Melchisedec was King of Salem, later called Jerusalem .  It is believed that he was Shem, the oldest son of Noah.  Without the Melchisedec Priesthood no one can enter the kingdom of heaven.  “Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God .” (John 3:5)

Necessity of the Melchisedec Priesthood
Melchisedec Priesthood
Levitical/Aaronic Priesthood
Gospel and Divine Authority
Great Commission and Anti-Christ
Dispensations of the Melchisedec Priesthood
Great Approbation

Necessity of the Melchisedec Priesthood

Jesus went to John the Baptist to be born of water; because John was a Priest of the Levitical Priesthood; and held divine authority to baptize with water.  John, though, did hold divine authority to baptize with the Spirit.  “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire.” (Matt. 3:11)

Before Jesus began His ministry, “angels came and ministered unto him.” (Matt. 4:11)  What did they minister?  The Father ordained/anointed Jesus as an Apostle and Prophet like unto Moses.  “22 For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. 23 And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people.” (Acts 3)

Holding this high office in the Melchisedec Priesthood, He also held the lower office of High Priest.  Jesus could not take upon Himself the honor of the priesthood.  “5 So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he [the Father] that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee. 6 As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.” (Heb. 5)  Note that the ordination of Jesus made him a Son of God; even as all others ordained to the Melchisedec Priesthood are Sons of God. This order of the priesthood was called the order of the Sons of God before being changed to the order of the Melchisedec Priesthood in honor of Melchisedec.

  Jesus did not take it upon himself to preach the gospel.  He was not called by any school of man.  He was ordained by the Father and then commissions or sent to preach the gospel.  “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed [ordained] me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised [the spirits in prison].” (Luke 4:18)

  At this time, at thirty years of age, Jesus became the Christ.  Christ is not a proper name; but, means “anointed.”  All who are called to the priesthood of God are anointed by one holding that authority.  “And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.” (Heb. 5:4)  “Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.” (1 Tim. 4:14)

  The Father holds the highest priesthood as King of Kings over the whole Universe.  Jesus was later anointed (ordained) by the Father as the Son of man, the Messiah, at the transfiguration.  “1 And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, 2 And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. 3 And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him. 4 Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. 5 While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. 6 And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid. 7 And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid. 8 And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only. 9 And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead.” (Matt. 17)

  Holding the highest office in the Melchisedec Priesthood, Jesus ordained the twelve who were a lower degree in the order of Apostles.  “And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach.” (Mark 3:14 )  He also ordained the lowest degree of Apostle, Evangelist or Patriarch.  Seven compose a quorum.  “8 And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea : and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.” (Acts 21:8)

  He also ordained High Priests of the Melchisedec Priesthood.  “1 For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins.” (Heb. 5)  “3 For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer.” (Heb. 8)

  Some were ordained Elders of the Melchisedec Priesthood.  Seventy Elders are sent out two by two to preach the gospel.  There were at least two quorums of seventy Elders under Jesus.  “After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.” (Luke 10:1)  “And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them… 23 And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia.” (Acts 15:4)

  No one was recognized as a minister of God without being properly called and ordained.  “Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.” (Acts 1:22 )  Officers of the Melchisedec Priesthood were sent to administer the saving ordinances of the gospel throughout Judea ; and later throughout the various churches of the Gentiles.  “And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.” (Acts 14:23 )

  The first rank in the Melchisedec Priesthood below that of Apostle is that of High Priest.  High Priests were often referred to in Scripture as being prophets; because they held the gift of prophecy.  Saul was a High Priest King.  Samuel stood above him as Apostle and Prophet.  Samuel told Saul, “And the Spirit of the LORD will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man.” (1 Samuel 10:6)

  Eusebius, the noted ecclesiastical historian in the early fourth century, noted the office of High Priest remained for some time after the presumed death of John in 99 AD.  It is not known how long the office of Elder remained.  The Melchisedec Priesthood was most likely lost within a few generations.  It was completely lost by the time Constantine reorganized the Christian church with him, an unbaptized pagan Roman Emperor, standing at the head; as God on the earth.

