No "Power" can be maintained by Virtue of Priest-hood!
NO POWER CAN BE MAINTAINED BY VIRTUE OF THE PRIESTHOOD
You cannot “get” the Priesthood. You cannot “take” the Priesthood upon you. You cannot “hold” the PriestHood. You cannot “Possess” the Priest-Hood. You cannot “control” the Priest-Hood. The Rights TO the Priesthood may be “bestowed” upon you, but not necessarily remain with you in a fullness. You may “Re-Ceive” the “Powers of Heaven” as a Gift from God. You may be possessed “OF” the Priest-Hood. You may “Re-Ceive” the Preist-Hood You may discover these statements to be true, once you understand WHAT the Priest-Hood really IS.
The Priesthood is without beginning of days, nor end of years; it is eternal; it is the very creative Power of God. But it is not what most people think of as “power”. It is not “The Force” talked about in Star Wars. Most of us have not yet discovered real power. It does not come from man, nor by father nor mother. And most men seek it in all the wrong places. In fact, in D&C 121:41 we are told by the Lord that: “NO Power can be maintained by virtue of “The Priesthood”.
We learn by sad experience that almost ALL men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose (for most men it is only a supposition, not a reality), they begin to exercise domination (D&C 121:39) The ONLY “righteous” dominion is God’s dominion, as ONLY God is righteous. As Paul said: There are none righteous, no, not one. There are none that seeketh after God”. As soon as the carnal idea of “authority”, or compulsion, or dominion is sought, or as soon as any particular aspect of natural man ego comes into the picture, then the Powers of Heaven are NOT present. The will and ego of that man or woman must first be surrendered to God; and all ego pride or Self-ish thoughts laid aside in preference to having one’s eye single upon God and His (God’s) Righteousness. What then are the “Powers of Heaven”?
This is why most men do not have power to heal sicknesses or raise the dead, or cast out d-evils, or to do the real work of God – that of bringing souls unto Him.
This is also why many women are able to be healers and to bless their loved ones with the blessings of God. It is a condition of one’s heart and a direction of intent and focus.
That we are eternal, divine, and powerful beings is a fact, and is not of question, but when the carnal or natural man Self comes into the picture, to gratify our ego pride or to cover our sins (anything of Self, rather than “of” God), or to exercise control or compulsion in any degree upon others, then we are in the state of being an “enemy” TO God and will not enjoy any Power to any significant degree. And it is important to point out here that the Lord told us all that we are under the bondage of Sin, even the whole world (D&C 84:49). Therefore, we may safely guess that there is very little “Priest-Hood” within us – -- unless we Re-Ceive it from God.
Let me underscore this thought with the words of Elder Neal A. Maxwell from his book “Notwithstanding my Weakness”:
“Only to the extent that we put off the natural man (through Christ) can we abide (Re-Ceive) the “Presence” of God and see God (D&C 67:10-12) Likewise, ONLY when we put off the natural man and become saints (sanctified through the At-ONE-ing power of Christ) can we then have access to the “Powers of Heaven” and handle them properly. No longer would we then (attempt) to use power and “Authority” to “cover our sins” or to “Gratify our pride (ego)”, or our “Vain Ambition”. No longer would we “Exercise control or dominion or compulsion up the souls of the children of men, in ANY degree of unrighteousness.” (D&C 121:39) Who would care to tally the misery in human history resulting from the unrighteous use of “power” whether in peer pressure or Dictatorships? Rather, having so responded to the “enticings of the Spirit” we would find that if: “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 121:46 ONLY as we become partakers (Re-Ceive) of the Divine Nature are we qualified to be Partakers of “Divine Power”. (Notwithstanding my Weakness, Pg. 73-76)
In D&C 50, the Lord says one must be cleansed and sanctified of ALL sin (Self); otherwise, the power to bless and give to others is not ours to “exercise” or utilize to benefit God or others. This doctrine (or understanding) must distill upon our soul as the dews from heaven or we may never understand nor “Re-ceive” the actual “powers of Heaven”; which must be “Re-ceived” and handled only upon the principles of “righteousness”.
D&C 50:13 “Wherefore, I the Lord, ask you this question: Unto WHAT were ye ordained? To preach by the POWER OF “MY” SPIRIT, even “THE Comforter”.
26-29 He that is ordained of God and sent forth, 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, (He is) the Life and the Light, the Spirit and the POWER, sent forth by the will of the Father - Jesus Christ, his Son. But no man is (or can be) possessor of all things except he be purified and cleansed from all sin. And IF ye are purified and cleansed from all sin, ye shall ask whatsoever you will, IN the “NAME” of Jesus, and it shall be done.”
What do we learn from this Statement by the Lord? Is there any one of you who claim to be “Sinless”, or purified and cleansed from ALL sin? “For all have sinned and come short of the Glory of God” (Romans 3) “And if ye are guilty of one point of the Law, ye are guilty of ALL the Law.” (James 2:10) Do we not yet understand that all “the Life and Light, the Spirit AND the Power are ONLY sent forth by the will of the Father THROUGH Jesus Christ”? Christ is not ONLY our Savior and Lord Omnipotent and Omniscient and Omni-Present, but He is also “the Least and Servant of ALL and possessor and Creator of all things from the beginning! And since you were “ordained” to Preach by the POWER OF MY SPIRIT”, unless you are sanctified by the Re-Ception of the Holy Ghost, ye are NOT cleansed and purified of the Natural Man ego enough to preach by the Power of the Spirit, nor to “Re-Ceive” Powers from Heaven to be even the LEAST Servant of all.
Now regarding the “Power” of the Priesthood, I suggest that most men who believe they “Hold” the Priesthood, do not, in fact, “possess” or “hold” the Priest-Hood (Since what the Priest-Hood is cannot be “held” or “possessed”) And incidentally, there is no such thing as “righteous” dominion over other children of God. If God would not dominate you, why would you think you can dominate others?
The Lord in D&C 121 clarifies two related but separate aspects about the “Priesthood”: 1. The “rights” TO the Priesthood may be conferred upon us it is true. 2. The actual spiritual “Powers of Heaven” is that aspect that may only be “Re-ceived” by yielding one’s heart unto God. That the “Rights” to the Priesthood are separate from the Powers of Heaven becomes clear when we study the following three scriptures”:
D&C 121:34-46 Behold, there are many called, but few ARE chosen. And why ARE they not chosen?
35 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—
36 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 (God).
37 That they (rights to the Priesthood) may be conferred upon us, it is true; but when we undertake to cover our sins (Self), or to gratify our pride (Self), our vain ambition (Self), or to exercise control or dominion (Self) 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 (The “Spirit) is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood (and) the (supposed) “authority” of that man.
38 Behold, ere he is aware, he is left unto him self, to kick against the pricks, to persecute the saints, and to fight against God.
39 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.
40 Hence many ARE called, but few ARE chosen.
41 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;
42 By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile—
43 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;
44 That he may know that thy faithfulness is stronger than the cords of death.
45 Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue (light) 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.
46 The Holy Ghost (Spirit) shall be thy constant companion, and thy scepter an unchanging scepter of Righteousness and Truth; and thy dominion shall be an shall be an everlasting dominion, and “WITHOUT COMPULSORY MEANS, IT (?) SHALL FLOW UNTO THEE FOREVER AND EVER.”
Now, verse 46 Indicates that Priest-Hood has something to do with The Holy Spirit being our constant companion, then we need to learn more about who the Holy Spirit is and tie The Holy Spirit to Reception of the Priest-Hood by means of the following scriptures: D&C 20: 60 “Every elder, Priest, teacher is to be ORDAINED by the power of the Holy Ghost (Spirit), which is “IN” the one who ordains him/her.”
