Thought you might find this interesting. it's a bit long.
LK
Ever-Living Intercessor
A study of Hebrews chapter seven clarifies the legitimacy of the high priesthood of Christ and reveals the glory of His current priesthood for us, while negating the Mormon teaching of a current line of mortal Melchizedek priests.
Larry Kirkpatrick. 9 June 2001 Price SDA church, Price Utah.
Truth Side by Side With Error
A recent encounter with Mormon missionaries led to an assertion made to me that God's true church on earth today has the Melchizedek priesthood. I affirmed that this was true, that we have the Melchizedek priesthood through the head of our church, Jesus Christ. According to Scripture He is our current Melchizedek priest. My zealous Mormon friends were insistent though, that the church itself, its human and earthly leadership, must have the Melchizedek priesthood or it was not the legitimate church of God on earth today.
As our discussion continued, it was pointed out to me that in the JST (Joseph Smith "Translation" of the Bible) were found verses that had been extracted from the Bible by unscrupulous interlopers who had twisted its text and removed "many plain and precious things" from the book. Fortunately, Joseph Smith made "translations" and was able to reintroduce some of these removed texts so that we could understand the Bible.
The matter sounded dubious to me, for no manuscripts had lingered on earth and basically we have to take Joseph Smith's word for it that he really did accurately restore the text of Scripture. Nevertheless, I listened as my friend shared with me the restored version of the text. The Scripture in question is found in Hebrews 7:3. The KJV of that text, speaking of the original Melchizedek reads: "Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually." The JST version however, reads like this (bold print added in JST and strikeout print removed in it): "For this Melchizedek was ordained a priest after the order of the Son of God, which order was without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; And all those who are ordained unto this priesthood are but made like unto the Son of God; abiding abideth a priest continually."
The thrust of the matter? The text as it stands in the Bible does not appear to suggest any legitimate place for a set of many human, mortal, Melchizedek priests. But when we go by the JST we find that "All those who are ordained unto this priesthood are made like unto the Son of God; abiding a priest continually." That is, the JST permits and suggests that many ("all those") are to be ordained to such a priesthood. So. Which claim is true?
You might just write-off the claims of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and say you aren't going to waste your time with the issue. But consider this:
- If the LDS claim is wrong then the truth will stand out brighter.
- If the LDS claim is wrong then we should be able to give an answer for the hope that is within us and help them by showing why it's wrong, for their sake.
- If the SDA claim is right, then we should be able to explain that and present truth so that no place is left for error.
- Since error is so often found standing side by side with truth, and since Satan can't deceive us on every line of Scripture, we must expect that he is going to focus his attention at the most important places. That is, if some truth is being painted-over here, then we would want to look very carefully. Maybe there is something there that we need to know about!
Friends, we aren't going to waste our time today. We are going to profit from our study. Let's proceed.
There is a helpful way to test the Mormon reading of the passage. What we want to do is get a good grip on what the passage teaches as it stands in our Bible, and then see how it looks were we to go with the Mormon JST version. If the passage reads in harmony with itself it will provide good evidence for the integrity of the Bible. If the passage makes more sense when comparing itself with itself in the JST, this would tend to suggest that the LDS claim could be legitimate, that our Bible has been tampered with and that by means of contemporary revelation, Mr. Smith and the Mormon Church may indeed be heaven's agency to restore the truths supposedly lost out of the Scriptures.
Two "Translations" Side by Side
To make it easier to follow the arguments we here reproduce the two versions of Hebrews chapter seven:
Bold print is text added by the JST. Strikethrough text is text deleted by the JST.
