The priesthood of Melchezidek and Jesus Christ

For someone today to become a priesthood leader, they need to be ordained through the laying on of hands by someone who has the priesthood authority.  That is how we know who has authority in the church today. 

From reading the New Testament, we learn more about Melchezidek.  He was considered a type of Christ.  Melchezidek was the man that Abraham brought his tithes unto and ministered unto his people.  Because of these reasons and his righteousness, Melchezidek was considered a high priest.  Some of the miracles that Melchezidek performed included stopping the mouths of lions and quenching fires.  Melchezidek also bless Abraham.

In Doctrine and Covenants we learn that Melchizedek’s priesthood is higher than the Aaronic priesthood. Melchezidek’s priesthood is really the priesthood of Christ but is called Melchizedek to avoid overuse of Christ’s name. This is referenced in the Joseph Smith Translation of Hebrews 6, when Joseph Smith corrects it to say ‘not leaving behind the principles of the doctrine of Christ”.  It is important that these principles of faith, repentance, baptism and the Holy Ghost not be left behind because the priesthood is necessary to perform those ordinances.

When we deny the Holy Ghost, we are committing the unpardonable sin.  When we do that, we become sons of perdition.  This means that we must know truth and being receiving the blessings of the truth, and still choose to deny the Holy Ghost.  There is not repentance for that.

Now back to Melchizedek being a type of Christ.  They had many similarities like working miracles, being called kings, and being foreordained for their work.  Melchezidek was not really without father, mother or descent, but the order of the priesthood which he was ordained to was without father, mother or descent.

Paul taught in Hebrews a little bit more about the Priesthood.  The higher priesthood required an oath, but also allowed people to progress more toward perfection.