 3 Before his day it was
called the Holy Priesthood, after the Order of the Son of God.
Note: Jesus Christ is Melchizedek and He abolished the Aaronic Priesthood.
Therefore, if perfection were through the Levitical priesthood (for
under it the people received the law), what further need was there that
another priest should rise according to the order of Melchizedek, and
not be called according to the order of Aaron? For the priesthood being
changed, of necessity there is also a change of the law. For He of whom
these things are spoken belongs to another tribe, from which no man has
officiated at the altar. For it is evident that our Lord arose from
Judah, of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood. And it
is yet far more evident if, in the likeness of Melchizedek, there
arises another priest who has come, not according to the law of a
fleshly commandment, but according to the power of an endless life. For
He testifies: “You are a priest forever according to the order of
Melchizedek.” For on the one hand there is an annulling of the former
commandment because of its weakness and unprofitableness, for the law
made nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a
better hope, through which we draw near to God. And inasmuch as He was
not made priest without an oath (for they have become priests without
an oath, but He with an oath by Him who said to Him: “The LORD has
sworn and will not relent, ‘You are a priest forever according to the
order of Melchizedek’”), by so much more Jesus has become a surety of a
better covenant. Hebrews 7:11-22
4 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.
Note: Jesus Christ is Melchizedek.
For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no
one greater, He swore by Himself, saying, “Surely blessing I will bless
you, and multiplying I will multiply you.” And so, after he had
patiently endured, he obtained the promise. For men indeed swear by the
greater, and an oath for confirmation is for them an end of all
dispute. Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of
promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath, that
by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we
might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of
the hope set before us. This hope we have as an anchor of the soul,
both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil,
where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High
Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek. Hebrews 6:13-20
5 All other authorities or offices in the church are appendages to this
priesthood. 6 But there are two divisions or grand heads—one is the
Melchizedek Priesthood, and the other is the Aaronic or Levitical
Priesthood.
Note: The New Covenant abolished the Aaronic Priesthood by Jesus Christ.
Now when these things had been thus prepared, the priests always went
into the first part of the tabernacle, performing the services. But
into the second part the high priest went alone once a year, not
without blood, which he offered for himself and for the people’s sins
committed in ignorance; the Holy Spirit indicating this, that the way
into the Holiest of All was not yet made manifest while the first
tabernacle was still standing. It was symbolic for the present time in
which both gifts and sacrifices are offered which cannot make him who
performed the service perfect in regard to the conscience— concerned
only with food and drinks, various washings, and fleshly ordinances
imposed until the time of reformation. But Christ came as High Priest
of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect
tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation. Not with
the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the
Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. For
if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling
the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh, how much more
shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered
Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to
serve the living God? And for this reason, He is the Mediator of the
new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the
transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may
receive the promise of the eternal inheritance. Hebrews 9:6-15
7 The office of an elder comes under the priesthood of Melchizedek. 8
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. 9 The Presidency of the High
Priesthood, after the order of Melchizedek, have a right to officiate
in all the offices in the church. 10 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. 11 An elder has a right
to officiate in his stead when the high priest is not present. 12 The
high priest and elder are to administer in spiritual things, agreeable
to the covenants and commandments of the church; and they have a right
to officiate in all these offices of the church when there are no
higher authorities present. 13 The second priesthood is called the
Priesthood of Aaron, because it was conferred upon Aaron and his seed,
throughout all their generations. 14 Why it is called the lesser
priesthood is because it is an appendage to the greater, or the
Melchizedek Priesthood, and has power in administering outward
ordinances. 15 The bishopric is the presidency of this priesthood, and
holds the keys or authority of the same. 16 No man has a legal right to
this office, to hold the keys of this priesthood, except he be a
literal descendant of Aaron.
Note: The death of Jesus Christ abolished the Aaronic Priesthood.
For where there is a testament, there must also of necessity be the
death of the testator. For a testament is in force after men are dead,
since it has no power at all while the testator lives. Therefore, not
even the first covenant was dedicated without blood. For when Moses had
spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took
the blood of calves and goats, with water, scarlet wool, and hyssop,
and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people, saying, “This is
the blood of the covenant which God has commanded you.” Then likewise
he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle and all the vessels of the
ministry. And according to the law almost all things are purified with
blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission. Therefore,
it was necessary that the copies of the things in the heavens should be
purified with these, but the heavenly things themselves with better
sacrifices than these. For Christ has not entered the holy places made
with hands, which are copies of the true, but into heaven itself, now
to appear in the presence of God for us; not that He should offer
Himself often, as the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year
with blood of another— He then would have had to suffer often since the
foundation of the world; but now, once at the end of the ages, He has
appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. And as it is
appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, so Christ
was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait
for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.
