After reading these few verses, we can conclude two things about the general identity of Melchizedek:

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1 The Mormon Melchizedek Priesthood, just like the Aaronic priesthood, is claimed by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) to be held solely in their possession (meaning anyone outside their church cannot obtain it). Again, they claim that by having the priesthood they have the authority to perform various church ordinances. The claim is simple: no priesthood, no authority. Without being redundant and reviewing the role of the priesthood, let's begin our analysis of their claim. We'll start by understanding just what the Melchizedek priesthood is as revealed in the Bible. Who is Melchizedek? The Melchizedek priesthood is first alluded to in the book of Genesis chapter 14. In verse 17, we see Abram (Abraham before God changed his name) returning from his victory over five kings and rescuing Lot. An interesting character shows up and verse 18 tells us, "Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he [was] the priest of God Most High.", and in verse we see Melchizedek bestowing blessings upon Abram. After reading these few verses, we can conclude two things about the general identity of Melchizedek: - He is a King - He is a priest A casual read of this passage in Genesis might not prompt you to think any more about this Melchizedek. However, the book of Hebrews sheds great light on this incident showing us that 1 / 6

2 he is of much importance. Now that we have somewhat of an understanding of who Melchizedek is, let's see what the Bible tells us about the priesthood of Melchizedek. The Melchizedek priesthood: who's been called? We previously looked at the requirements and duties of the biblical Aaronic priesthood. We learned there was a specific lineage associated with this priesthood (descendants of Aaron), specific consecration of the priests (sacrifices and the sprinkling of blood), and the tasks which they performed (mainly sacrifices and offerings). Unfortunately, such similar information is not given about Melchizedek except who is called after this order. In the 6th chapter of Hebrews we learn that Jesus is said to be "...a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek" (v. 6) and He is "called by God as High Priest "according to the order of Melchizedek," (v. 10). A similar statement is made in chapter 6:20, "...Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.". So far, we've seen only two people being called after the priesthood of Melchizedek: Melchizedek himself and Jesus Christ. Just as a side note, many people believe they are one and the same! 2 / 6

3 The Melchizedek and Aaronic priesthoods: is one superior? Chapter 7 of Hebrews gives us a great comparison to these two priesthoods. The whole chapter is devoted to showing the reader that the Levitical priesthood (also called the Aaronic) exists no more and has in fact been replaced by the superior Melchizedek priesthood. Let's briefly examine the reasons. - The lesser is blessed by the greater. This point is driven home by explaining to us that though Abraham is known as 'the father of faith' and 'the father of the Jews', there was someone greater in the Scriptures who blessed him and that was Melchizedek. Hebrews 7:7 tells us clearly that "...the lesser is blessed by the better.". The conclusion is that Aaron was blessed by Melchizedek - Melchizedek received tithes before the Aaronic priests did. Not only did Abraham receive a blessing from Melchizedek, but he also paid tithes to him (7:4,5,8,9). Since the tribe of Levi (from which the Levitical priests were chosen) would come through Abraham, it is said that they, essentially, also paid tithes to Melchizedek even though they were not born - The Aaronic priesthood was not complete or perfect. "If perfection were through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need [was there] that another priest should rise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be called according to the order of Aaron?" Heb. 7:11. The priesthood changed according to v.12 - The Aaronic priesthood was weak in that the priests were mere men and died. There was always new priests after this order arising to replace those who passed. Jesus, who is a priest 3 / 6

4 after the order of Melchizedek, lives forever which means no one will need to succeed Him (v.23-24) and He intercedes for us always (v.25) - The sacrifices of the Aaronic priesthood were according to the law and "...the law made nothing perfect..." v.19. The Aaronic priests had to offer sacrifices for themselves and the people and these did not offer remission for their sins but merely covered them until the sinned again. The Bible tells us "For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins." (Heb. 10:4) but "...the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin." (John 1:7) See also Heb. 10:11-12 Final thoughts on the Melchizedek priesthood: are more priests after this order to come? Now that we have an understanding of the biblical Melchizedek priesthood, can we expect that there would be people today who are called after this order? In a word: no. Let's see why. In the verses above, it's quite clear that Jesus is a priest after the order or Melchizedek. In fact in Hebrews 7:21 (which is a quote of Psalms 110:4) it's abundantly clear when we read, "The LORD has sworn And will not relent, 'You [are] a priest forever [fn] According to the order of Melchizedek'". 4 / 6

5 In verse 24 of chapter 7 we read, "But He (Jesus), because He continues forever, has an unch angeable priesthood" (clarity and emphasis added). This word 'unchangeable' means that there is no successor to Jesus. In fact, Thayer's Greek lexicon gives us this definition of the transliterated Greek word, aparabatos : - Unchangeable, and therefore not liable to pass to a successor, Hebrews 7:24 ( ) This means that only Jesus can hold a position in the Melchizedek priesthood, and it cannot be conferred upon anyone else: not you, me, any Mormon, or any person to come. Again, what need would there be for anyone else to have this priesthood? Jesus is our perfect and eternal high priest who always lives to make intercession for those who He has saved (Hebrews 7:25). "For such a High Priest was fitting for us, [who is] holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens; who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people's, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself." ( ). 5 / 6

6 It's clear that the only person who can fit the description offered in these last verses is Jesus Himself. Let's let Scripture speak for itself, and not try to impose our own interpretation's of what we think it says. Otherwise, we do so to our own detriment. The priesthood of Melchizedek is a common subject and essential teaching of the the Mormons (the Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints) as it's what they believe gives them the authority over all other churches. We should have a firm understanding of this and ask the Lord for a pure heart and motive when sharing the truth of Scripture with them. May it be our hope that their eyes are opened and they come to know Jesus for who He really is, and come to a saving faith in Him. Continue Reading: The Mormon Aaronic Priesthood God According to the Mormons Jesus According to the Mormons Is God an Exalted Man? Jesus According to the Mormons 6 / 6