| Hebrews 7 KJV | Hebrews 7 JST (Joseph Smith "Translation") |
|---|
| 7:1 For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; | 7:1 For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; |
| 7:2 To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace; | 7:2 To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace; |
| 7:3 Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually. | 7:3 For this Melchizedek was ordained a priest after the order of the Son of God, which order was without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; And all those who are ordained unto this priesthood are but made like unto the Son of God; abiding abideth a priest continually. |
| 7:4 Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils. | 7:4 Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils. |
| 7:5 And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham: | 7:5 And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham: |
| 7:6 But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises. | 7:6 But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises. |
| 7:7 And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better. | 7:7 And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better. |
| 7:8 And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth. | 7:8 And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth. |
| 7:9 And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham. | 7:9 And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham. |
| 7:10 For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him. | 7:10 For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him. |
| 7:11 If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron? | 7:11 If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron? |
| 7:12 For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law. | 7:12 For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law. |
| 7:13 For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar. | 7:13 For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar. |
| 7:14 For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood. | 7:14 For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood. |
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| 7:15 And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest, | 7:15 And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest, |
| 7:16 Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. | 7:16 Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. |
| 7:17 For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. | 7:17 For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. |
| 7:18 For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof. | 7:18 For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof. |
| 7:19 For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God. | 7:19 For the law was administered without an oath and made nothing perfect, but was only the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God. |
| 7:20 And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest: | 7:20 And inasmuch as this high priest was not without an oath, by so much was Jesus made the surety of a better testament he was made priest: |
7:21 (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec  | 7:21 (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec |
| 7:22 By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. | 7:22 By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. |
| 7:23 And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: | 7:23 And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: |
| 7:24 But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. | 7:24 But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. |
| 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. | 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. |
| 7:26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; | 7:26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made ruler over higher than the heavens; |
| 7:27 Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself. | 7:27 And not who needeth not daily, as those high priests who to offer up sacrifice offered up sacrifice daily, first for his their own sins, and then for the people's sins of the people: for he needeth not offer sacrifice for his own sins, for he knew no sins; but for the sins of the people. And this he did once, when he offered up himself. |
| 7:28 For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore. | 7:28 For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore. |
Heavenly Priesthood the Very Theme of Hebrews
Does the book of Hebrews present any helpful information about Jesus' serving as our heavenly Melchizedek high Priest? Indeed it does. Consider the following concise listing from the book of Hebrews:
- 1:3 Christ's priesthood indicated by seating at heavenly Father's right hand, and purging of our sins.
- 2:17 Jesus a merciful and faithful high Priest in things pertaining to God to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.
- 3:1 Jesus as high Priest of our profession.
- 4:14 We have a great high Priest that is passed into the heavens.
- 4:15 Our high Priest can be touched by the feeling of our infirmities.
- 5:5-6, 10 Jesus declared a Priest after the order of Melchizedek by the Father.
- 6:20 Jesus made an high Priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.
- 7:1-10 The Genesis Melchizedek discussed.
- 7:11 The necessity of another priest arising after the order of Melchizedek.
- 7:12 The priesthood is changed.
- 7:15-16 After the similitude of Melchizedek there arises another Priest who is undying.
- 7:17, 21 Christ's Melchizedek priesthood is by declaration/oath of God (found in Psalm 110:4).
- 7:23-24 Jesus contrasted with human priests as the dying versus the undying One.
- 7:25 Undying Intercessor.
- 7:26-28 Jesus a high Priest becoming for us, One who is undying.
- 8:1-2 We have such an high Priest in the heavenly sanctuary.
- 8:3-4 Every high priest offers gifts. If Jesus were on earth He would not be a priest.
- 8:5 The heavenly sanctuary service is for realities and not for shadows. Our heavenly high Priest serves in reality while earthly high priests served in the shadow.
- 9:7 The high priest went into the most holy place only once a year.
- 9:11-12 Jesus an high Priest of good things to come.
- 9:14 Our consciences purged by the blood of Christ (through high priestly ministry).
- 9:24-25 Jesus now appears in the presence of God for us.
- 9:28 Christ's reappearance without sin unto salvation (exiting the heavenly sanctuary).
- 10:12, 14 Jesus "sat down at the right hand of God;" "by one offering" (high priestly duties highlighted).
- 10:19, 21 Having an high Priest, entering the holiest by the blood of Jesus.
- 12:2 Jesus set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
- 12:24 Jesus, the Mediator of the new covenant and of the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than the blood of Abel.
- 13:11 The high priest brings blood into sanctuary for sin, but bodies burned outside the gate. We go with Jesus outside the camp bearing His reproach.
- 13:20 The blood of the everlasting covenant--another reference to the heavenly sanctuary ministry of Christ.
But let's focus now on Hebrews chapter seven. What is Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, saying to us in this passage?
Context of Surrounding Chapters
Let's take one moment to consider the context of Hebrews chapter seven, namely, what comes before and after it?
