D&C 84 says God not seen without priesthood

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Criticism

Joseph Smith claimed that he saw God in 1820 and also claimed that he received the priesthood in 1829. But in a text which he produced in 1832 (D&C 84:21-22) it is said that a person cannot see God without holding the priesthood. Therefore, Joseph Smith contradicted himself and this is evidence against his calling as an authentic prophet of God.

Source(s) of the criticism

DVD - section 8 (First Vision)

Response

This argument is fatally flawed by an improper interpretation of D&C 84:21-22 and also by not taking other texts produced by Joseph Smith into account.

When D&C 84:21-22 is analyzed in context then an interpretation emerges that does not support the one proposed by the critics of the Prophet. The relevant words read:

[19] And this greater [i.e., Melchizedek] priesthood administereth the gospel 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. [21] And without the ordinances thereof, and the authority of the priesthood, the power of godliness is not manifest unto men in the flesh; [22] For without this no man can see the face of God, even the Father, and live.

The word "this" in verse 22 does not refer to the Melchizedek Priesthood, but rather to "the power of godliness." One of the ordinances of the Melchizeddek Priesthood is the bestowal of the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands (see D&C 49:14).

As an 1831 text produced at the hands of Joseph Smith explains, "no man has seen God at any time in the flesh, except quickened by the Spirit of God" (D&C 67:11). In other words, a person must be

Moses 1:9, 11, 15

"godliness can be permanently, individually attained only through the ordinances of the holy priesthood. Nevertheless, 'godliness' or being like God can be attained temporarily in another way - by transfiguration. If the Holy Ghost enters into our physical bodies, so that for a moment we become one with the Spirit, then have been thus 'transfigured' to godliness, we are able to see the face of God and live." (Stephen E. Robinson and H. Dean Garrett, A Commentary on the Doctrine and Covenants: Volume Three [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2004], 32-33).

Endnotes

None

Further reading

FAIR web site

• FAIR Topical Guide: