The Restoration of Priesthood Authority
When Were the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthood Given to Joseph and Oliver?
There is perhaps nothing of greater importance to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints than priesthood authority. Other than the glorious revealed truths and scriptures, the priesthood authority given to man by God is the number one distinguishing factor between the Church and all of the man-made churches out there.
The Aaronic Priesthood was given to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery by the resurrected John the Baptist (who held this priesthood during his life) on May 15th, 1829. The Melchizedek Priesthood was given to Joseph and Oliver by the Savior's ancient apostles, Peter, James and John. This ordination occurred between May 15th-30th 1829.
Critics have adamantly claimed that Joseph (or Sidney Rigdon) simply invented the two priesthoods in 1834 and then back-dated the ordinations to 1829 in order to have even more authority and dominion over church members. It's surprising that this is even an argument since the evidence to the contrary is so easy to find.
I think it's about time we humble ourselves and trust the counsel of the Lord's anointed servants. That is, to pray to know for ourselves if Joseph Smith was truly the Lord's prophet, or if the Book of Mormon is true, or if the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is truly Christ's restored Church. I know these things by revelation. Some may try (and have tried) to discount this or mock me for it, but I know what I've experienced. I know that God has spoken to me through the power of the Holy Ghost. Revelation is ongoing and significant (Alma 32), and certain experiences in particular are very sacred to me (Moroni 10); I could never deny the revelation I've received. All of God's children can receive revelation regarding the truth. However, it takes effort on our part: sincere humility, gratitude for all the amazing things that the Lord has done for us, faith in Jesus Christ, a determination to keep God's commandments, and righteous desires. When we do our part, the answers do come. They really do. I promise you.
After that, nothing really matters. However, we are advised to study things out in our minds, ponder over them, and then ask God if they are right. The mind and the heart are both important. I just hope that you will read the following evidence with a prayerful, open heart. One who is determined to critique will always find something to criticize, no matter how compelling the evidence. Christ demonstrated to us the essence of humility. He expects us to learn humility as well as we seek His will and learn His truths.
The Aaronic Priesthood was given to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery by the resurrected John the Baptist (who held this priesthood during his life) on May 15th, 1829. The Melchizedek Priesthood was given to Joseph and Oliver by the Savior's ancient apostles, Peter, James and John. This ordination occurred between May 15th-30th 1829.
Critics have adamantly claimed that Joseph (or Sidney Rigdon) simply invented the two priesthoods in 1834 and then back-dated the ordinations to 1829 in order to have even more authority and dominion over church members. It's surprising that this is even an argument since the evidence to the contrary is so easy to find.
I think it's about time we humble ourselves and trust the counsel of the Lord's anointed servants. That is, to pray to know for ourselves if Joseph Smith was truly the Lord's prophet, or if the Book of Mormon is true, or if the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is truly Christ's restored Church. I know these things by revelation. Some may try (and have tried) to discount this or mock me for it, but I know what I've experienced. I know that God has spoken to me through the power of the Holy Ghost. Revelation is ongoing and significant (Alma 32), and certain experiences in particular are very sacred to me (Moroni 10); I could never deny the revelation I've received. All of God's children can receive revelation regarding the truth. However, it takes effort on our part: sincere humility, gratitude for all the amazing things that the Lord has done for us, faith in Jesus Christ, a determination to keep God's commandments, and righteous desires. When we do our part, the answers do come. They really do. I promise you.
After that, nothing really matters. However, we are advised to study things out in our minds, ponder over them, and then ask God if they are right. The mind and the heart are both important. I just hope that you will read the following evidence with a prayerful, open heart. One who is determined to critique will always find something to criticize, no matter how compelling the evidence. Christ demonstrated to us the essence of humility. He expects us to learn humility as well as we seek His will and learn His truths.
Something Important to Note:
There is plentiful evidence that there was knowledge of two distinct priesthoods well before 1834. The Melchizedek Priesthood in the earliest days of Church history was often called the "higher priesthood" or the "greater priesthood". The Aaronic Priesthood was often called the "lesser priesthood". We still use this same terminology in the Church currently. So, yes, it may be likely that the usage of the terms "Melchizedek" and "Aaronic" was not very common until 1834. However, the terms were still used, and that does not mean that these two priesthoods were made up later on. Over time, the saints began using synonymous terms to refer to the greater and lesser priesthoods with which they were already familiar.
