On the 27th of August 1843, Joseph Smith gave a sermon on the Three Grand Orders of the Priesthood. In that sermon, he ordered them as follows from the lowest to the highest:
Aaronic (Levitical)
Patriarchal (Evangelical)
Melchizedek
Despite the clarity with which he taught this doctrine, the corporate LDS church and others continue to essentially teach that the highest form of the priesthood is the patriarchal priesthood — associated with the sealing ordinances in the temples and their connection to celestial polygamy. In other words, patriarchs such as Abraham received an even higher form of priesthood than the Melchizedek priesthood when they entered into what the church calls the “new and everlasting covenant” of marriage. Denver Snuffer also makes this argument in his talk given in Orem, Utah on priesthood on Novemeber 2, 2013.
The reason it was so important to debunk Section 132 of the D&C as a true revelation in my last post was because the justification for this great inversion rests primarily on the doctrines taught in that section.
The great patriarchs of olden times, including Adam, Enoch, Noah, Abraham and many others were evangelists (meaning “missionaries”) of the simple gospel of Jesus Christ. Joseph himself said that “an evangelist is a patriarch” (TPJS pg 38-39) which the church has interpreted to mean the man ordained in each stake to give patriarchal blessing. This has caused confusion in the minds of many.
Instead the scriptures describe an evangelist as one who has the priesthood to minister the gospel unto the inhabitants of the earth. It is a lineal priesthood that is passed down from father to son, and thus inferior to the Melchizedek priesthood that is confirmed upon those who are called by God’s voice out of heaven and is “without father and mother” (in other words, not a lineal priesthood). This is not to say that the great patriarch / evangelists did not ultimately receive the Melchizedek Priesthood. The distinction is that they first had the patriarchal priesthood by lineal descent and right, and may later have received the highest priesthood of Melchizedek.
Regarding the patriarchal priesthood, D&C 107:39-41 explains:
“It is the duty of the Twelve, in all large branches of the church, to ordain evangelical ministers, as they shall be designated unto them by revelation–The order of this priesthood was confirmed to be handed down from father to son, and rightly belongs to the literal descendants of the chosen seed, to whom the promises were made. This order was instituted inthe days of Adam, and came down by lineage…”
This scripture also makes clear that not every male member in the church should be ordained unto this priesthood, only those of the chosen seed as revealed to the Twelve by revelation.
The use of the term “evangelist” to refer to a ministry is very consistent with the New Testament in which Philip is referred to as an evangelist (Acts 21:8) and Timothy is exhorted by Paul to do the work of an evangelist and make full proof of thy ministry (2 Tim 3:5). Additionally, Ephesians 4:11-12, refers to the Lord giving the church “some evangelists” for the “work of the ministry.”
Few members of the church own a book by Fred C. Collier entitled “Unpublished Revelations of the Prophets and Presidents of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is not cheap to purchase but has some real gems therein including the following two excerpts related to patriarchal priesthood:
“Therefore, verily thus sayeth the Lord you God, I appoint these Twelve that they should be equal in their ministry and in their portion, and in their evangelical rights...” (November 3, 1835 pg 79)
“…in his [Joseph Smith] hands shall the Urim and Thummim remain and the holy ministry and the keys of the evangelical priesthood, also for an everlasting priesthood forever, even the patriarchal: for behold, he is the first patriarch in the last days. He shall sit in the great assembly and general council of patriarchs, and execute the will and commandment under the direction of the Ancient of Days…” (September 22, 1835 pg 77, from a revelatory patriarchal blessing given by Oliver Cowdery)
In both of these revelations you can see a direct link between the patriarchal priesthood and a ministry. This same connection is made in the Book of Abraham relating to his priesthood and ministry.