Moroni 3: 4 And after this manner did they “Ordain” priest and teachers, according to the gifts and callings of God unto (them), and they ordained them by the Power of the HOLY GHOST, which was IN them.
D&C 29: 30-31 All things whatsoever have I created by the WORD of the My Power, which IS the Power of My Spirit! 36. which is My Honor.
D&C 50:13 “Wherefore, I the Lord, ask you this question: Unto WHAT were ye ordained? To preach by the POWER OF MY SPIRIT, even THE Comforter.
D&C 128: 8-12 Now, the nature of this ordainance consists in the POWER of the priesthood, BY the revelation of Jesus Christ, wherein it is granted that whatsoever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatsoever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Or, in other words, taking a different view of the translation, whatsoever you record on earth shall be recorded in heaven, and whatsoever you do not record on earth shall not be recorded in heaven; for out of the books shall your dead be judged, according to their own works, whether they themselves have attended to the ordinances in their own propria persona, or by the means of their own agents, according to the ord(a)inance which God has prepared for their salvation from before the foundation of the world, according to the records which they have kept concerning their dead.
9 It may seem to some to be a very bold doctrine that we talk of — a power which records or binds on earth and binds in heaven. Nevertheless, in all ages of the world, whenever the Lord has given a dispensation of the priest-hood to any man by actual revelation (re-unveil), or any set of men, this power has always been given. Hence, whatsoever those men did in authority, in the “Name” of the Lord, and did it truly and faithfully, and kept a proper and faithful record of the same, it became a law on earth and in heaven, and could not be annulled, according to the decrees of the great Jehovah. This is a faithful saying. Who can hear it?
10 And again, for the precedent, Matthew 16:18, 19: And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
11 Now THE GREAT AND GRAND SECRET of the whole matter, and the summum bonum of the whole subject that is lying before us, consists in obtaining (Re-Ceiving) the POWERS of the Holy Priest-Hood. For him to whom these keys are given there is no difficulty in obtaining (receiving) a knowledge of facts in relation to the salvation of the children of men, both as well for the dead as for the living.
12 Herein is glory and honor, and immortality and eternal life—The ord(a)inance of baptism by water, to be immersed therein in order to answer to the likeness of the dead (Natural man), that one principle might accord with the other; to be immersed in the water and come forth out of the water is in the likeness of the resurrection of the dead in coming forth out of their graves (INTO Christ); hence, this ordinance was instituted to form a relationship with the ordinance of baptism for the dead, being in “likeness” of the dead.
13 Consequently, the baptismal font was instituted as a similitude of the grave, and was commanded to be in a place underneath where the living are wont to assemble, to show forth the living and the dead, and that all things may have their likeness, and that they may accord one with another—that which is earthly conforming to that which is heavenly, as Paul hath declared, 1 Corinthians 15:46, 47, and 48:
14 Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. The first man is of the earth, earthy (THE NATURAL MAN); the second man is the Lord from Heaven (within you – Colossians 1:27, Acts 17:30). As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy; and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. And as are the records on the earth in relation to your dead, which are truly made out, so also are the records in heaven (inside). This, therefore, IS THE SEALING AND BINDING POWER, and, in one sense of the word, the KEYS of the kingdom, which consist in the KEY of KNOWLEDGE (of God).
D&C 84: 13-27 Abraham “Re-Ceived” the (Patriarchal?) priest-Hood from Melchizedek, who Re-Ceived it through the lineage of his fathers, even till Noah;
15 And from Noah till Enoch, through the lineage of their fathers;
16 And from Enoch to Abel, who was slain by the conspiracy of his brother, who Re-Ceived the priest-hood by the commendment OF God, by the hand of his father Adam, who was the first man—
17 Which priest-Hood continueth in the “church” of God in all generations, and is without beginning of days or end of years.
18 And the Lord confirmed “A” priest-Hood also upon Aaron and his seed, throughout all their generations, which priesthood also continueth and abideth forever with the priesthood which is after the holiest order of God.
19 And this greater Priest-Hood administereth the Gospel (Glad Tidings) 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 (shown, NOT given).
21 And without the ord(a)inances thereof, and the author-ity of the priesthood, the “POWER” of godliness is NOT manifest (shown) 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 (Be & Hold) the Face of God;
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 Fullness of his Glory.
25 Therefore, he took Moses out of their midst, and the Holy “Priest-hood” (Holy Order) also;
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 (Spirit) in his mother’s womb. (John’s Priest-Hood has a lot to do with being filled with the Holy Spirit)
Note clearly from these three scriptures that “POWER” is something DIFFERENT from the “Rights to” the Priesthood, which “Rights to” are given upon Ordaination TO the Priest-hood. This Ordaination bestows “RIGHTS TO” ---- but not “POWER OF”. TO is a word meaning UNTO or “shall be”. “OF” is a word meaning Possession by - right now. This is similar to when someone’s hands are laid upon our head and we are told to “Re-Ceive” the Holy Ghost. That statement is an injunction or direction to go forward and actually “Re-Ceive” the Holy Ghost. It is: to be Possessed by the Holy Spirit. IT is a bestowal OF the Holy Spirit – which is the real Power of God as pointed out previously. NO MAN CAN DEMAND THE HOLY SPIRIT to do anything. The Holy Spirit is NOT under dominion or direction of any man. The Holy Spirit will come upon a person WHEN he or she is ready to “RE-CEIVE” that UNSPEAKABLE Gift – but not necessarily remain upon that person.
This was verified in the Autobiography of Parley P. Pratt when the Prophet Joseph Smith separated the idea of laying on of hands to the “rights TO the Priest-hood”, which some men think supposedly that means they can heal the sick (which does not normally work) and contrasting that with the Powers of God = which ALWAYS heals the sick, or else seals them up unto the next life:
Autobiography of Parley P Pratt Page 254 I accompanied Joseph Smith over the Mississippi to Montrose. Here many were lying sick and at the point of death. Among these was my old friend, Elijah Fordham. He was now in the last stage of a deadly fever. He lay prostrate and nearly speechless, with his feet poulticed; his eyes were sunk in their sockets; his flesh was gone; the paleness of death was upon him; and he was hardly to be distinguished from a corpse. His wife was weeping over him, and preparing clothes for his burial. Brother Joseph took him by the hand, and in a voice and energy which would seemingly have raised the dead, he cried: "BROTHER FORDHAM, IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST, ARISE AND WALK." It was a voice which could be heard from house to house and through the neighborhood. It was like the roaring of a lion, or the heavy thunderbolt. Brother Fordham leaped from his dying bed in an instant, shook the poultices and bandages from his feet, put on his clothes so quick that none got a chance to assist him, and taking a cup of tea and a little refreshment, he walked with us from house to house visiting other sick beds, and joining in prayer and ministrations for them, while the people followed us, and with joy and amazement gave glory to God. Several more were called up in a similar manner and were healed. Brother Joseph, while in the Spirit, rebuked the Elders (ordained TO the “rights” TO the Priesthood) who would continue to lay hands on the sick from day to day WITHOUT THE “POWER” to heal them. Said he: "It is time that such things ended. Let the Elders either obtain (Re-Ceive) the Power of God to heal the sick or let them CEASE to minister the forms WITHOUT THE POWER." (This indicates that they had not yet Re-Ceived the Powers of Heaven).
Then Pres. George Q. Cannon pointed out:
More Than Ordination Necessary
“If men or women become members of the Church and “Re-ceive” the Holy Ghost (Spirit), their work does not end there; it has hardly begun. They have taken merely the first steps and have scarcely passed the threshold, and before them is stretched out a field of labor of unlimited extent. If men have been ordained, the mere “ordination” does NOT bestow upon them all the “Knowledge” and “Power” they need, only as they live for it, constantly striving? to (Re-ceive) it by the cultivation of that which they already have in their possession (The Spirit).
It is folly for any man to think that the Priesthood will be a source of advantage (self benefit) or honor (vanity) to him or that it will increase his knowledge or his influence, if he himself does not apply himself to the labor by diligently seeking for these blessings by faith. So with members. If they do not cultivate the Holy Spirit, it will NOT increase in them; neither will the “GIFTS” and “blessings” of the (Lord) increase within them.“(Gospel Truth by George Q Cannon Page 229-230 Aug. 24, 1861, MS 23:538) (See how Pres. Cannon ties the Holy Spirit to the Gifts and Blessings of the Lord??)
And furthermore, we are instructed by our Lord: D&C 20:60 “Every elder, priest, teacher, or deacon is to be ordained according to the gifts and callings OF God unto him; and he is to be ordained by the power of the Holy Ghost (Spirit), which is “IN” the one who ordains him.”
THerefore, if the power of the Holy Spirit is Not “IN” the one who ordains, then the ordaination is of none effect. Ordainations are completed and perfected by the Holy Spirit of Promise. – See D&C 132:7
Now please note again that Joseph had said that even though the “elders” had been ordained UNTO the Priesthood, that did NOT mean that they had any “POWER”. And President Cannon explained that “mere ordaination does NOT bestow Knowledge or “POWER”. And that if they do not cultivate the Holy Spirit, they will NOT have the gifts and blessings – which includes actual Knowledge and power they seek.
The word “ordain” is a verb meaning “to bestow, to endow, to gift, to establish upon or within”. The noun which describes that action of “ordain” would then either be ordain-ance or ordain-ment or ordain-ation. We don’t use the noun form “ordain-ment”, but the other two are shortened by removing the “a” to become ord(a)inance or ord(a)ination. They both refer to the action of bestowal, endowment, gift or establishment within or upon. And it is critical to understand that while a gift or bestowal may be offered to us, we are NEVER compelled to “Re-ceive” that gift or bestowal from God, but, in fact, we may choose consciously or subconsciously to reject or ignore the Gift.
D&C 88:33 What doth it profit a man if a Gift is bestowed upon him and he “Re-Ceive” NOT the gift? He neither rejoices in the Gift, nor in the Giver of the Gift.
Please know then that the word “Ordinance” being an abbreviation of “Ordain” which means “To Bestow a Gift”, then all ordinance rituals are merely symbolic representations of what must yet be bestowed by God upon us as a spiritual reality – such as Baptism (Immersion) of FIRE (Pure Light) and the Holy Spirit.
See D&C 95: 8; D&C 38:32,38; D&C 105:11 “I (Christ) design to “endow” you with Power “FROM ON HIGH”
That is the only way it can come - “From Christ, From ON High” – not from natural man earthly beings.
Or, on the other hand, we may choose to grab at what we “suppose” to be authority (because our minds are on power for Self) - to compel others or to consume it upon our lustful egotistical pride as possessing something that makes us superior to others and therefore “worthy” of praise and adoration of others. Fortunately all such authority or contrived superiority, sooner or later, are discovered by others; and the supposed authority or superiority is seen as merely the illusion that is in the natural man mind of the one attempting to wield it, as a sort of sword, over the heads of others in order to cover their sin or ego pride; and the true powerlessness of that enemy TO God within.
Then the respect and esteem and honor sought by such attempts to use power for Self turns to ashes and the one wielding this is seen as the emperor who is without any clothes and merely a fake and phony. The taking or grabbing of power to oneself is the anti-thesis of Priesthood and is a selfish prideful natural man attitude coming from a heart that is low on love and light, and proves one, indeed, to be an “enemy” to God.
Force or compulsion is always destructive, no matter how you look at it. And we have learned by sad experience that THIS belief in Force or Compulsion is the nature of almost ALL Men. And as Paul said: “The natural man cannot understand (or Re-ceive) the things of God.” The idea that the Priest-hood is authority to dominate or wield and control or rule and reign is egotistical foolishness, and is an idea created in the minds of men by the lord of all phonies and chief liar of all liars, the greatest fool before God --- the natural man Self. And please note in Verse 41 of D&C 121 what the Lord said about Power and Priest-hood: D&C 121:41. “No power can be maintained by virtue of the priesthood.”
NO POWER CAN BE MAINTAINED BY PRIESTHOOD! So when we think that Priesthood is Authoritative power, then we, sadly, will find ourselves among those who “suppose” that they have power. And we too will then proceed to exercise dominion or domination over others. There is only one “AUTHOR” – Christ our King and Lord Omnipotent – who created all things and who holds all things in proper order. The very idea of what we call human “author-ity” IS unrighteous dominion, which most men, sadly, when they supposedly obtain a little supposed “author-ity, begin to exercise their Ego self upon others in an attempt to have control or “domination”.
We must point out here what the Lord said about all ordination or ordainances that may by offered or bestowed – that being that: 1. We must always choose of our own free will to “re-ceive” the bestowal, gift or endowment. God will force no one, and;
2. As stated in D&C 132:7 that ALL ordainances, performances, covenants, oaths, and connections are on NO effect unless they are sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise. This will keep all fakers, and phonies, and power mongers, and dictators, and control freaks, and Pharisees, and frauds from obtaining any of the Power of God found in the Holy Spirit.
Now it is critically important to understand that President George Q. Cannon’s statement, “the mere ordination does NOT bestow upon them all the knowledge and power they need” applies to any and all ord(a)inances whether it be baptism or priesthood or marriage in a temple dedicated to the Glory of God (What is the Glory of God). The bestowal of the gift must be “Re-ceived” AND “sealed” - for it to be of any effect. As D&C 132:7 indicates, it must also be “Sealed” upon by the Holy Spirit of Promise. Be aware that the Holy Spirit of Promise is NOT a mortal man. Hence the statement by the Lord: “The great and grand secret of the priesthood is found in obtaining (or “Re-ceiving”) the actual “Powers” thereof”:
D&C 128: 11 “Now the great and grand secret of the whole matter, and the summum bonum of the whole subject that is lying before us, consists in obtaining (Re-Ceiving) the “Powers” of the Holy Priesthood. For him to whom these keys are given there is no difficulty in obtaining a knowledge of facts in relation to the salvation of the children of men, both as well for the dead as for the living.
12 Herein is Glory and honor, and immortality and eternal life.”
(Now that you know that the “secret” is in finding the “Powers”, which are not bestowed by anyone but God, then you can begin to humble your Self before God, to actually “Re-Ceive” those “Powers” from God – and ONLY God.)
Most men who “suppose” they possess “Priesthood”, in fact, are walking in darkness at noonday and have sinned a grievous sin before Me, saith the Lord. They have taken honor unto themselves. They are called, but never choose to be “chosen”.
D&C 95: 5 But behold, verily I say unto you, that there are many who have been “ordained” (bestowed the Rights TO) among you, whom I have called but few of them ARE chosen.
6 They who are not chosen have sinned a very grievous sin, in that they “ARE” walking in darkness at noon-day.
Now that we have discussed what Priest-Hood is not, let’s take a little time to discuss what the Priest-Hood is, and has been since the beginning of time, and will remain forever, without end.