Hebrews 9:16-28
17 But as a high priest of the Melchizedek Priesthood has authority to
officiate in all the lesser offices, he may officiate in the office of
bishop when no literal descendant of Aaron can be found, provided he is
called and set apart and ordained unto this power by the hands of the
Presidency of the Melchizedek Priesthood. 18 The power and authority of
the higher, or Melchizedek Priesthood, is to hold the keys of all the
spiritual blessings of the church—19 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.
Note: All believers may approach God through faith in Jesus Christ.
Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood
of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through
the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house
of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith,
having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies
washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope
without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:19-23
20 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.
Note: Baptism is not the Christian Gospel.
For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not
with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no
effect. 1 Corinthians 1:17
21 Of necessity there are presidents, or presiding officers growing out
of, or appointed of or from among those who are ordained to the several
offices in these two priesthoods. 22 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. 23
The twelve traveling councilors are called to be the Twelve Apostles,
or special witnesses of the name of Christ in all the world—thus
differing from other officers in the church in the duties of their
calling. 24 And they form a quorum, equal in authority and power to the
three presidents previously mentioned. 25 The Seventy are also called
to preach the gospel, and to be especial witnesses unto the Gentiles
and in all the world—thus differing from other officers in the church
in the duties of their calling. 26 And they form a quorum, equal in
authority to that of the Twelve special witnesses or Apostles just
named.
Note: No mention of priests in the New Covenant church.
Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow
citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having
been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ
Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being
fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also
are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
Ephesians 2:19-22
Note: The era of apostles has ended as the roof is going onto the true church of Jesus Christ.
27 And every decision made by either of these quorums must be by the
unanimous voice of the same; that is, every member in each quorum must
be agreed to its decisions, in order to make their decisions of the
same power or validity one with the other— 28 A majority may form a
quorum when circumstances render it impossible to be otherwise— 29
Unless this is the case, their decisions are not entitled to the same
blessings which the decisions of a quorum of three presidents were
anciently, who were ordained after the order of Melchizedek, and were
righteous and holy men. 30 The decisions of these quorums, or either of
them, are to be made in all righteousness, in holiness, and lowliness
of heart, meekness and long-suffering, and in faith, and virtue, and
knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and
charity; 31 Because the promise is, if these things abound in them they
shall not be unfruitful in the knowledge of the Lord.
Note: Joseph Smith had no knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The practice of plural marriage (polygamy) in The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) began in the early-to-mid 1830s and
was introduced by founder Joseph Smith.
32 And in case that any decision of these quorums is made in
unrighteousness, it may be brought before a general assembly of the
several quorums, which constitute the spiritual authorities of the
church; otherwise there can be no appeal from their decision. 33 The
Twelve are a Traveling Presiding High Council, to officiate in the name
of the Lord, under the direction of the Presidency of the Church,
agreeable to the institution of heaven; to build up the church, and
regulate all the affairs of the same in all nations, first unto the
Gentiles and secondly unto the Jews. 34 The Seventy are to act in the
name of the Lord, under the direction of the Twelve or the traveling
high council, in building up the church and regulating all the affairs
of the same in all nations, first unto the Gentiles and then to the
Jews—35 The Twelve being sent out, holding the keys, to open the door
by the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and first unto the
Gentiles and then unto the Jews.
Note: All believers are to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Now Saul was consenting to his death. At that time a great persecution
arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all
scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the
apostles. And devout men carried Stephen to his burial and made great
lamentation over him. As for Saul, he made havoc of the church,
entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them
to prison. Therefore, those who were scattered went everywhere
preaching the word. Acts 8:1-4
36 The standing high councils, at the stakes of Zion, form a quorum
equal in authority in the affairs of the church, in all their
decisions, to the quorum of the presidency, or to the traveling high
council. 37 The high council in Zion form a quorum equal in authority
in the affairs of the church, in all their decisions, to the councils
of the Twelve at the stakes of Zion. 38 It is the duty of the traveling
high council to call upon the Seventy, when they need assistance, to
fill the several calls for preaching and administering the gospel,
instead of any others. 39 It is the duty of the Twelve, in all large
branches of the church, to ordain evangelical ministers, as they shall
be designated unto them by revelation—
Note: The New Covenant abolished the office of prophet.