Hebrews six speaks of God's faithfulness toward us and Paul's deep concern that his readers will be diligent in laying hold upon the divine promises. Verses 19 and 20 speak of our hope that enters within the veil--that is, within the most holy Place of the heavenly sanctuary, where Jesus, our high Priest after the order of Melchizedek is entered.
Hebrews eight and nine focus in the fact of Jesus' present high priestly ministry in heaven, the real ministry the ministry of the earthly sanctuary service had foreshadowed. These chapters discuss the promise of God to put His laws in our hearts and minds so that we can obey, and a shift from human works covenant to God-empowered living in obedience. Jesus is both our sacrifice and our high Priest offering that sacrifice and ministering it through the heavenly sanctuary system (for more on this see Leviticus 16, and the following sermon: Collision With Prophecy #5: Yom Kippur and End-Time Prophecy).
A Journey Through Hebrews Seven KJV
With that in mind, let's consider what happens (in some detail) in Hebrews chapter seven. It was not until chapters five and six that Jesus' high priestly office was clearly identified as being a manifestation of the Melchizedek priesthood. But until chapter seven there is little explanation regarding it. In chapter seven however Paul does take up a detailed discussion of that priesthood.
The first verses of the chapter reprise the biblical background on Melchizedek, the original events of Genesis 14:17-20. Outside of this passage and Psalm 110 we know very little about Melchizedek (beside the testimony of the book of Hebrews). However, what we know is enough. Melchizedek is Hebrew for "King of Righteousness." This priest of which we know so little met Abraham upon his victorious return from the slaughter of the kings, brought forth bread and wine, invoking a blessing upon first Abraham and then God. In response Abraham returned a tithe of the spoils to God through Melchizedek.
Only in Hebrews do we find Melchizedek described as "without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually." This cryptic description ought not to trouble us overmuch though. While the Bible leaves us curious and interested in learning more (which doubtless one day we'll be able to do in heaven), we are never left in the lurch. We are never left without the crucial information we need to follow our God.
Scripture was never intended by our Father to include every fact and every item of knowledge of spiritual interest for us. The close of the gospel of John records this plainly: "And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book: but These are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His name" (John 20:30-31). Romans 15:4 says, "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope." Clearly, the edges of Scripture have been left there without all the tidy tucking-in that could be expected. Items that are peripheral or incomplete are to be followed up only so far as Scripture goes. They are not left there for us to hook-into with speculative theories and ideas.
Insofar as Melchizedek was speaking on God's behalf as His priest, Christ was speaking through him. But Melchizedek was not God. Only God truly is without father and without mother and without descent, having neither beginning of days nor end of life. But the meaning of the author of Hebrews is clarified by lines right here in the neighborhood. Consider the fact that genealogical lineage is mentioned in verses 5 and 6. To what end? To point out the superiority of the Melchizedek priesthood over the Aaronic by reminding his readers that Abraham and in a sense even Levi paid tithes to Melchizedek. As the 7th verse says, "Without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better."
This superiority is highlighted by the statement of the eighth verse that "here men that die receive tithes, but there He receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that He liveth." This is not speaking of the man Melchizedek that Abraham met, but of "the Forerunner," "Jesus, made an high Priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek" (Hebrews 6:20). Remember, beginning of the seventh chapter of Hebrews is a digression about Melchizedek, but the main topic is the high Priesthood of Jesus our Melchizedek Priest.
Men die. Jesus lives on. The impermanence of humans and human priests is emphasized in the ninth through tenth verses, the inadequacy of the Levitical priesthood in 11th through 28th verses.
Verse 11 speaks of "another priest" arising after the order of the Melchizedek priesthood and not the Aaronic order. The word in Greek for these orders is interesting. It is taxon, as in "taxonomy" which deals with the classification of things. There is a very clear difference then between the taxon of the Melchizedek order and the taxon of the Aaronic order. Note carefully too what is said here: another priest (singular) is spoken of as arising from the Melchizedekian order, not the Aaronic. A single individual is here spoken of. That we are reading of Jesus is made clear by the reference to one arising from the tribe of Judah.
