Melchizedek Priesthood

“There are, in the church, two priesthoods, namely, the

Melchizedek and Aaronic” (D&C 107:1). The Melchizedek

Priesthood, which is “after the Order of the Son of God”

(D&C 107:3), is the greater of these. It “holds the right of

presidency, and has power and authority over all the offices

in the church” (D&C 107:8). It also holds “the keys of all the

spiritual blessings of the church” (D&C 107:18). It is named

after a great high priest who lived during the time of the

prophet Abraham (see D&C 107:2–4; see also Alma 13:14–19).

Through the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood,

Church leaders guide the Church and direct the preaching of

the gospel throughout the world. In the ordinances of the

Melchizedek Priesthood, “the power of godliness is manifest”

(D&C 84:20).

This greater priesthood was given to Adam and has been

on the earth whenever the Lord has revealed His gospel. It was

taken from the earth during the Great Apostasy, but it was

restored in May 1829, when the Apostles Peter, James, and

John conferred it upon Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery.

The offices of the Melchizedek Priesthood are Apostle,

Seventy, patriarch, high priest, and elder. The President of the

High Priesthood is the President of the Church (see D&C

107:64–66).

Men in the Church must be worthy Melchizedek

Priesthood holders in order to receive the temple endowment

and be sealed to their families for eternity. They have the

authority to administer to the sick and give special blessings

to family members and others. With the authorization of presiding

priesthood leaders, they can bestow the gift of the

Holy Ghost and ordain other worthy men to offices in the

Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods.

When a man receives the Melchizedek Priesthood, he

enters into the oath and covenant of the priesthood. He

covenants to be faithful, magnify his calling, “give diligent

heed to the words of eternal life,” and “live by every word

that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God.” Those who

keep this covenant will be sanctified by the Spirit and receive

“all that [the] Father hath.” (See D&C 84:33–44.)

See also Aaronic Priesthood; Priesthood