There is only one “power” in God’s great universe that will remain and never fail. There is only one Power that is creative and not destructive in any form. All things have been created by this “power” and all things become new by this “power”. There is only one ”power” that blesses, uplifts, inspires, reveals, enriches, beautifies, enlightens, and creates. There is only one “power” that all creation chooses to align with and surrender to and be organized by and be unified with. Nothing lasts and has veracity without this “power”. It is also important to “See” this “power” through eternal eyes or Glasses. If we are looking at Power with telestial, carnal eyes or from the perspective of the Tree of Knowledge of Good AND Evil ladder climbing glasses, our great and Spacious building windows, we will only see the power of force – which is ALWAYS destructive. From this perspective, we can only see power as a “force”. God is not and does not use this “Power” of Force. Force is the anti-thesis of what God is. God is Love and ONLY uses the Creative Power of Love.
When we finally choose to move from forceful fighting on the Tree of Knowledge, then we are free to move into the Tree of Life perspective – that of Pure Love of Christ. We begin to “See” through the “eyes” of Christ, who is ALWAYS with us and within us.
Can you therefore guess what this endless Divine creative enriching and unifying at-One-ing power is? Nothing happens to us that is not sent to help us learn more about the Eternal nature of this “Power”.
If you cannot guess, then I will gift you a clue: both Paul and Mormon said that ALL things will fail except this Divine “Gift”. And they both said that, by this Power, ALL fear would be cast away, thereby unveiling the “Glory” of God and revealing the illusion of the natural man and chasing away ALL darkness – for darkness cannot remain in the presence of Light and Love.
D&C 88: 24 That which is OF God is Light, and he that Re-ceiveth Light, and continueth in God, receiveth more Light; and that Light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day.
25 And again, verily I say unto you, and I say it that you may know the “Truth” (Christ), that you may chase darkness from among you;
When the Lord says ALL things will fail – He really means that ALL Things will Fail. Knowledge will fail; prophecy will fail, all forms and rituals will fail; Self esteem and Self Righteousness will fail. Faith to move mountains will fail without this “Gift”; compulsion and control (including Self control) will fail; All Self-Reliance will fail; food storage and savings will fail; all governing power will fail, all attempts to get or wrest power over others will fail; all attempts to “earn” salvation or win God’s blessings even to the extent of sacrificing one’s life to obtain it, will fail. Giving your ALL to the poor or to God will fail if done to obtain blessings for Self, or power to enrich oneself or have advantage over others. Any attempt to obtain “all that the Father hath” will fail. All “Law” will fail; all self-knowledge will fail. The corporate organizations of men, including the preparatory church will fail. Any attempts to win by cleverness or subtlety, or sheer knowledge, or wits, or striving, or even reasoning with the Lord will fail – because it is all natural man ego or “Self” based. All acts of duty bound service will fail; any action that has ego Self involved will ultimately fail, no matter how good we feel at the time. In short, ALL things will fail, except _______________!
Moroni 7:44 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 (Spirit) 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(Pure Love) 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 (Pure) Love (OF Christ), which He bestows upon all who are true followers of His Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may BE the sons of God; that when He shall appear we shall BE like Him, for we shall see Him as (who) He is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified (by Him) even as He IS pure. Amen.
This is what Priest-Hood is. It is the “Name” of God (as pointed out in Abraham 1:18). It is not something that God merely possesses, but rather something that God IS. It is not found by method or ritual or by sheer hard labor. It is present in and through ALL things and yet it is NOT recognized by much of creation -- especially man. And yet, all things exist by it and are held in proper organization by it, and without it we would not exist. The more you try to get it, the more it will elude your grasp. It cannot be possessed nor contained, but merely “Re-ceived” by those who love God with all their hearts and have an eye SINGLE to God’s glory, (NOT Self Glory). It is the Power by which God organized ALL creation (and by which all creation willingly stays in that organized form). Without this Gift of God, things fall apart. It is the very “Name” of God; the very essence of God; the very being-ness of God. Through it comes forth the divine qualities of mercy, grace, forgiveness, unity of heart, gratefulness, kindness, gentleness. It is the very source and fountain of God’s Righteousness. It is the Power of the Spirit of God; the “Word” of MY Power, by which all things were created.
D&C 29:30-31 30 But remember that all my judgments are NOT given unto men; and as the words have gone forth out of my mouth even so shall they be fulfilled, that the first shall be last, and that the last shall be first. In all things whatsoever I have created by “The Word of My Power”, which is the Power of “My Spirit”.
32 First spiritual, secondly temporal, which is the beginning of my work; and again, first temporal, and secondly spiritual, which is the last of my work— (Have you ever thought about “who” My Spirit” is - that created ALL things?)
If the Power of the Holy Spirit is the Power to create and organize ALL Things, then it certainly can Heal all things, and luminate and EN-Lighten All Things and reveal ALL things to our view and understanding, and raise the Dead, and resurrect all beings, and quicken ALL Things, and keep us from being deceived by those wicked ones.
Consider then that Priest-Hood – is a “Hood”, the Garment of Light, a wedding garment, placed upon us by our Bridegroom the Only One from whom we may Re-Ceive the wedding Garment. It is a mantle of “creative” power (Since we are co-creators with Christ, the Word). It is the mantle of Charity:
D&C 88:125 “And above all things, clothe yourselves with… Charity (Pure Love of Christ), as with a mantle, which is the bond of perfectness and Peace.” And what is really fun is to know that ALL genders of His children may Re-Ceive this Garment of Light, mantle of Pure Love – to bless us and everyone around us. Have you Re-Ceived this Mighty Change? Do you feel to sing the SONG of Redeeming Love that He has bestowed (ordained) upon you. Also consider what Paul invited us ALL to Re-Ceive: “Yea, put ye ON the Lord Jesus Christ” Romans 13: He is The garment of Light and Life and Love and Peace and Perfectness and Joy that we are invited as His bride to “Put On”.
The fullness of this Priesthood is described in D&C 50 wherein is explained that this Power will not be present, in a fullness, unless one is cleansed of All unrighteousness (ego self) by the Blood of the Lamb:
D&C 50:13 Wherefore, I the Lord ask you this question—unto what were ye ordained?
26 He (Christ), 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.
27 Wherefore,(The Spirit) 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.
29 And if ye are purified and cleansed from all sin, ye shall ask whatsoever you will in the name of Jesus and it shall be done.
Then the Lord explains in clarity the very purpose and function and blessing of “Re-Ceiving” this Power.
D&C 107: 18 The power of the higher, or Melchizedek Priesthood (after the Order of The Son), is to hold (since very possibly Joseph did not write this, that the word if not “hold” but rather Re-ceive and share?) the “keys” of all the spiritual blessings of the church—
19 To have the privilege of “Re-Ceiving” 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 (facilitator/Originator?) of the New Covenant.
20 The power and authority of the lesser, or Aaronic Priesthood, is to hold the keys to the ministering of angels, and to administer in outward ordinances, the letter of the (Preparatory) gospel, the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins, agreeable to the covenants and commandments.
JST Genesis 14:9 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,
28 It being after the (Holy) Order of the Son of God; which (Holy) 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”. (My Voice is Spirit)
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.
32 And men/women having this faith, coming up unto this (Holy) Order of God, were translated and taken up into heaven. (there are NOT only men in heaven, but women as well)
33 And now, Melchizedek (Melek-Tsaddick in Hebrew) 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 (2021?), 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.
Let us marvel at what the Lord told us here in these verses:
The “Keys” that we talk about being held by those ordained by God himself, are “Keys” to open a door into the marvelous gifts showered upon all those who will Re-ceive of: 1. To “Minister” (Share) ALL The Spiritual Blessings – ALL Gifts of “The Spirit”
2. The Privilege to Re-Ceive the Mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven.
3. The blessing to have the heavens opened to them
4. The blessing to be able to commune with the General Assembly and Church of The FIRSTBORN (Christ).
5. The blessing to En-Joy communion and the “PRESENCE” of God the Father and Jesus (the Son in the Flesh).
6. To break or Move mountains, to divide the seas, to dry up waters, to turn them out of their course;
7. To put at defiance the armies of nations, to divide the earth, to break every band, to stand (or Live) in the Presence of God; to do all things according to his will,
8: To Raise the dead, to be Translated, to Preach the Glad Tidings of Christ by the Power of the Holy Spirit.
The purpose of this “Gift”, this greater Priest-hood, is to bring us unto the Presence of, and Oneness with, God. Wow! If a stake president or bishop or elders quorum president thinks that he “Holds” these keys, then he better know what those keys are for, and he better share those keys with everyone he possibly can – otherwise he is “WITHHOLDING” these keys back from God’s children, and he will suffer in his own egotistical hell for “Withholding” the keys from others.
Further, the Power of the Lesser Priesthood is to hold “keys” for: 1. Ministering of Angels.
2. A calling to Ad-minister (oversee – very different from “Minister”) in outward (physical Symbolic) Ordinances, and The Letter of the gospel law (Which kills – see 1 Corinthians ), and the Baptism of Re-Pent-ance for Remission of Sins. (How many of us have been taught what the “Baptism of Re-Pentance” is?
The purpose of this “Gift”, this greater Priest-hood, is to bring us unto the Presence of, and Oneness with, God.
In Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith page 159, the Prophet Joseph said that “Adam poured out this blessing upon his posterity to bring them (back) unto the Presence of God; and Moses sought to bring the children of Israel unto the “Presence” of God through the Power (not authority) of the Priesthood, but they would not”. In fact, in D&C 84 we are shown that:
23 Now this Moses plainly taught to the children of Israel in the wilderness, and sought diligently to sanctify his people that they might Be-Hold the Face of God;
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 Fullness of his Glory (Light, Love, Spirit).
25 Therefore, he took Moses out of their midst, and the Holy Priest-hood also;
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 (Spirit) from his mother’s womb. (this is a key to understanding the “Priest-Hood” which John Re-Ceived – he was referred to as Elijah by Christ our Lord)
The Prophet Joseph likewise sought diligently to bring the so-called saints unto the “Presence” of God, but they would not. Neither Joseph nor Moses desired to withhold this blessing, but desired that ALL should “Re-ceive” it.
In Alma 13 Alma entreats us all to be brought into this Holy Order” and enter into the “Rest” of God (which “Rest” is explained in D&C 84 as the Fullness of His “Glory”).
Alma 13: 1 And again, my brethren, I would cite your minds forward to the time when the Lord God gave these commandments unto His children; and I would that ye should remember that the Lord God (The Lord God is NOT a mere man) ordained priests, after His Holy Order, which was after the Order of His Son, to teach these things unto the people.
2 And those priests were ordained after the Order of His Son, in a manner that thereby the people might know in what manner to look forward to his Son for redemption.
3 And this is the manner after which they were ordained—being called and prepared from the foundation of the world according to the foreknowledge of God, on account of their exceeding faith and good works; in the first place being left to choose good or evil; therefore they having chosen good (a Hebrew word meaning Love), and exercising exceedingly great faith, are called with a holy calling, yea, with that holy calling which was prepared with, and according to, a preparatory redemption for such.
4 And thus they have been called to this holy calling on account of their faith, while others would reject the Spirit of God on account of the hardness of their hearts and blindness of their minds, while, if it had not been for this they might have had as great privilege as their brethren.
5 Or in fine, in the first place they were on the same standing with their brethren; thus this holy calling being prepared from the foundation of the world for such as would not harden their hearts, being in and through the At-One-ment of the Only Begotten Son, who was prepared—
6 And thus being called by this Holy calling, and ordained unto the high priesthood of the Holy Order of God, to teach his commandments unto the children of men, that they also might enter into His Rest.
7 This high Priest-hood being after the order of his Son, which order was from the foundation of the world; or in other words, being without beginning of days or end of years, being prepared from eternity to all eternity, according to his foreknowledge of all things—
8 Now they were ordained after this manner—being called with a Holy calling, and ordained with a Holy ord(a)inance, and taking upon them the high priesthood of the “Holy” order, which calling, and ordainance, and high Priest-hood, is without beginning or end (What this Priest-Hood is, has no beginning and will NEVER Fail) —
9 Thus they become high Priests forever, after the Order of the Son, the Only Begotten of the Father, who is without beginning of days or end of years, who is full of grace, equity, and truth. And thus it is. Ah-men.
10 Now, as I said concerning the “Holy” order, or this high Priest-hood, there were many who were ordained and became high priests of God; and it was on account of their exceeding faith (in Christ) and repentance (from Self), and their righteousness before God, they choosing to repent and work (Gods) righteousness rather than to perish;
11 Therefore they were called after this “Holy” order, and were sanctified, and their garments were washed white through the blood of the Lamb (what is the “Blood” of the Lamb of God?).
12 Now they, after being sanctified by the Holy Ghost (Spirit), having their garments made white, being pure and spotless before God, could not look upon sin save it were with abhorrence; and there were many, exceedingly great many, who were made pure and entered into the Rest of the Lord their God.
13 And now, my brethren, I would that ye should humble yourselves before God, and bring forth fruit meet for Re-Pent-ance, that ye may also enter into that Rest.
14 Yea, humble yourselves even as the people in the days of Melchizedek, who was also a high priest after this same order which I have spoken, who also (Re-Ceived) upon him the high priesthood forever.
16 Now these ord(a)inances were given after this manner, that thereby the people might look forward on the Son of God, it being a type of His order, or it being His order, and this that they might look forward to him for a remission of their sins, that they might enter into THE REST of the Lord.
(Please note the emphasis in this passage of explanation of how to Re-Ceive” the Holy Order, that it is IN AND THROUGH THE At-One-ment of “The Only Begotten Son” and that the Holy Order IS the Order of “THE SON”. (The very idea that one could obtain or achieve or earn this Order, in any way without “Re-Ceiving Redemption through the Son or anywhere else besides FROM the Son, is sheer folly and egotistical stupidity.)
This “Gift” is inherent in the daughters of God and is cultivated and utilized by their tendency toward charitable, loving feelings for others. It is likewise diminished for women as they become more selfish and ego oriented. This Gift diminishes for anyone who gravitates toward Self or ego or Possessions or obtaining praise or Position or Power for Self.
Generally, but not specifically, men need more schooling and experience in serving others to bring them to this divine nature, because for some reason, known to God, generally men are more natural-man oriented and find it harder to surrender to God’s Love. Men generally insist upon showing identity of Self by seeking for Position and Power through the function of the Natural Man ego and one’s own “strength”. We think it is a position of Power and Strength to show how well I can do it my self; hence the tendency toward Power through “authority”, and through the tendency to ignore the offering by the Savior to save and redeem and perfect us. Men, many times need to learn, by the things which they suffer, to surrender to the Love of God. And hence, service to others can bring a man closer to God’s love as his heart is softened. If he remains in his natural man ego, and in power and position seeking, then he will remain walking in darkness at noonday and will NEVER find the “power” of God’s Love.