Evidence in the 1832 First Vision Account
The 1st paragraph of the 1832 account of the First Vision states: (w/ original spelling maintained)
"A History of the life of Joseph Smith jr. an account of his marvilous experience and of all the mighty acts which he doeth in the name of Jesus Ch[r]ist the son of the living God of whom he beareth record and also an account of the rise of the church of Christ in the eve of time according as the Lord brought forth and established by his hand firstly he receiving the testamony from on high seccondly the ministering of Aangels thirdly the reception of the holy Priesthood by the ministring of Aangels to adminster the letter of the Gospel the Law and commandments as they were given unto him and the ordinenc[e]s, fo[u]rthly a confirmation and reception of the high Priesthood after the holy order of the son of the living God power and ordinence from on high to preach the Gospel in the administration and demonstration of the spirit the Kees of the Kingdom of god confered upon him and the continuation of the blessings of God to him &c"
In regards to this, Jeff Lindsay says the following on his on his website:
"Reception of the Holy Priesthood by the ministering of angels: yes, that's a reference to the story of the divine restoration of the priesthood. Documentation was scanty in those early days, no doubt, but here is adequate documentation two years before 1834.
"Many details of the First Vision and the angelic ministry involved in the restoration of the Priesthood were not in writing when the Church was organized, but the scriptural concept of divine authority and the prophet's divine call were definitely known (and even in scripture). The fact that some details were not published and distributed broadly until 1838 does not mean they weren't known before then, and certainly doesn't mean they were late innovations after the Church was up and running. Sometimes great events don't get recorded for years after, as many historians and family history researchers know. It was that way in Bible times, too. Rather than complain, why don't we do what we can to fix this problem and start doing a better job today of keeping our own journals up to date?"
Evidence in the Doctrine and Covenants
Doctrine and Covenants section 76 is one of the best places to look. You can check the 1832 manuscript HERE.
54 They are they who are the church of the Firstborn.
55 They are they into whose hands the Father has given all things--
56 They are they who are priests and kings, who have received of his fulness, and of his glory;
57 And are priests of the Most High, after the order of Melchizedek, which was after the order of Enoch, which was after the order of the Only Begotten Son.
58 Wherefore, as it is written, they are gods, even the sons of God--
59 Wherefore, all things are theirs, whether life or death, or things present, or things to come, all are theirs and they are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s.
60 And they shall overcome all things.
61 Wherefore, let no man glory in man, but rather let him glory in God, who shall subdue all enemies under his feet.
62 These shall dwell in the presence of God and his Christ forever and ever.
Many people often overlook Doctrine and Covenants section 84. It is a revelation given to Joseph Smith in 1832. It lays out clearly the origins of the "greater priesthood" and the "lesser priesthood". If you're worried that the references to the two priesthoods may have been added to the revelation later, you can also verify the veracity of the original 1832 manuscript HERE. A portion of the revelation reads as follows:
17 Which priesthood continueth in the church of God in all generations, and is without beginning of days or end of years.
18 And the Lord confirmed a priesthood also upon Aaron and his seed, throughout all their generations, which priesthood also continueth and abideth forever with the priesthood which is after the holiest order of God.
19 And this greater priesthood administereth the gospel and holdeth the key of the mysteries of the kingdom, even the key of the knowledge of God.
20 Therefore, in the ordinances thereof, the power of godliness is manifest.
21 And without the ordinances thereof, and the authority of the priesthood, the power of godliness is not manifest unto men in the flesh;
22 For without this no man can see the face of God, even the Father, and live.
23 Now this Moses plainly taught to the children of Israel in the wilderness, and sought diligently to sanctify his people that they might behold the face of God;
24 But they hardened their hearts and could not endure his presence; therefore, the Lord in his wrath, for his anger was kindled against them, swore that they should not enter into his rest while in the wilderness, which rest is the fulness of his glory.
25 Therefore, he took Moses out of their midst, and the Holy Priesthood also;
26 And the lesser priesthood continued, which priesthood holdeth the key of the ministering of angels and the preparatory gospel;
27 Which gospel is the gospel of repentance and of baptism, and the remission of sins, and the law of carnal commandments, which the Lord in his wrath caused to continue with the house of Aaron among the children of Israel until John, whom God raised up, being filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother’s womb.
These revelations are obviously expounding on the priesthood that the Saints already knew about. If certain contemporaries of Joseph Smith thought that the Priesthood wasn't talked about until 1834, then they weren't up to date on the revelations.
