BLOG von mir

Many of you young women already know the things in this lesson, but I hope that it still gets you to think a little more about the topic.

Let’s start by going through the offices of the Aaronic and Melchizedek priesthoods. The lesser, or Aaronic priesthood, has three offices: Deacon, Teacher, Priest. It is preparatory for the higher Priesthood of Melchizedek, which contains Elder, High Priest, Patriarch, Seventy, and Apostle.

What happened to the office of Prophet? In this context, there is no distinction between apostle and prophet. The Quorum of the 12 Apostles is a quorum of prophets, seers, and revelators, just as much as “the” prophet is our President of the Church. So one called as an apostle and ordained to the office of  Apostle also becomes a prophet, seer, and revelator, however, does not hold the keys to presiding over the whole Church as the President does (today, Thomas S. Monson). If you want details, the Bible Dictionary’s entry on “Melchizedek Priesthood” explains it clearly.

Each office in the Melchizedek Priesthood is likewise preparatory to the offices above it whereby more keys are given. If the man is living worthily, each step of the way is a learning experience. He learns how to use it properly, according to God’s will. He learns the effects of it and gains a deeper understanding as he develops spiritually. These priesthoods are administrative: ordinances performed in the Church must be overseen by a Melchizedek Priesthood holder (give or take some witnesses, depending) and sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise (D&C 132:7).

Most of that should have been review. Now let’s look deeper. Those are the offices of the priesthoods. That is true, however, is that all? No. Those are the offices to which we ordain men in this world.  There is one other. What is it?