God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the
fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His
Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He
made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express
image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power,
when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of
the Majesty on high, having become so much better than the angels, as
He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. Hebrews
1:1-4
40 The order of this priesthood was confirmed to be handed down from
father to son and rightly belongs to the literal descendants of the
chosen seed, to whom the promises were made. 41 This order was
instituted in the days of Adam, and came down by lineage in the
following manner: 42 From Adam to Seth, who was ordained by Adam at the
age of sixty-nine years, and was blessed by him three years previous to
his (Adam’s) death, and received the promise of God by his father, that
his posterity should be the chosen of the Lord, and that they should be
preserved unto the end of the earth; 43 Because he (Seth) was a perfect
man, and his likeness was the express likeness of his father, insomuch
that he seemed to be like unto his father in all things, and could be
distinguished from him only by his age. 44 Enos was ordained at the age
of one hundred and thirty-four years and four months, by the hand of
Adam. 45 God called upon Cainan in the wilderness in the fortieth year
of his age; and he met Adam in journeying to the place Shedolamak. He
was eighty-seven years old when he received his ordination. 46
Mahalaleel was four hundred and ninety-six years and seven days old
when he was ordained by the hand of Adam, who also blessed him. 47
Jared was two hundred years old when he was ordained under the hand of
Adam, who also blessed him. 48 Enoch was twenty-five years old when he
was ordained under the hand of Adam; and he was sixty-five and Adam
blessed him. 49 And he saw the Lord, and he walked with him, and was
before his face continually; and he walked with God three hundred and
sixty-five years, making him four hundred and thirty years old when he
was translated. 50 Methuselah was one hundred years old when he was
ordained under the hand of Adam. 51 Lamech was thirty-two years old
when he was ordained under the hand of Seth. 52 Noah was ten years old
when he was ordained under the hand of Methuselah. 53 Three years
previous to the death of Adam, he called Seth, Enos, Cainan,
Mahalaleel, Jared, Enoch, and Methuselah, who were all high priests,
with the residue of his posterity who were righteous, into the valley
of Adam-ondi-Ahman, and there bestowed upon them his last blessing.
Note: Yahweh appointed Aaron and his sons as the first priests.
“Now take Aaron your brother, and his sons with him, from among the
children of Israel, that he may minister to Me as priest, Aaron and
Aaron’s sons: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. And you shall make
holy garments for Aaron, your brother, for glory and for beauty. So,
you shall speak to all who are gifted artisans, whom I have filled with
the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron’s garments, to
consecrate him, that he may minister to Me as priest. And these are the
garments which they shall make: a breastplate, an ephod, a robe, a
skillfully woven tunic, a turban, and a sash. So, they shall make holy
garments for Aaron your brother and his sons, that he may minister to
Me as priest. Exodus 28:1-4
54 And the Lord appeared unto them, and they rose up and blessed Adam,
and called him Michael, the prince, the archangel. 55 And the Lord
administered comfort unto Adam, and said unto him: I have set thee to
be at the head; a multitude of nations shall come of thee, and thou art
a prince over them forever. 56 And Adam stood up in the midst of the
congregation; and, notwithstanding he was bowed down with age, being
full of the Holy Ghost, predicted whatsoever should befall his
posterity unto the latest generation. 57 These things were all written
in the book of Enoch, and are to be testified of in due time.
Note: Adam brought death to mankind while eternal life is a free gift from Jesus Christ.
Nevertheless, death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had
not sinned according to the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who
is a type of Him who was to come. But the free gift is not like the
offense. For if by the one man’s offense many died, much more the grace
of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded
to many. And the gift is not like that which came through the one who
sinned. For the judgment which came from one offense resulted in
condemnation, but the free gift which came from many offenses resulted
in justification. For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through
the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift
of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.)
Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men,
resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the
free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. For as
by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s
obedience many will be made righteous. Romans 5:14-19
Note: Adam had nothing to do with Israel and is not Michael the archangel.