Unto what were you ordained? The Lord asks this question to all who are called to “Re-ceive” this eternal unstoppable power of His love. And then He answers succinctly what we may be called to do and by what “Power” it is done. “TO PREACH MY GOSPEL, BY THE POWER OF MY SPIRIT.” (D&C 50:14)
What is the Power of My Spirit, but the Power of God’s Love?
D&C 20:60 Every elder, priest, teacher, or deacon is to be ordained according to the gifts and callings of God unto him; and he IS TO BE Ordained by the “Power” of the Holy Ghost(Spirit), which is “IN” the one who ordains him.
And what is “My Gospel”? Here are some clues.
John 3:16 “God so LOVED the world that He gave His Only Begotten Son, that whoso BELEIVETH in Him should NOT perish but (Rather) have Eternal Life. God sent NOT His son (in flesh) into the World to Condemn the world, but that they ALL might be saved through Him (the Son, our Creator).
Then in D&C 76 He explained this again very pointedly:
D&C 76: 40 And THIS IS THE GOSPEL. the Glad Tidings, which the voice out of the heavens bore record unto us—
41 That He came into the world, even Jesus, to be crucified for the world (all of us), and to bear the sins of the world, and to sanctify the world, and to cleanse it (us) from all unrighteousness;
43 Who glorifies the Father, and saves all the works of His Hands, except those sons of perdition who deny (and crucify afresh) the Son after the Father has revealed Him.
And in D&C 33:12 Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, THIS IS MY GOSPEL: remember that they shall have faith in Me or they can in nowise be saved;
13 And upon this rock I will build my church; yea, upon this rock ye are built, and if ye continue, the gates of hell shall not prevail against you. (Are you trying to enter “into hell” --- or exit “out”?)
And in 3 Nephi 27: 3 Nephi 27: 13 Behold I have given unto you My Gospel, and THIS IS THE GOSPEL which I have given unto you—that I came into the world to do the will of my Father, because my Father sent me.
14 And my Father sent me that I might be lifted up upon the cross; and after that I had been lifted up upon the cross, that I might draw all men unto me, 15 And for this cause have I been lifted up; therefore, according to the power of the Father I will draw all men unto Me, that they may be judged according to THEIR (Natural Man) works.
16 And it shall come to pass, that whoso repenteth (Re-Turn to God) and is baptized (immersed) IN my NAME shall be filled; and if he endureth to the end, behold, him will I hold guiltless before my Father at that day when I shall stand to judge the world.
17 And he that endureth not unto the end, the same is he that is also hewn down and cast into the fire, from whence they can no more return, because of the justice of the Father.
18 And this is the Word which he hath given unto the children of men. And for this cause he fulfilleth the words which He hath given, and He lieth not, but fulfilleth all His word.
19 And no unclean thing can enter into his kingdom; therefore NOTHING entereth into his Rest save it be those who have washed their garments in my blood, because of their faith, and the Re-Pentance of all their sins, and their faith-fullness unto the end.
20 Now this is the commandment: Repent, all ye ends of the earth, and “Come unto me” and be baptized (immersed) in My NAME, that ye may be sanctified by the “Re-Ception” of the Holy Ghost (Spirit), that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day.
21 Verily, verily, I say unto you, THIS IS “MY GOSPEL”;
Now since we are called to “preach My Gospel by the Power of “My Spirit”, then we must first understand what “My Gospel” is. IT is NOT what most of us think – those schoolmaster laws given by God, (to which has been added many “demandments” of men who seek power over others through fear). God has given us His comm(e)ndments for one purpose only – to bring us to Christ – who will then gift us a whole new heart and make us a whole new creature and perfect us in the one divine nature that will NEVER fail -- His Perfect, unfailing, healing Love.
“My Gospel” is not the multitude of “demandments” that Pharisees use to exercise compulsion on the souls of men. This is the very reason the Savior so often and so clearly chastised the Pharisees who “compass the land to and fro to make one convert (to their church of demandments) and then they make that convert “two-fold more a child of hell than ye yourselves are.” And He charged them with “ye Pharisees appear unto men not to commit the least sin, but ye transgress the whole law.” If they were circumspect to obey every point of the law, how is it that they transgressed the whole law? Do you know how we supposedly “righteous” Priesthood “holders” transgress the whole law? A clue may be found by considering the whole meaning of the law:
Alma 34: 9 For it is expedient that an At-one-ment should be made; for according to the great plan of the Eternal God there must be an At-One-ment made, or else all mankind must unavoidably perish; yea, all are hardened; yea, all are fallen and are lost, and must perish except it be through the At-One-ment which it is expedient should be made.
14 And behold, THIS IS THE WHOLE MEANING OF THE LAW, every whit pointing to that great and last sacrifice; and that great and last sacrifice will be the Son of God (in the flesh), yea, infinite and eternal.
15 And thus he shall bring salvation to all those who shall believe on His NAME; this being the intent of this last sacrifice, to bring about the bowels of mercy, which overpowereth justice, and bringeth about means unto men that they may have faith unto repentance.
16 And thus mercy can satisfy the demands of justice, and encircles them in the arms of safety, while he that exercises no faith “UNTO” repentance is exposed to the whole law of the demands of justice; therefore only unto him that has faith “UNTO” repentance is brought about the great and eternal plan of redemption.
Today’s Pharisees have no real power, but rather reject the Love of God and attempt to exercise compulsion upon others by virtue of “supposed” position and by wielding the sword of the demandments of men to consume that “law” upon their natural man ego to put guilt and fear upon others so as to keep them from discovering the only saving, perfecting, redeeming and healing power in the universe. This is why most men who think they “possess” the Priesthood “authority” are, in reality, enemies TO God and are Pharisees, who transgress the whole law and reject “My Gospel” and they preach another gospel of compulsory “law” which they invoke using the name of God having no authority to do so (See D&C 63:62). This is the true meaning of ”Taking the name of God in vain”. And believe our Lord when he said that this attitude keeps the whole church under condemnation, and keeps ALL the children of Zion from the New Covenant of God’s Love and is the reason that the whole world lieth under the bondage of Sin (D&C 84). This was reiterated by Ezra Taft Benson four times as the ONE message given him to give to “This People”.
When we begin to realize that we are ALL under the bondage of sin, and when we willingly choose to sacrifice unto the Lord that broken heart caused by our vanity and unbelief, then HE will change our hearts and we will begin to have the true understanding of the “doctrine of the Priesthood distilled upon our souls as the dews of heaven; and we will begin to let go of our natural man egos and “Re-ceive” the infinite, unsurpassing Power of His Love.
God, our loving Parents, male and female, have never attempted, nor will they attempt, to compel us into divine nature or even into alignment, by any form of force or fear. Rather they invite and persuade and entreat us (which is the true meaning of commendments) to Come unto Christ and thereby enter into “Rest”, which Rest” is the fullness of God’s glorious Love. God has given us to taste the bitterness of Self (Sin) so that we might choose, willingly and voluntarily, the PRIZE – the Sweetness of their Pure Love – that which is pure above all that is pure and precious above all that is precious.
We have reached the time in mankind’s bitter history when God will pour out a blessing hitherto unknown (see Ezra Taft Benson) but only to a few humble followers of Jesus who believe in His “Name”, and His Power, and seek God with an eye single to His Glory. This blessing hitherto unknown will show us the real purpose of the last 6000 years of bitterness, caused by our natural man ego, which has resulted in pride, sin, fear, blame, lust, anger, judgment, vanity, envy, jealousy, competition, contention, war and suffering.
