Gospel Principles
Unit 5: The Church of Jesus Christ
Chapter 14: Priesthood Organization
Concept 1: Introduction & Two Divisions of Priesthood
"The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is governed by the priesthood. The priesthood, which is always associated with God's work, "continueth in the church of God in all generations, and is without beginning of days or end of years." (D&C 84:17). It is upon the earth today. Men young and old are baptized into the Church, and when they are judged worthy they are ordained to the priesthood. They are given the authority to act for the Lord and do his work on the earth.
Two Divisions of Priesthood
The priesthood is divided into two parts" the Melchizedek Priesthood and the Aaronic Priesthood (D&C 107:1 "There are, in the church, priesthoods, namely, the Melchizedek and Aaronic, including the Levitical Priesthood."). The greater priesthood is the Melchizedek Priesthood. Long ago it was called the "The Holy Priesthood, after the Order of the Son of God. "But the name was changed so the name of the Lord would not be used so often. The Church in ancient days called the priesthood "The Melchizedek Priesthood" after a great high priest who lived during the time of Abraham.
(D&C 107:2-4 "2 Why the first is called the Melchizedek Priesthood is because Melchizedek was such a great high priest.
3 Before his day it was called the Holy Priesthood, after the Order of the Son of God.
4 But out of respect or reverence to the name of the Supreme Being, to avoid the too frequent repetition of his name, they, the church, in ancient days, called that priesthood after Melchizedek, or the Melchizedek Priesthood.").
The lessor priesthood is an appendage to the Melchizedek Priesthood. It is called the Aaronic Priesthood because it was conferred on Aaron and his sons throughout all their generations. Those who hold the Aaronic Priesthood have authority to administer the outward ordinances of repentance and baptism. (D&C 107:13-14, 20 "13 The second priesthood is called the Priesthood of Aaron, because it was conferred upon Aaron and his seed, throughout all their generations.
14 Why it is called the lesser priesthood is because it is an appendage to the greater, or the Melchizedek Priesthood, and has power in administering outward ordinances.
20 The power and authority of the lesser, or Aaronic Priesthood, is to hold the keys of the ministering of angels, and to administer in outward ordinances, the letter of the gospel, the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins, agreeable to the covenants and commandments.")
Those holding the Melchizedek Priesthood have the power and authority to lead the Church and direct the preaching of the gospel in all parts of the world. They are in charge of all the spiritual work of the Church (D&C 84:19-22 "19 And this greater 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.").
They direct the work done in the temples; they preside over wards, branches, stakes and missions; they heal the sick, bless babies, and give special blessings to Church Members. The Lords chosen prophet, the president of the Church, is presiding high priest over the Melchizedek Priesthood (D&C 107:65-67 "65 Wherefore, it must needs be that one be appointed of the High Priesthood to preside over the priesthood, and he shall be called President of the High Priesthood of the Church;
66 Or, in other words, the Presiding High Priest over the High Priesthood of the Church.
67 From the same comes the administering of ordinances and blessings upon the church, by the laying on of the hands.").
Discussion
dc/107/1-4#1">Doctrine and Covenants 107:1-4
"1 There are, in the church, two dc/107/1a">priesthoods, namely, the Melchizedek and dc/107/1b">Aaronic, including the Levitical Priesthood.
2 Why the first is called the dc/107/2a">Melchizedek Priesthood is because dc/107/2b">Melchizedek was such a great high priest.
3 Before his day it was called the dc/107/3a">Holy Priesthood, after the dc/107/3b">Order of the Son of God.
4 But out of dc/107/4a">respect or dc/107/4b">reverence to the name of the Supreme Being, to avoid the too frequent repetition of his name, they, the church, in ancient days, called that priesthood after Melchizedek, or the Melchizedek Priesthood."
What are the two divisions of the priesthood? How did the Melchizedek Priesthood get its name?"