The Melchizedek Priesthood

Today I read Hebrews 7 which is about Melchizedek and the Melchizedek Priesthood. I have heard a lot about Melchizedek in my life and several conspiracy theories about him, most prominent is that Melchizedek and Shem, the son of Noah, are the same man. When I attended BYU I had the wonderful opportunity to attend a class on the Pearl of Great Price taught by Dr. Robert Millet, who is very well known among the scholar community of the LDS. He has written several books and is a fantastic teacher. But on the subject of Shem being Melchizedek, he stated that he will not be surprised either way. When he passes on and is meeting all the great figures from the Bible and Book of Mormon and he comes across Shem and he asks him if he is really Melchizedek, whether he gets a yes or a no answer he will not be surprised. That's kind of how I feel about it too. I could make the case for it being either way.

However, this chapter is chiefly about the Melchizedek Priesthood and the Oath and Covenant that go along with it. Paul makes an excellent point here that some might wonder if the Melchizedek Priesthood is really necessary. Paul points out that the Melchizedek Priesthood is necessary for salvation. He states that if perfection could come by the Levitical, or Aaronic Priesthood, what need would there be of a High Priest of the order of Melchizedek? The fact of the matter is that the Aaronic Priesthood is the preparatory Priesthood and is only able to perform the ordinances of this world, the sacrament, baptism by immersion, exhorting members to repentance and so on. The Melchizedek Priesthood however is able to perform the ordinances of eternal life, temple ordinances, eternal marriage, and bestowing the Gift of the Holy Ghost.

Like Abinadi told the priests of King Noah so many years ago, salvation does NOT come by the Law of Moses, but rather the Law of Moses, which was officiated by the Priesthood of Aaron, is meant to point the way to Jesus Christ and His Atonement. Jesus Christ is the way, the truth and the light the scriptures say and it is only through Him and His sacrifice that we are able to return to live with God one day. He is the author and finisher of our faith. We know the truthfully the Priesthood is His, but we call it the Melchizedek Priesthood to avoid too frequent repetition of the Savior's name, out of reverence to Him. Without the Melchizedek Priesthood and the saving ordinances it gives, we would be lost just as surely as if the Atonement has never been accomplished. We need to make sure we treasure the Priesthood and the eternal life it makes possible. Without it and the Atonement of Christ, this life is meaningless. I invite you to give thanks tonight in your prayers if it has been awhile since you last did so. I know I will be. Until tomorrow.