The one arising is "after the similitude" of Melchizedek. Again, the 15th verse speaks not of a priesthood but of another priest (singular) arising. He "is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life" (Hebrews 7:16). That is, this priest to arise does not come through the track of the Levitical/Aaronic priesthood which is limited to the hereditary descendants of Levi, "but after the power of an endless life." This new individual who will come as high priest is divine, after the power of an endless life. Power here is dunamis, "strength," not exousia, as in "authority." Jesus has the power within Himself to live forever. He has the option of laying that life down and of taking it back up (John 10:18). He is God.
The 17th through the 22nd verses tell us that Jesus was made high Priest by the oath of God. Jesus was made high Priest after the taxon of Melchizedek. The 19th verse tells us that this special Priesthood of Jesus Christ on our behalf is the bringing in of a better hope by which we draw near to God. The law was not our hope and is not our hope, but the high Priestly Melchizedek ministry of Jesus for us is.
The last verses of the chapter emphasize the "unchangeable" nature of Christ's priesthood and His ability to save, to heal His people. "He ever liveth to make intercession" for us. Just "such an high Priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens" (Hebrews 7:26). The chapter closes on the note of a final reminder of the infirmity of mere human priests who die, and emphasizes Christ's consecration to this priesthood of an eternal duration. Thus ends Hebrews chapter seven.
Observations
Some very important observations are here in order. First, we return tithes to Jesus today because He is alive. We do not return tithes to a God who is dead. This may seem basic, but isn't it important? The tithe is a recognition of divine ownership and divine blessing. Jesus owns us; we've been purchased with a price. It only makes sense that we would return tithes to Him. This brings up another point; tithing no longer goes through the old, now superceded Levitical system. Tithes are returned to Christ who is ministering for us in the heavenly sanctuary. The divine blessings today come to us not randomly or chaotically, but specifically through the heavenly sanctuary where our Jesus is. Kind of puts a new angle on that, doesn't it?
Secondly, according to Scripture, there would be a "change" in the law; a new priest would arise after the order of Melchizedek. There is a fascinating blend here between the Levitical priesthood and the day of atonement services associated with it, and the Melchizedek priesthood and its superiority over the Levitical. Only a descendent of Levi could be high Priest on earth, certainly none from the tribe of Judah. But there was to be a change in the law. As Hebrews 8:4 pointed out, "if He [Christ] were on earth, He should not be a priest." But in heaven one from the tribe of Judah can minister, for He "has the power of an endless life."
Thirdly, this new priest ("another priest") would serve as "high priest," and there was only ever at any given time ONE high Priest. Although there are at least two taxons, two "orders," that does not mean that every order contains numerous individuals. You can have a taxon that contains but one individual. The new Priest would serve as high Priest, and there was only ever at any one time one high Priest.
Fourth, since the new Priest Jesus in the Melchizedek order has within Himself "the power of an endless life," He continues forever. The many priests in the time leading up to this "were not suffered to continue by reason of death" (Hebrews 7:23). Since the new high Priest is Jesus, that priesthood is forever filled. He will never again die, so there will never again be need of a replacement Priest.
Observations on Hebrews Seven JST
Now we take a turn through the JST version of Hebrews seven. But it only differs in just a few places and from what we have already seen in the KJV of the chapter. To save a lot of time, we are just going to look at the changed places--the places that purport to include passages or snippets that somehow had been dropped out by those who removed "many plain and precious things" from the book. Or so we are told.
The third verse is where the pivotal change comes. Here we have "7:3 For this Melchizedek was ordained a priest after the order of the Son of God, which order was without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; And all those who are ordained unto this priesthood are but made like unto the Son of God; abiding abideth a priest continually." Here we have a new phrase, "the order of the Son of God." We have no Greek to look at since this is not granted us and we have to take things on Joseph Smith's word.
What then of this "order," this taxon of the Son of God? We cannot find the phrase or the hint of this phrase anywhere else in Scripture. The phrase "Son of God" occurs nearly fifty times, and nearly half of those are in the writings of John. But never "the order of the Son of God." But it is also true that the difficult passage about the lineage of the Genesis Melchizedek is found only in Hebrews. "The order of the Son of God," rather than being yet another order would have to be a synonym for "the order of Melchizedek" from verse 11. Yet apparently a human man filled that order in Genesis 14. It doesn't seem likely that a mere human, subject to the infirmity of death just as all the other merely Levitical priests were, would be included in "the order of the Son of God." In any case, the real difficulty lies in the latter part of the change of this verse: "And all those who are ordained unto this priesthood are made like unto the Son of God; abiding a priest continually."