What an eye opener to realize that God constantly and lovingly calls us to come out of that bitterness and suffering - to enter into the Fullness of their Love, Light, Glory, Spirit. In other words, suffering is OPTIONAL. Men are free to choose Eternal Life in the Kingdom of Heaven right now by putting off their “enemy TO God” Ego - through the At-One-ment of Christ. Yes, we may enter into that fullness of Joy, Peace, Unity, and God’s Love right now.
Very soon, Eliyah will reveal the Priesthood unto all who are prepared to meet God, by allowing their great big Selves to be stripped of ALL ego pride. ( see D&C 2 & Alma 5:28)
Paul indicated from what he was taught personally by Enoch, Melek-Tsaddik (king and Priest), and the Savior - that Levitical Priesthood is passed from father to son as part of the birthright, but which is given without an oath. Then he explained that the higher or “fullness” of Priesthood after the order of the Son of God is given by God and is accompanied by an “Oath”.
Hebrews 7
1 FOR this (Melek-tsadik), 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 (GOD), and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace;
3. And (Melek-tsaddik) was ordained to the Order of the Son of God, which Order came without father (not under the hands of earthly father), without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abiding a priest continually.
4 Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils.
5 And verily they that are of the “Sons” of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham:
6 But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises. (Melek-Tsaddik was not from the House of Israel, and was not entitled to “priesthood” just because he was a son of Abraham – he Re-Ceived it from God)
7 And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better.
8 And here (earth), men that die receive tithes; but there (Heaven) he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth
(Melek-Tsaddik liveth in two ways: 1. He became “ALIVE” IN Christ by coming unto Christ, and shedding the Dead Natural Man, and 2. He was translated and did not die physically).
9 And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham.
10 For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him.
11 If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron? (This means that there is NO perfection by the Law)
13 For He of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, (not Levite).
14 For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Judah; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.
15 And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of (Melek-tsadik) there ariseth another priest,
16 Who is made, not after the law of carnal commandments, but after the power of an endless life (What is the Power of Endless Eternal Life??? Answer: Christ !!!).
17 For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec (which is the Holy Order).
18 For there is a disannulling of the commandments (and the) weakness and unprofitableness thereof.
19 For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did (Hope In Christ); by which we draw nigh unto God.
20 And inasmuch as (with) an oath he was made priest:
21 (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not Re-pent, Thou [art] a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:)
22 By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better (covenant). (what does that word “Surety” mean?)
23 And there truly (have been) many priests, (who) were not (able) to continue (because) of death:
24 But this man/God, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.
25 Wherefore he is able to save them that come unto God BY him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
26 For such an High Priest became us, who is Holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;
27 Who needed not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.
28 For the law maketh men priests which have (weakness); but the word of the oath, which was (not by) the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.
Hebrews 8
1 NOW of the things which we have spoken, this is the sum: We have such an High Priest, who is set on the right hand of the Majesty in the heavens;
2 A minister of the TRUE tabernacle (temple), which the Lord pitched, and not man. (God dwelleth NOT in temples made with hands. (Acts 17:28 )
3 For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore, this man? have somewhat also to offer.
4 For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law:
5 Who serve (only as a symbol) and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, saith God, See that thou make all things according to the pattern showed to thee in the mount.
6 But now hath (Christ) obtained a more excellent ministry, He is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.
7 For if that first (earthly) covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.
8 For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a New (and Everlasting) covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah:
9 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 continued not in My covenant, and (they came not unto Me and heard Not My Voice), saith the Lord.
10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them…God, and they shall be to me a people:
11 And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.
12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.
13 In that he saith, A new covenant He hath made. (And) that which decayeth and (is) old is ready to vanish away.
The Lord gave further enlightenment on the choice to actually “Re-Ceive” these two orders of Priesthood and what may accompany the “Re-Ceiving” of the two Priesthoods, also explaining that the High Priesthood or Fulness must be accompanied by an oath of covenant - BUT He did NOT actually give the words of that oath and covenant.
D&C 84: 32 And the sons of Moses and of Aaron shall be filled with “The Glory” of the Lord, upon Mount Zion in the Lord’s house, whose sons are ye; and also many whom I have called and sent forth to build up my church.
33 For whoso is faithful unto the obtaining (Re-Ceiving) these two priest-Hoods of which I have spoken, and the magnifying their calling, are sanctified by the Spirit unto the renewing of their bodies (if our bodies are not renewed, then it indicates we are not sanctified by the Spirit).
34 They become the sons of Moses and of Aaron and the seed of Abraham, and the church and kingdom, and the elect of God.
35 And also all they who receive this priest-hood Re-ceive me, saith the Lord;
36 For he that receiveth my servants Re-ceiveth me;
37 And he that receiveth me receiveth my Father;
38 And he that receiveth my Father receiveth my Father’s kingdom; therefore all that my Father hath shall be given unto him.
39 And this is according to the oath and covenant which belongeth to the priest-hood.
40 Therefore, all those who Re-Ceive the priest-hood, receive this oath and covenant OF my Father, which he cannot break, neither can it be moved.
41 But whoso breaketh this covenant after he hath Re-ceived it, and altogether turneth therefrom, shall not have forgiveness of sins in this world nor in the world to come.
42 And wo unto all those who come not unto this priesthood which ye have Re-ceived,(God had bestowed it upon a few brethren who were present) which I now confirm upon you who are present this day (six elders and 11 High Priests), by mine own “Voice” out of the heavens; and even I have given the heavenly hosts and mine angels charge concerning you.
43 And I now give unto you a commandment to beware concerning yourselves, to give diligent heed to the words of eternal life.
44 For you shall live by every Word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God.
Here in this instruction or promise to those who willingly “Re-ceive” these two priesthoods at His hand, He is talking about the oath and covenant that pertain to the “Re-Ceiving” of this Fullness, but not actually giving the oath and covenant – for that oath and covenant is only heard and “Re-Ceived” by those who “come unto Him”. It is pretty hard to turn altogether therefrom if you haven’t actually “Re-Ceived” it. You have yet to “Re-Ceive” it directly under the Hand of God or Christ – with whom the Covenant is made personally. That is why the words of the Oath are NOT given to the whole world in this passage of D&C 84. It would be to profane a very sacred covenant with God - which thing will never be done as it is a casting of pearls unto swine.
The Lord makes reference here to the idea that there will be an oath given pertaining to this Priesthood as He bestows it upon those whom He can trust to honor it and never misuse for personal power, gain, or praise. If a man were to actually “Re-Ceive” this fullness of Priesthood and then turn away from it, or dishonor it, then the man would be turning back to his Self (Sin) and would not be choosing forgiveness, and would in effect be rejecting Christ and putting Him to Shame, and blaspheming against the Holy Ghost (which is unpardonable). The fact that this fullness or “Holy” order of priesthood is NOT given by man is shown in:
JST Genesis 14: 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, (who is it that made the covenant with Enoch?)
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”.
God having sworn unto Enoch and unto his seed with an oath by Himself (God); 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.
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 (Re-Ceived) “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.
Herein the Lord reiterates this Holy Order after the SON of God is NOT given by “man”, nor by father, nor by mother, but OF God, meaning by God only; at which point an oath and covenant is given and made between Christ and that one who is made an actual son or Daughter of Christ (Mosiah 5: 7-8).
Jacob, the Book of Mormon prophet, made it known to us more about the Fullness of The Priest-Hood that they had received from the Lord along with many revelations. He was quick to point out that it was NOT by their own personal strength and power, but rather by the Grace of Christ that they were allowed to move forward the purposes of God, even in their own weakness. Christ is always able to do His greatest work, when we admit our own weakness and reliance on Him ALONE. All of us, male and female, have access to that Grace and His Love to bless others and move mountains, and turn rivers out of their course and quiet the roaring seas and put destructive armies to flight, and quench the violence of Anti-Biological chemicals as they come upon to destroy us.