“At that time Michael shall stand up, the great prince who stands watch
over the sons of your people; And there shall be a time of trouble,
such as never was since there was a nation, even to that time. And at
that time your people shall be delivered, everyone who is found written
in the book. And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall
awake, some to everlasting life, some to shame and everlasting
contempt. Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the
firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars
forever and ever.” Daniel 12:1-3
58 It is the duty of the Twelve, also, to ordain and set in order all
the other officers of the church, agreeable to the revelation which
says: 59 To the church of Christ in the land of Zion, in addition to
the church laws respecting church business—60 Verily, I say unto you,
saith the Lord of Hosts, there must needs be presiding elders to
preside over those who are of the office of an elder; 61 And also
priests to preside over those who are of the office of a priest; 62 And
also teachers to preside over those who are of the office of a teacher,
in like manner, and also the deacons—63 Wherefore, from deacon to
teacher, and from teacher to priest, and from priest to elder,
severally as they are appointed, according to the covenants and
commandments of the church.
Note: There are no priests in the true churches of Jesus Christ.
And when they had preached the gospel to that city and made many
disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, strengthening
the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith,
and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of
God.” So, when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed
with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had
believed. And after they had passed through Pisidia, they came to
Pamphylia. Now when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down
to Attalia. From there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been
commended to the grace of God for the work which they had completed.
Acts 14:21-26
64 Then comes the High Priesthood, which is the greatest of all. 65
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; 66 Or, in other words,
the Presiding High Priest over the High Priesthood of the Church. 67
From the same comes the administering of ordinances and blessings upon
the church, by the laying on of the hands. 68 Wherefore, the office of
a bishop is not equal unto it; for the office of a bishop is in
administering all temporal things; 69 Nevertheless a bishop must be
chosen from the High Priesthood, unless he is a literal descendant of
Aaron; 70 For unless he is a literal descendant of Aaron he cannot hold
the keys of that priesthood. 71 Nevertheless, a high priest, that is,
after the order of Melchizedek, may be set apart unto the ministering
of temporal things, having a knowledge of them by the Spirit of truth;
72 And also to be a judge in Israel, to do the business of the church,
to sit in judgment upon transgressors upon testimony as it shall be
laid before him according to the laws, by the assistance of his
counselors, whom he has chosen or will choose among the elders of the
church.
Note: Believers will have Jesus Christ as their High Priest.
Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He
Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might
destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release
those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to
bondage. For indeed He does not give aid to angels, but He does give
aid to the seed of Abraham. Therefore, in all things He had to be made
like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest
in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the
people. For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able
to aid those who are tempted. Hebrews 2:14-18
73 This is the duty of a bishop who is not a literal descendant of
Aaron but has been ordained to the High Priesthood after the order of
Melchizedek. 74 Thus shall he be a judge, even a common judge among the
inhabitants of Zion, or in a stake of Zion, or in any branch of the
church where he shall be set apart unto this ministry, until the
borders of Zion are enlarged and it becomes necessary to have other
bishops or judges in Zion or elsewhere. 75 And inasmuch as there are
other bishops appointed, they shall act in the same office. 76 But a
literal descendant of Aaron has a legal right to the presidency of this
priesthood, to the keys of this ministry, to act in the office of
bishop independently, without counselors, except in a case where a
President of the High Priesthood, after the order of Melchizedek, is
tried, to sit as a judge in Israel.
Note: Believers will have Jesus Christ as their High Priest.
Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider
the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus, who was
faithful to Him who appointed Him, as Moses also was faithful in all
His house. For this One has been counted worthy of more glory than
Moses, since He who built the house has more honor than the house. For
every house is built by someone, but He who built all things is God.
And Moses indeed was faithful in all His house as a servant, for a
testimony of those things which would be spoken afterward, but Christ
as a Son over His own house, whose house we are if we hold fast the
confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end. Hebrews 3:1-6
77 And the decision of either of these councils, agreeable to the
commandment which says: 78 Again, verily, I say unto you, the most
important business of the church, and the most difficult cases of the
church, inasmuch as there is not satisfaction upon the decision of the
bishop or judges, it shall be handed over and carried up unto the
council of the church, before the Presidency of the High Priesthood. 79
And the Presidency of the council of the High Priesthood shall have
power to call other high priests, even twelve, to assist as counselors;
and thus the Presidency of the High Priesthood and its counselors shall
have power to decide upon testimony according to the laws of the
church. 80 And after this decision it shall be had in remembrance no
more before the Lord; for this is the highest council of the church of
God, and a final decision upon controversies in spiritual matters. 81
There is not any person belonging to the church who is exempt from this
council of the church.