We saw in our study of the seventh chapter of Hebrews already, that it attests universally to the truth that the new high Priest could only serve thus if he were in heaven. We further saw that the Scripture speaks not of "all those who are ordained unto this priesthood" which makes it sound as though many people would be thus ordained, but that one single individual would be ordained a Priest of the Melchizedek order. Then we saw that Christ has "the power of an endless life," will live "forever," and never die. Therefore He will never vacate His seat as high Priest to another, because He lives today.
The other changes given in the JST version of this chapter require but little comment. The change in Hebrews 7:19 is but a restatement of Hebrews 7:21. The latter part of the 20th verse appears to make the law "the better hope," an idea very thoroughly not sustained, either by the varied references to the hope in Hebrews (See 3:6; 6:11, 18, 19; 7:19), or the repeated testimony of the New Testament about the law. The law is never portrayed as our hope! God uses it, it is a pivotal instrument in His plan of salvation for us. But it is never our hope. Our hope is Christ within the veil, appearing before our heavenly Father as our great high Priest--one like us, of our nature, one not ashamed to call us brethren who is seated at the right hand of our Father in the heavenly sanctuary, in its most holy Place, a God become man who intercedes for men who need to become like God.
The JST passage in the 20th verse is just a repetition of the 22nd verse. The change in verse 26 is at least plausible. The change in the JST 27th verse adds a good deal of needless verbiage in order to explain away the original wording of 27. There, the original wording is "[Jesus] who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself." When it says "for this He did once" it simply has reference to the last phrase, offering up sacrifice for the sins of the people.
A Consideration of the LDS Claims to a Current Melchizedek Priesthood on Earth
The claim of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints today is, that after a universal apostasy of the church on earth God removed the priesthood from the earth including its authority (For a consideration of this claim, see Two Candidates for the End-time Church). Two priesthoods were removed, the Aaronic and the Melchizedek. These priesthoods have both been restored through the LDS Church, many thousands and thousands of its members whom on earth today compose these two priestly orders.
However, as we have seen, if even Jesus Himself were on earth, He could not belong to the Melchizedek order! Hebrews chapter seven, regardless of version, points plainly to but one individual, single person who would fulfill this high Priesthood. The One who has filled it is in fact Jesus, who is alive forever more and will never die. His priesthood is called "unchangeable," and His Melchizedek office will never be filled by another. Based on these very clear observations, virtually all of which agree whether we accept the so-called "JST" or not, the current LDS Melchizedek order cannot possibly be legitimate. I suppose that it would be wonderful if this were possible, but Hebrews seven and other places in Scripture would have to be rewritten and with a far more radical pen than the JST uses on the chapter.
Conclusion: The Melchizedek Priesthood Today
Today only one church we know of has the true Melchizedek Priesthood. It is the Seventh-day Adventist Church. We accept and actively teach the high Priestly ministry of Jesus in the heavenly sanctuary, a claim no other denomination even cares to make. We ourselves are priests (See 1 Peter 2:9-10) and have direct access to God the Father through our Intercessor Jesus, presently in the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary, finishing the application of His atonement to His people, and who will very soon return to take us to Himself ever to be with Him. We have this precious and real hope! It is no fable but the teaching of the unadulterated word of God. We are connected to the source of all power in heaven and know His presence in our lives. We experience the communion of His presence through His Spirit and through the strength that He provides are enabled to obey heavenly Father's commandments! More than this, we have, we say in all humility to our Mormon friends, the actual Priesthood authority that they claim to have.
And we don't have to get there by going outside of the Bible. Praise God! Yes, we accept the idea of contemporary revelation (See Who's Adding to the Word of God?). But our prophet has pointed us strongly to the Scriptures and their infallible testimony. Today as we have invested some time and energy taking serious the claims of our LDS friends, we have learned precious lessons about the hope we actually have in Christ, the Melchizedek Priest of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and of all His people from one end of the globe to the other. We praise Him and take Him at His word. We rejoice that it is He that ever lives to make intercession for us. He is the source of spiritual authority. And He is listening for our prayers even now. He has entered within the veil. He stands before our Father, ready to help--and I am going to take Him up on it.
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