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==Question: What does the Bible teach about priesthood in the Church of Jesus Christ?== | ==Question: What does the Bible teach about priesthood in the Church of Jesus Christ?== |
There is much more about the priesthood that is contained in the scriptures. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints observes all the Biblical principles taught about priesthood, including:
When Christ was on the earth during His mortal ministry, He set up a specific organization (called the Church).
Does it make sense that if Jesus Christ organized a Church, that the true Church would have the same positions today? What are some of the offices or positions in the church Christ established?
(12 Apostles collectively, and the one leading the church with his counselors—Peter, James, and John)
("Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." Matthew 5:48)
(the members of the Church—interesting that they are called Saints, just as we are called Latter-day Saints today.),
(The administration and performing the ordinances of the Church),
(Even though all Christians claim to believe in Christ, and the Bible, there certainly is no unity of faith or doctrine, therefore these offices are still needed.)
(unto a perfect man—NOT some incomprehensible being as the creeds declare.)
(The creeds came by councils of men, not a singular pronouncement of revelation by a prophet of God, as all other scripturally based doctrines are. The creeds directly contradict scripture. The creeds are not declared to be scripture. The creeds have not been declared to have been given by revelation. The creeds came about by political power struggles. Hence, the creeds are a wind of doctrine.),
(Without prophets who are regularly receiving inspired direction from the Lord, the church will be led by men and not by Jesus Christ)
So how can we tell true teachers? First, they will have authority (priesthood) directly from God. Christ was given the priesthood authority from God the Father.
to have life in himself; 27 And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. (John 5:26-27.)
The works that Christ performed were by this priesthood authority:
Christ passed on this very same authority to His apostles.
This authority is necessary in order to preach the gospel.
The apostles ordained others with this authority:
For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee...(Titus 1:5) (emphasis added)
This authority was passed directly from God the Father, to Jesus Christ, to the Apostles, to the Elders, and to others. It was a priesthood which any worthy man could have, if called. It was also necessary for the establishment of the Church. Christ left this priesthood authority on he earth when He left, so that the Church could still function.
In fact, the church would be known as the true church because of the priesthood, for so the church is described in scripture.
This priesthood authority is sacred and cannot be bought.
may receive the Holy Ghost. 20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.(Acts 8:18-20)
We cannot choose this priesthood authority for ourselves.
As shown above, you can't buy it, you can't take it upon yourself, and you can't choose for yourself to have it. So how can we obtain the priesthood?
How was Aaron called? He was called by Moses—as God instructed Moses—in other words, Aaron did not decide to accept this for himself, but was called by Moses, who was instructed by the Lord, who has authority over him.
Finally, the question must be asked of anyone who claims to preach the gospel and proclaim its doctrines, where do you get your authority to speak and act in the name of God? Many people claim that they receive their authority from the Bible. However, that cannot be, for the Bible has no priesthood authority, it is a book and cannot perform any ordinance, it cannot choose you as it cannot make decisions, nor can it ordain you as it can not perform any actions. Seminaries and Universities have no priesthood authority, for their purpose is to grant educational degrees, whose requirements are developed and designed by men. Priesthood Authority comes only from God.
Notes
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