Note: Believers will have Jesus Christ as their High Priest.
Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the
heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we
do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses,
but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us
therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy
and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16
82 And inasmuch as a President of the High Priesthood shall transgress,
he shall be had in remembrance before the common council of the church,
who shall be assisted by twelve counselors of the High Priesthood; 83
And their decision upon his head shall be an end of controversy
concerning him. 84 Thus, none shall be exempted from the justice and
the laws of God, that all things may be done in order and in solemnity
before him, according to truth and righteousness.
Note: Jesus Christ is the truth.
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6
85 And again, verily I say unto you, the duty of a president over the
office of a deacon is to preside over twelve deacons, to sit in council
with them, and to teach them their duty, edifying one another, as it is
given according to the covenants. 86 And also the duty of the president
over the office of the teachers is to preside over twenty-four of the
teachers, and to sit in council with them, teaching them the duties of
their office, as given in the covenants. 87 Also the duty of the
president over the Priesthood of Aaron is to preside over forty-eight
priests, and sit in council with them, to teach them the duties of
their office, as is given in the covenants— 88 This president is to be
a bishop; for this is one of the duties of this priesthood. 89 Again,
the duty of the president over the office of elders is to preside over
ninety-six elders, and to sit in council with them, and to teach them
according to the covenants. 90 This presidency is a distinct one from
that of the seventy, and is designed for those who do not travel into
all the world. 91 And again, the duty of the President of the office of
the High Priesthood is to preside over the whole church, and to be like
unto Moses—
Note: Believers will have Jesus Christ as their High Priest.
For every high priest taken from among men is appointed for men in
things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices
for sins. He can have compassion on those who are ignorant and going
astray, since he himself is also subject to weakness. Because of this
he is required as for the people, so also for himself, to offer
sacrifices for sins. And no man takes this honor to himself, but he who
is called by God, just as Aaron was. So also, Christ did not glorify
Himself to become High Priest, but it was He who said to Him: “You are
My Son, today I have begotten You.” As He also says in another place:
“You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek”; who,
in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and
supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to
save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear, though He
was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered.
And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to
all who obey Him, called by God as High Priest “according to the order
of Melchizedek,” of whom we have much to say, and hard to explain,
since you have become dull of hearing. Hebrews 5:1-11
92 Behold, here is wisdom; yea, to be a seer, a revelator, a
translator, and a prophet, having all the gifts of God which he bestows
upon the head of the church.
Note: The New Covenant abolished the office of prophet.
“For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.” Matthew 11:13
93 And it is according to the vision showing the order of the Seventy,
that they should have seven presidents to preside over them, chosen out
of the number of the seventy; 94 And the seventh president of these
presidents is to preside over the six; 95 And these seven presidents
are to choose other seventy besides the first seventy to whom they
belong, and are to preside over them; 96 And also other seventy, until
seven times seventy, if the labor in the vineyard of necessity requires
it. 97 And these seventy are to be traveling ministers, unto the
Gentiles first and also unto the Jews. 98 Whereas other officers of the
church, who belong not unto the Twelve, neither to the Seventy, are not
under the responsibility to travel among all nations, but are to travel
as their circumstances shall allow, notwithstanding they may hold as
high and responsible offices in the church. 99 Wherefore, now let every
man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed,
in all diligence. 100 He that is slothful shall not be counted worthy
to stand, and he that learns not his duty and shows himself not
approved shall not be counted worthy to stand. Even so. Amen.
Note: True church leaders will preach Jesus Christ and not be a burden.
For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in
vain. But even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated
at Philippi, as you know, we were bold in our God to speak to you the
gospel of God in much conflict. For our exhortation did not come from
error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit. But as we have been
approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not
as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts. For neither at any time
did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for
covetousness—God is witness. Nor did we seek glory from men, either
from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of
Christ. But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother
cherishes her own children. So, affectionately longing for you, we were
well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our
own lives, because you had become dear to us. For you remember,
brethren, our labor and toil; for laboring night and day, that we might
not be a burden to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God. 1
Thessalonians 2:1-9