Evidence in the 1830 Edition of the Book of Mormon
Many religious people through the ages have long been confused as to who Melchizedek truly was - or if he was even a mortal due to confusing language used in the Bible. The Book of Mormon not only clears up this confusion, but it also beautifully expounds upon the eternal nature of the "High Priesthood" that Melchizedek held - which was eventually named after him in order to reduce the too-frequent usage of the name of God.
The following verses are found in Alma chapter 13. I copied these verses from directly from the 1830 edition of the Book of Mormon. The page numbers correspond to the 1830 edition. I recommend reading the full chapter to get a true sense of the grandeur of the doctrine.
The following verses are found in Alma chapter 13. I copied these verses from directly from the 1830 edition of the Book of Mormon. The page numbers correspond to the 1830 edition. I recommend reading the full chapter to get a true sense of the grandeur of the doctrine.
"Now they were ordained after this manner: Being called with a holy calling, and ordained with a holy ordinance, and taking upon them the High Priesthood of the holy order, which calling, and ordinance, and High Priesthood, is without beginning or end... Behold, the Scriptures are before you; if ye will arrest (i.e. fight against) them, it shall be to your own destruction" (pg. 259-260).
To those who say that the priesthood is just something that Joseph made up in the mid-1830's, I would ask: What did Joseph think about the references to the "high priesthood" or the 20+ other references to priesthood ordinations found in the Book of Mormon as he was translating? Did he just not notice them?
Here is a sampling of some other mentions of the "High Priesthood" and "Holy Order" in the Book of Mormon:
Here is a sampling of some other mentions of the "High Priesthood" and "Holy Order" in the Book of Mormon:
"I, Jacob, having been called of God, and ordained after the manner of his holy order, and having been consecrated by my brother Nephi..." (2 Nephi 6:2).
"Alma delivered up the judgment-seat to Nephihah, and confined himself wholly to the high priesthood of the holy order of God." (Alma 4:20).
"Will ye persist in the persecution of your brethren, who humble themselves and do walk after the holy order of God, wherewith they have been brought into this church, having been sanctified by the Holy Spirit?" (Alma 5:54).
"And Alma went and began to declare the word of God unto the church which was established in the valley of Gideon, according to the revelation of the truth of the word which had been spoken by his fathers, and according to the spirit of prophecy which was in him, according to the testimony of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who should come to redeem his people from their sins, and the holy order by which he was called." (Alma 6:8).
"They preached the word, and the truth, according to the spirit of prophecy and revelation; and they preached after the holy order of God by which they were called." (Alma 43:2).
"Yea, and there was continual peace among them, and exceedingly great prosperity in the church because of their heed and diligence which they gave unto the word of God, which was declared unto them by Helaman, and Shiblon, and Corianton, and Ammon and his brethren, yea, and by all those who had been ordained by the holy order of God." (Alma 49:30).
***Side note: Some have raised the question about Alma the Elder ("elder" in this case being used to distinguish him from his son Alma the "Younger"). Alma the Elder was a wicked priest who became converted by the prophet, Abinadi, and ended up repenting and baptizing thousands of people. There is a passage of scripture that many have misunderstood in Mosiah 18:
12 And now it came to pass that Alma took Helam, he being one of the first, and went and stood forth in the water, and cried, saying: O Lord, pour out thy Spirit upon thy servant, that he may do this work with holiness of heart.
13 And when he had said these words, the Spirit of the Lord was upon him, and he said: Helam, I baptize thee, having authority from the Almighty God, as a testimony that ye have entered into a covenant to serve him until you are dead as to the mortal body; and may the Spirit of the Lord be poured out upon you; and may he grant unto you eternal life, through the redemption of Christ, whom he has prepared from the foundation of the world.
Some people claim that this is evidence in the Book of Mormon that one does not have to actually be ordained in order to have authority and that all you need is the approval of the Spirit. Those who say this are missing one crucial point. Alma was an ordained priest! He had priesthood authority. Yes, he became a wicked priest to King Noah, so he lost his priesthood power for a time. This is why he repented. He even felt the need to be re-baptized as a symbol of his dramatic return to God. (The Saints did a similar thing after arriving in Utah - having a desire to recommit their lives to God). Verse 12 above describes Alma asking for the Spirit to be poured out upon himself so that he might do the work with holiness (i.e. power). This is a very common prayer said in the hearts of men before giving priesthood blessings or performing sacred ordinances. The reference to authority in verse 13 is not a reference to his prayer for the Spirit, rather it is referring to the fact that he had already been ordained as a priest previously.