Jacob 4: 6 Wherefore, we search the prophets, and we have many revelations and the spirit of Prophecy; and having all these witnesses we obtain a hope, and our faith (in Christ) becometh unshaken, insomuch that we truly can command in the NAME of Jesus and the very trees obey us, or the mountains, or the waves of the sea.
7 Nevertheless, the Lord God showeth us our weakness that we may know that it is by His grace, and his great condescensions unto the children of men, that we have power to do these things.
8 Behold, great and marvelous are the works of the Lord. How unsearchable are the depths of the mysteries of him; and it is impossible that man should find out all His ways. And no man knoweth of His ways save it be revealed unto him; wherefore, brethren, despise not the revelations of God. (What are these “Works” of the Lord?)
Abraham exercised the gift of faith in God (Yehov-AH) that was ordained upon him and he let go of ALL Self will or ego, and it was counted unto him for “righteousness” sake (for the sake of God’s Glory – Righteousness is one of Christ’s Name’s) Do not assume you know what “righteousness” is, or you will make a fatal mistake here.
Abraham “re-ceived” a “Name” which was the Priesthood (Abraham 1:18) and which was the “Name” of God. Now I know that this thought will be confusing to us if we do not know the “NAME” of God. This we will discuss later.
All Priesthood is Melchizedek (or Melek/Tsaddik in Hebrew – meaning “King” and “High Priest”), but there are different degrees of orders of it. “ALL the prophets had (received) the Melchizedek Priesthood (The Holy Order) and were ordained by God Himself” said the Prophet Joseph Smith – see TPJS pg 180. It is no different today – the fullness of Priesthood is “Re-Ceived” at the hand of God Himself. And it will never be Re-Ceived by any man until his Ego Self is completely stripped away and the Natural Man is “Put off” by the Power of the At-One-ment of Christ, and that man is made pure and clean by the “Blood” of the Lamb.
Now let us go to D&C 107 where we are told WHAT the “Keys” of the “Priesthood are:
18 The power and authority of the higher, or Melchizedek Priesthood, is to hold (share?) 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, Jesus the mediator of the New covenant.
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.
Now let us go back to Alma 13 where Alma talks about the “Holy” Order (if you study Hebrew, you will begin to understand what “Holy” is):
1. …and I would that ye should remember that the Lord God ordained priests, after His “Holy Order”, which was after the order of His Son, to teach these things unto the people.
2 And those priests were ordained after the order of His Son, in a manner that thereby the people might know in what manner to look forward to his Son for redemption.
3 And this is the manner after which they were ordained—being called and prepared from the foundation of the world according to the foreknowledge of God, on account of their exceeding faith and good works; in the first place being left to choose good or evil; therefore they having chosen good, and exercising exceedingly great faith, are called with a Holy calling, yea, with that Holy calling which was prepared with, and according to, a preparatory redemption for such.
4 And thus they have been called to this Holy calling on account of their faith, while others would reject the Spirit of God on account of the hardness of their hearts and blindness of their minds, while, if it had not been for this they might have had as great privilege as their brethren.
5 Or in fine, in the first place they were on the same standing with their brethren; thus this Holy calling being prepared from the foundation of the world for such as would not harden their hearts, being in and through the atonement of the Only Begotten Son, who was prepared—
6 And thus being called by this Holy calling, and ordained unto the high priesthood of the Holy order of God, to teach his commandments unto the children of men, that they also might enter into His Rest (Fullness of His “Glory”)—
7 This high priesthood being after the order of his Son, which order was from the foundation of the world; or in other words, being without beginning of days or end of years, being prepared from eternity to all eternity, according to his foreknowledge of all things—
8 Now they were ordained after this manner—being called with a Holy calling, and ordained with a Holy ordinance, and taking upon them the high priesthood of the Holy order, which calling, and ordinance, and high priesthood, is without beginning or end—
9 Thus they become high priests forever, after the order of the Son, the Only Begotten of the Father, who is without beginning of days or end of years, who is full of grace, equity, and truth. And thus it is. Amen.
10 Now, as I said concerning the Holy order, or this high priest-hood, there were many who were ordained and became high priests of God; and it was on account of their exceeding faith and repentance, and their righteousness before God, they choosing to repent and work righteousness rather than to perish;
11 Therefore they were called after this Holy order, and were sanctified, and their garments were washed white through the blood of the Lamb.
12 Now they, after being sanctified by the Holy Ghost, having their garments made white, being pure and spotless before God, could not look upon sin save it were with abhorrence; and there were many, exceedingly great many, who were made pure and entered into the “Rest” of the Lord their God.
13 And now, my brethren, I would that ye should humble yourselves before God, and bring forth fruit meet for repentance, that ye may also enter into that “Rest”.
14 Yea, humble yourselves even as the people in the days of Melchizedek, who was also a high priest after this same order which I have spoken, who also took upon him the high priesthood forever.
15 And it was this same Melchizedek to whom Abraham paid tithes; yea, even our father Abraham paid tithes of one-tenth part of all he possessed.
16 Now these ordainances were given after this manner, that thereby the people might look forward on the Son of God, it being a type of his order, or it being His Order, and this that they might look forward to Him for a remission of their sins, that they might enter into the Rest of the Lord (fullness of His Glory, Spirit, Light, Love).
17 Now this Melchizedek was a king over the land of Salem; and his people had waxed strong in iniquity and abomination; yea, they had all gone astray; they were full of all manner of wickedness;
18 But Melchizedek having exercised mighty faith, and received the office of the high priesthood according to the Holy Order of God, did preach repentance unto his people. And behold, they did repent; and Melchizedek did establish peace in the land in his days; therefore he was called the prince of peace, for he was the king of Salem; and he did reign under his father.
19 Now, there were many before him, and also there were many afterwards, but none were greater; therefore, of him they have more particularly made mention.
20 Now I need not rehearse the matter; what I have said may suffice. Behold, the scriptures are before you; if ye will wrest them it shall be to your own destruction.
21 And now it came to pass that when Alma had said these words unto them, he stretched forth his hand unto them and cried with a mighty voice, saying: Now is the time to repent, for the day of salvation draweth nigh;
NOTES:
1. Sweet Counsel and Seas of Tribulation: The Religious Life of the Women in Kirtland
by Linda King Newell and Valeen Tippetts Avery* Page 161
The word ordination is seen from time to time in connection with blessings given to women of the Church. Emma was "ordained" by the Prophet to expound the scriptures and to exhort the Church (see D&C 25:5). Later, in Nauvoo, Joseph spoke of the sisters being "ordained to preside over and lead" the other women in the Relief society. They were also “ordained” to heal the sick. BYU STUDIES Volume 2 1980 Page 161ers and to bless their loved ones with the blessings of God. It is a condition of on'
2. Likewise, we know that women are “ordained” to bestow the symbols of Ordainances within the temple of God.
3. Likewise, there are certain pronouncements made upon women in the temple that are promised unto men, but NOT bestowed until they humble their Selves and Come unto Christ, and Re-Ceive His Love, and prove their Faith-FULL-ness – Full of Faith IN Christ.
4. D&C 20:60 Every elder, priest, teacher, or deacon is to be ordained according to the gifts and callings of God unto him; and he IS TO BE Ordained by the power of the Holy Ghost, which is IN the one who ordains him.
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