Prophets have Melchizedek Priesthood

All Priesthood is Melchizedek

Joseph Smith

Answer to the question: Was the priesthood of Melchizedek taken away when Moses died?

All priesthood is Melchizedek, but there are different portions or degrees of it. That portion which brought Moses to speak with God face to face was taken away; but that which brought the ministry of angels remained. All the prophets had the Melchizedek Priesthood and [were] ordained by God himself. 1

Two Priesthoods

There are two Priesthoods spoken of in the Scriptures, viz., the Melchizedek and the Aaronic or Levitical. Although there are two Priesthoods, yet the Melchizedek Priesthood comprehends the Aaronic or Levitical Priesthood, and is the grand head, and holds the highest authority which pertains to the priesthood, and the keys of the Kingdom of God in all ages of the world to the latest posterity on the earth; and is the channel through which all knowledge, doctrine, the plan of salvation and every important matter is revealed from heaven.

Its institution was prior to the “foundation of this earth, or the morning stars sang together, or the Sons of God shouted for joy,” and is the highest and holiest Priesthood, and is after the order of the Son of God, and all other Priesthoods are only parts, ramifications, powers and blessings belonging to the same, and are held, controlled, and directed by it. 2

Notes

  1. Joseph Smith, The Words of Joseph Smith, p. 59

2. Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p.166-167. See also: The Words of Joseph Smith, p.38.

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