Besides, there are plentiful citations (see above) of times when men were "ordained" and "consecrated" to the Holy Order.
Besides, there are plentiful citations (see above) of times when men were "ordained" and "consecrated" to the Holy Order.
Defending the Doctrine and Covenants
Since the part of section 27 that refers to the Melchizedek and Aaronic priesthoods only appears in the 1835 section of the Doctrine and Covenants, it is often used by critics as "proof" that Joseph made up the priesthood at a much later date. Let's consider the real facts.
With the progress made on the Joseph Smith Papers, historians have been able to verify the dates that things were written down. These new facts have been incorporated into the 2013 section headings in the Doctrine and Covenants. The heading for section 27 reads as follows:
"Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Harmony, Pennsylvania, August 1830. In preparation for a religious service at which the sacrament of bread and wine was to be administered, Joseph set out to procure wine. He was met by a heavenly messenger and received this revelation, a portion of which was written at the time and the remainder in the September following. Water is now used instead of wine in the sacramental services of the Church."
With the progress made on the Joseph Smith Papers, historians have been able to verify the dates that things were written down. These new facts have been incorporated into the 2013 section headings in the Doctrine and Covenants. The heading for section 27 reads as follows:
"Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Harmony, Pennsylvania, August 1830. In preparation for a religious service at which the sacrament of bread and wine was to be administered, Joseph set out to procure wine. He was met by a heavenly messenger and received this revelation, a portion of which was written at the time and the remainder in the September following. Water is now used instead of wine in the sacramental services of the Church."
5 Behold, this is wisdom in me; wherefore, marvel not, for the hour cometh that I will drink of the fruit of the vine with you on the earth, and with Moroni, whom I have sent unto you to reveal the Book of Mormon, containing the fulness of my everlasting gospel, to whom I have committed the keys of the record of the stick of Ephraim;
6 And also with Elias, to whom I have committed the keys of bringing to pass the restoration of all things spoken by the mouth of all the holy prophets since the world began, concerning the last days;
7 And also John the son of Zacharias, which Zacharias he (Elias) visited and gave promise that he should have a son, and his name should be John, and he should be filled with the spirit of Elias;
8 Which John I have sent unto you, my servants, Joseph Smith, Jun., and Oliver Cowdery, to ordain you unto the first priesthood which you have received, that you might be called and ordained even as Aaron;
9 And also Elijah, unto whom I have committed the keys of the power of turning the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to the fathers, that the whole earth may not be smitten with a curse;
10 And also with Joseph and Jacob, and Isaac, and Abraham, your fathers, by whom the promises remain;
11 And also with Michael, or Adam, the father of all, the prince of all, the ancient of days;
12 And also with Peter, and James, and John, whom I have sent unto you, by whom I have ordained you and confirmed you to be apostles, and especial witnesses of my name, and bear the keys of your ministry and of the same things which I revealed unto them;
13 Unto whom I have committed the keys of my kingdom, and a dispensation of the gospel for the last times; and for the fulness of times, in the which I will gather together in one all things, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth;
14 And also with all those whom my Father hath given me out of the world.
We should remember that just because something isn't recorded in journals and newspapers until a later date doesn't mean that it didn't happen or wasn't talked about. In many historical records, things of importance are often recorded at a later date.
There are other quotes and facts that historians use to pinpoint the ordination date to the 15-day window in May 1829. However, the evidences listed above are enough for me to know that the Melchizedek Priesthood and the Aaronic Priesthood with their accompanying priesthood keys were restored much earlier than critics claim.
There are other quotes and facts that historians use to pinpoint the ordination date to the 15-day window in May 1829. However, the evidences listed above are enough for me to know that the Melchizedek Priesthood and the Aaronic Priesthood with their accompanying priesthood keys were restored much earlier than critics claim.
Oliver Cowdery's Testimony
Attempts have been made to discredit the veracity of the Aaronic Priesthood ordination by John the Baptist upon Joseph and Oliver. Below, I have included Oliver Cowdery's written testimony regarding what happened as found in a letter to his friend, William W. Phelps. Even though Oliver left the Church for a few years, he continually affirmed his testimony of the events that transpired during that time. Soon after Brigham Young led the Saints to the Rockies, Oliver was re-baptized into the Church. Unfortunately died of bronchitis as he was preparing to join the Saints in Utah. As you read the below excerpt, I'll let you come to your own conclusion as to whether Oliver really experienced these miraculous events:
“These were days never to be forgotten—to sit under the sound of a voice dictated by the inspiration of heaven, awakened the utmost gratitude of this bosom! Day after day I continued, uninterrupted, to write from his mouth, as he translated with the Urim and Thummim, or, as the Nephites would have said, ‘Interpreters,’ the history or record called ‘The Book of Mormon.’