I have puposed to make of thee [Abraham] a minister to bear my name in a strage land which I will give unto thy seed after thee for an everlasting possession, when they hearken to my voice. (Abr 2:6)
And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee above measure, and make thy name great among all nations, and thou shalt be a blessing unto thy seed after thee that in their hands they shall bear this ministry and Priesthood unto all nations; And I will bless them through thy name; for as many as receive this Gospel shall be called after thy name and shall be accounted thy seed, and shall rise up and bless thee , as their father; And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse them that curse thee; and in thee (that is, in thy Priesthood) and in thy seed (that is, thy Priesthood), for I give unto thee a promise that this right shall continue in thee, and in thy seed after thee (that is to say, the literal seed, or the seed of the body) shall all the families of the earth be blessed, even with the blessings of the Gospel, which are the blessings of salvation, even of life eternal. (Abr 2:9-11)
Wow! This was quite an epiphany for me. The Abrahamic Covenant is all about the seed of Abraham who bear this ministry (the tidings of the gospel) and thus are instrumental in providing the blessings of the gospel to the inhabitants of the earth who hearken to their voice.
I suggest that anyone who is serious about understanding about the three priesthoods invest 75 mins. to watch the video produced by Watcher entitled
The “Priesthood of Aaron” is not synonymous with the “Aaronic Priesthood”
He brings great insight to a very confusing subject, and does it with scripture and historical record. Do yourself a favor and watch it if you haven’t already.
Understanding the patriarchal priesthood provides a key to knowledge about the our current state and the meaning of the phrase from Malachi “turn the heart of the fathers to the children and the heart of the children to the fathers.” We will address that in greater depth in our next installment.
Keep Searching
One Who Is Searching 
Thank you. I can understand why Denver thinks that Patriarchal may be the highest, but it’s definitely of a lower power than Melchizedek. When Adam, Enoch, and others anciently really came into their own and started operating by true power, it was always some decades after receiving the Patriarchal authority. It wasn’t until they came into the order of the Son of God that they could move mountains and the like.
Totes agree with you, bro.
LikeLike
And it was never ever associated with the false doctrine of celestial polygamy. The world is truly turned upside down by inverting these two priesthoods.
LikeLike
After my inquisition and excommunication the eyes of my understanding we’re opened.My searching and knocking became much more fruitful, with spiritual out pouring’s that were previously unimaginable.My epiphany was very similar.
A while back when I was searching section 107 versus 39 and 40 popped when it revealed a different Lineal priesthood than the levitical and higher priesthood previously spoken.
I’m not sure if it was then or before that I realize the importance of the 1835 doctrine and covenants order of sections being a testimony of the lost priesthood later declared in section 124. Section 1, 20, 107, 84, 102, 86 … you would think we might need to understand the priesthood that was lost to the church of the latter-day Saints as of May 1834.
Section 86:8 Therefore, thus saith the Lord unto you, with whom the priesthood hath continued through the lineage of your father’s 9.For he are lawful heirs, according to the flash, and have been hidden from the world with Christ in God 10. Therefore your life and the priesthood have remained, and must needs remain through you and your lineage until the restoration of all things spoken by the mouth’s of all the holy prophets since the world began.11. Therefore,blessed are ye if ye continue in my goodness, a light unto the Gentiles, and through this priesthood a savior unto my people Israel. The Lord has said it. Amen
Exactly as you explain in your testimony thank you!
You mentioned Colliers work, as I am a little slower than most I discovered a month or so ago , Josephs prayer for the redemption of Zion on December 10, 1833 six days before the answer to his prayer in section 101 on December 16, 1833 . Much of the doctrine and covenants is hidden to the members today because of the cursing ,verse one section 41 and the five deceptions warned about in sections 43,45,46,50 and 52. Section 43, unless we receive All the sticks of revelations by Joseph (JST,BofM,D&C…) and also section 46 avoid the seduction of evil spirits, doctrine of devils and the Commandments of men,our deception is sure. So section 18’s command rely upon the things which are written, his word, his voice spirit is our only chance.
LikeLike
“APPEND’AGE noun Something added to a principal or greater thing, though not necessary to it, as a portico to a house.” Webster’s Dictionary 1828 – Online Edition [http://webstersdictionary1828.com/Dictionary/appendage]
“[29] And again, the offices of elder and bishop are NECESSARY APPENDAGES belonging unto the high priesthood. [30] And again, the offices of teacher and deacon are NECESSARY APPENDAGES belonging to the lesser priesthood, which priesthood was confirmed upon Aaron and his sons.”
