Only in Hebrews 7 and 1 Peter 2 do we hear the words Priesthood mentioned in the New Testament. Why is this important? It is because the Mormon church teaches that the priesthood is now for men in their church. However, what we will learn in these chapters is an entirely different story, making their priesthood null and void. First of all we learn that the only person who is under the priesthood order is Jesus now. Him being part of the new covenant is our high priest. It reads, “By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens.” (Hebrews 7:22-26) Now, because Jesus is our high priest and we are His followers, His priesthood is over all His church. Not that we can hold the priesthood He has, but that through Him in us, His power comes upon each person in His church.
Peter also wrote about the impact of Jesus’s priesthood upon us and said, “ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.” (1 Peter 2:5-9) The only way we can be called a holy and royal priesthood is because Jesus is in our lives. Not because we can give it to anybody, but that dwelling in the Lord’s presence His power and authority is already in us. Therefore, to say that any man can be ordained to the priesthood is wrong. Only Jesus has the priesthood and we are under His authority.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that people will learn to respect You and not to take upon themselves a priesthood order that is not there’s in the first place. Thankfully, You have opened my eyes to what is true in regards to You being our last high priest. I love Your ways and need more of You in my life daily. I am lost without You and am more easily turned over to believing in false beliefs like those in Mormonism when You are not with me. I love to share the gospel with people who are lost, but that can only be helpful if You are doing the work in me and not me on my own. As with the priesthood, thankfully You are my high priest and You can show Your authority through me. I don’t have to fear what other people are trying to say or do to me, for You are mightier than anything else on earth. If you simply did the work that people are needing to be saved, then I could help bring many more souls to You for salvation purposes. Give me wisdom, Lord. Open my eyes to what is true and what is false in this world. I love You, more. In Your Name, Jesus, I pray this. Amen.