“To notice, in even few words, the interesting account given by Mormon and his faithful son, Moroni, of a people once beloved and favored of heaven, would supersede my present design; I shall therefore defer this to a future period, and, as I said in the introduction, pass more directly to some few incidents immediately connected with the rise of this Church, which may be entertaining to some thousands who have stepped forward, amid the frowns of bigots and the calumny of hypocrites, and embraced the Gospel of Christ.
“No men, in their sober senses, could translate and write the directions given to the Nephites from the mouth of the Savior, of the precise manner in which men should build up His Church, and especially when corruption had spread an uncertainty over all forms and systems practiced among men, without desiring a privilege of showing the willingness of the heart by being buried in the liquid grave, to answer a ‘good conscience by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.’
“After writing the account given of the Savior’s ministry to the remnant of the seed of Jacob, upon this continent, it was easy to be seen, as the prophet said it would be, that darkness covered the earth and gross darkness the minds of the people. On reflecting further it was as easy to be seen that amid the great strife and noise concerning religion, none had authority from God to administer the ordinances of the Gospel. For the question might be asked, have men authority to administer in the name of Christ, who deny revelations, when His testimony is no less than the spirit of prophecy, and His religion based, built, and sustained by immediate revelations, in all ages of the world when He has had a people on earth? If these facts were buried, and carefully concealed by men whose craft would have been in danger if once permitted to shine in the faces of men, they were no longer to us; and we only waited for the commandment to be given ‘Arise and be baptized.’
“This was not long desired before it was realized. The Lord, who is rich in mercy, and ever willing to answer the consistent prayer of the humble, after we had called upon Him in a fervent manner, aside from the abodes of men, condescended to manifest to us His will. On a sudden, as from the midst of eternity, the voice of the Redeemer spake peace to us, while the veil was parted and the angel of God came down clothed with glory, and delivered the anxiously looked for message, and the keys of the Gospel of repentance. What joy! what wonder! what amazement! While the world was racked and distracted—while millions were groping as the blind for the wall, and while all men were resting upon uncertainty, as a general mass, our eyes beheld, our ears heard, as in the ‘blaze of day’; yes, more—above the glitter of the May sunbeam, which then shed its brilliancy over the face of nature! Then his voice, though mild, pierced to the center, and his words, ‘I am thy fellow-servant,’ dispelled every fear. We listened, we gazed, we admired! ’Twas the voice of an angel from glory, ’twas a message from the Most High! And as we heard we rejoiced, while His love enkindled upon our souls, and we were wrapped in the vision of the Almighty! Where was room for doubt? Nowhere; uncertainty had fled, doubt had sunk no more to rise, while fiction and deception had fled forever!
“But, dear brother, think, further think for a moment, what joy filled our hearts, and with what surprise we must have bowed, (for who would not have bowed the knee for such a blessing?) when we received under his hand the Holy Priesthood as he said, ‘Upon you my fellow-servants, in the name of Messiah, I confer this Priesthood and this authority, which shall remain upon earth, that the Sons of Levi may yet offer an offering unto the Lord in righteousness!’
“I shall not attempt to paint to you the feelings of this heart, nor the majestic beauty and glory which surrounded us on this occasion; but you will believe me when I say, that earth, nor men, with the eloquence of time, cannot begin to clothe language in as interesting and sublime a manner as this holy personage. No; nor has this earth power to give the joy, to bestow the peace, or comprehend the wisdom which was contained in each sentence as they were delivered by the power of the Holy Spirit! Man may deceive his fellow-men, deception may follow deception, and the children of the wicked one may have power to seduce the foolish and untaught, till naught but fiction feeds the many, and the fruit of falsehood carries in its current the giddy to the grave; but one touch with the finger of his love, yes, one ray of glory from the upper world, or one word from the mouth of the Savior, from the bosom of eternity, strikes it all into insignificance, and blots it forever from the mind. The assurance that we were in the presence of an angel, the certainty that we heard the voice of Jesus, and the truth unsullied as it flowed from a pure personage, dictated by the will of God, is to me past description, and I shall ever look upon this expression of the Savior’s goodness with wonder and thanksgiving while I am permitted to tarry; and in those mansions where perfection dwells and sin never comes, I hope to adore in that day which shall never cease.”