D&C – Current LDS Ed., Section 84: 29-30 / D&C – 1835 Kirtland Ed., Section 4 [http://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/doctrine-and-covenants-1835/97]
The prime office of the High (Melchizedek) Priesthood is clearly that of “High Priest,” while the prime office of the lesser (Aaronic/Levitical) Priesthood appears to be that of “Priest.” Only the other offices assigned under these heads (Elder, Bishop, Teacher, Deacon) are described as “appendages” within their respective orders.
“[7] The office of an elder comes UNDER THE PRIESTHOOD OF MELCHIZEDEK.
[8] The Melchizedek Priesthood holds the right of presidency, and has power and authority over all the offices in the church in all ages of the world, to administer in spiritual things.
[9] The Presidency of the High Priesthood, after the order of Melchizedek, have a right to officiate in all the offices in the church.
[10] HIGH PRIESTS AFTER THE ORDER OF THE MELCHIZEDEK PRIESTHOOD have a right to officiate in their own standing, under the direction of the presidency, in administering spiritual things, and also in the office of an elder, priest (of the Levitical order), teacher, deacon, and member.
[11] An elder has a right to officiate in his stead when the high priest is not present.”
D&C – Current LDS Ed., Sec. 107:7-11/ D&C – 1835 Kirtland Ed., Sec. 3 [http://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/doctrine-and-covenants-1835/90]
The appendage office of “Elder” occurs in the Old Testament prior to the revelation of the Higher Law withdrawn from the Israelites when Moses broke the tablets. This office also occurred in the restoration prior to the revelation of the High Priesthood on the June 3-4, 1831 Conference at Morley Farm, as the only priesthood office held by Joseph and Oliver at the time of the Apr. 6, 1830 organization. The office of Elder may be UNDER the higher priesthood when it is revealed in its fullness, but appears to exist independently (even patriarchically—more on this line of thinking later).
“[12] The high priest and elder are to administer in spiritual things, agreeable to the covenants and commandments of the church; and they have a right to officiate in all these offices of the church when there are no higher authorities present.
[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.
[15] The bishopric is the presidency of this priesthood, and holds the keys or authority of the same.
D&C – Current LDS Ed., Sec. 107:11-15/ D&C – 1835 Kirtland Ed., Sec. 3 [http://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/doctrine-and-covenants-1835/90]
The office of Bishop may be participative in the Higher Priesthood when it is revealed in its fullness, but appears to exist natively (even patriarchically) in the Levitical Order.
LikeLike
The Levitical office of ‘BISHOP/OVERSEER,’ though an appendage unto the Higher Priesthood when the fullness is manifest, appears to have occurred among the Israelites during their post-Mosaic ‘demotion’ to the lesser law. Levitical overseers (with Levitical scribes, officers and porters) attended to dually temporal/sacred duties for the blessing of Israel.
“10 And they put it in the hand of the workmen that had THE OVERSIGHT OF THE HOUSE OF THE LORD, and they gave it to the workmen that wrought in the house of the LORD, to repair and amend the house:
11 Even to the artificers and builders gave they it, to buy hewn stone, and timber for couplings, and to floor the houses which the kings of Judah had destroyed.
12 And the men did the work faithfully: and THE OVERSEERS OF THEM WERE JAHATH AND OBADIAH, THE LEVITES, OF THE SONS OF MERARI; and Zechariah and Meshullam, of the sons of the Kohathites, to set it forward; and other of the Levites, all that could skill of instruments of musick.
13 ALSO THEY WERE OVER THE BEARERS OF BURDENS, AND WERE OVERSEERS OF ALL THAT WROUGHT THE WORK IN ANY MANNER OF SERVICE: AND OF THE LEVITES THERE WERE SCRIBES, AND OFFICERS, AND PORTERS.
(The Second Book of Chronicles 34:10-13 [https://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/2-chr/34?lang=eng],
[http://biblehub.com/kjvs/2_chronicles/34.htm])
KJV English translation ‘OVERSEER’ from the Old Testament Hebrew:
“natsach: preeminent or enduring
Original Word: נָצַח
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: natsach
Phonetic Spelling: (naw-tsakh’)
Short Definition: oversee;” Aso “be preeminent or enduring;” “shine, be illustrious;” “be pure, reliable;” “be pure, innocent”
(Strong’s Concordance, Entry 5329. “natsach” [http://biblehub.com/hebrew/5329.htm])
KJV English transliteration ‘BISHOP’ from the New Testament Greek:
Original Word: ἐπίσκοπος, ου, ὁ
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: episkopos
Phonetic Spelling: (ep-is’-kop-os)
Short Definition: OVERSEER, supervisor, ruler
Definition: (used as an official title in civil life), OVERSEER, supervisor, ruler, especially used with reference to the supervising function exercised by an elder or presbyter of a church or congregation.reference to the supervising function exercised by an elder or presbyter of a church or congregation.
(Strong’s Concordance, Entry 1985. “episkopos” [http://biblehub.com/greek/1985.htm])
“Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you OVERSEERS, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
(The Acts of the Apostles, Ch. 20:28 [https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/acts/20?lang=eng])
“For a BISHOP must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;”
(The Epistle of Paul to Titus, Ch. 1:7 [https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/titus/1.7?lang=eng&clang=eng#p6])
“This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a BISHOP, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, THE HUSBAND OF ONE WIFE, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;”
(The First Epistle of Paul the Apostle to Timothy, Ch. 3: 1-2 [https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/1-tim/3.2?lang=eng#p1])
“And again, I have called my servant Edward Partridge; and I give a commandment, that he should be APPOINTED BY THE VOICE OF THE CHURCH, AND ORDAINED A BISHOP UNTO THE CHURCH, to leave his merchandise and to spend all his time in the labors of the church;
To see to all things as it shall be appointed unto him in my laws in the day that I shall give them.
And this because his heart is pure before me, for he is like unto Nathanael of old, in whom there is no guile.”
(Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to the Church, at Kirtland, Ohio, February 4, 1831, The Doctrine and Covenants – Current LDS Ed. Sec. 41:9-11 [https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/41.9-11?lang=eng#p8])
Bishop unto the Church Edward Partridge died of illness May 27, 1840, firm in the faith, having never partaken of the doctrinal and practical corruptions of Nauvoo. His vacancy in the Levitical priesthood was not filled during Joseph’s tenure. Newel K. Whitney was appointed Oct. 7, 1844, as “First Bishop” of the church under Brigham Young’s authorization. Whitney, having just demonstrated his personal allegiance to the practice of celestial polygamy that same year, undertook the calling as one who was NOT ‘the husband of one wife.’
See chronology of subsequent appointmentsto this role in the LDS church: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presiding_Bishop_(LDS_Church)
So was Whitney’s Bishopric null and void? What became of the Presiding Levitical authority in the church? Has this been transmitted? Who holds it now? Can it operate independently of the higher priesthood when the fullness is withdrawn? The following revelation is interesting, given that great judgments seemed to have attended the several stewardships of Partridge (expulsion of Zion) and Whitney (fall of Kirtland).
“Therefore, verily I say unto you, that it is expedient for my servants Edward Partridge and Newel K. Whitney, A. Sidney Gilbert and Sidney Rigdon, and my servant Joseph Smith, and John Whitmer and Oliver Cowdery, and W. W. Phelps and Martin Harris to be bound together by A BOND AND COVENANT THAT CANNOT BE BROKEN BY TRANSGRESSION, EXCEPT JUDGMENT SHALL IMMEDIATELY FOLLOW, IN YOUR SEVERAL STEWARDSHIPS—To manage the affairs of the poor, and all things pertaining to the bishopric both in the land of Zion and in the land of Kirtland;
For I have consecrated the land of Kirtland in mine own due time for the benefit of the saints of the Most High, and for a stake to Zion.
For Zion must increase in beauty, and in holiness; her borders must be enlarged; her stakes must be strengthened; yea, verily I say unto you, Zion must arise and put on her beautiful garments.
Therefore, I give unto you this commandment, that ye bind yourselves by this covenant, and it shall be done according to the laws of the Lord.”
(Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet, in Independence, Jackson County, Missouri, April 26, 1832, The Doctrine and Covenants – Current LDS Ed. Sec. 82:11-15 [https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/82.11?lang=eng&clang=eng#p10])
LikeLike