  “Of those that flourished in these times, Quadratus is said to have been distinguished for his prophetical gifts.  There were many others. Also, noted in these times, who held the first rank in the apostolic succession.  These, as the holy disciples of such men, also built up the churches where foundations had been previously laid in every place by the apostles.  They augmented the means of promulgating the gospel more and more, and spread the seeds of salvation and of the heavenly kingdom throughout the world far and wide.  For the most of the disciples at that time, animated with a more ardent love of the divine word, had first fulfilled the Saviour’s precept by distributing their substance to the needy… The holy Spirit also, wrought many wonders as yet through them, so that as soon as the gospel was heard, men voluntarily in crowds, and eagerly, embraced the true faith with their whole minds. As it is impossible for us to give the numbers of the individuals that became pastors or evangelists, during the first immediate succession from the apostles in the churches throughout the world, we have only recorded those by name in our history.”  (Eusebius’ Ecclesiastical History, Chapter XXXVII, p. 123)

  Melchisedec Priesthood

There are only two Priesthoods recognized by God:  (1) the Melchisedec Priesthood, and (2) the Levitical Priesthood.  The Melchisedec Priesthood has existed since Adam.  It is only through the Melchisedec Priesthood that men can be born of water and the spirit; and become acceptable before God.  The primary duty of this priesthood is to administer to the spiritual affairs of the people of God.  The Levitical Priesthood was introduced to administer the added, temporal law, given to Moses, after Israel rebelled against the spiritual laws of God at Mt. Sinai .  This added law was to remain until fulfilled by Jesus.

  The Melchisedec Priesthood is a priesthood of an endless life.  A person who is ordained to this priesthood, and remains faithful and obedient in mortal life, holds it both in mortal life and in eternity.  “1 For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; 2 To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace; 3 Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually. 4 Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils.” (Heb. 7)

  It was not Melchisedec who was “without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life;” but the Priesthood which he held that “abideth a priest continually.”  The Melchisedec Priesthood is not passed by lineage; but, is called of God through the Spirit of prophesy.  Some have suggested that Melchisedec was Shem, the righteous son of Noah.  It is very possible.  The Book of Jasher was left out of the Bible; although it is noted twice.  It was in Hebrew and not in Greek.  It tells of the relationship between Noah, Shem, and Abraham.  Noah lived 58 years after the birth of Abraham.  Shem lived 210 years after the birth of Abraham.

  There are two orders in the Melchisedec Priesthood:  (1) Apostle, and (2) Priest.  Within the Apostolic order there are four degrees:  (1) the first degree is that of Lawgiver, and is Apostle, Prophet, Seer, Revelator and Translator; (2) the second degree is that of Counselor and is Apostle, Prophet, Seer and King; (3) the third degree is that of Ambassador (of which there are twelve); and (4) the fourth degree is that of Evangelist and is a Patriarch.  Within the Priestly order there are two degrees:  (1) High Priest, and (2) Elder.

  Apostles are often referred to as High Priests; and High Priests are often referred to as Elders.  Each degree of Priesthood holds all lower offices.  The offices of High Priest and Elder are so honorable that many men holding higher offices have, in humility, used those titles.  Abraham was a Patriarch.  There are two offices in the Melchisedec Priesthood which are Patriarchs: one in the Apostolic order and one holding the office of High Priest.  The office of Patriarchal High Priest was passed from father to first born son from Adam to Jacob.  Abraham, most likely, held the inferior office of Patriarchal High Priest.  The lesser is always blessed of the greater.  Melchisedec held a higher office than Abraham.  “Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils.”   Holding a superior degree of the Apostolic order, Melchisedec held divine authority to bless Abraham.  He also held all other lower offices; and was properly revered as a High Priest, “priest of the most high God.”  The Levitical Priesthood had not been introduced on the earth.

  Levitical/Aaronic Priesthood

  The Levitical Priesthood is a priesthood of life.  There are three orders within this priesthood:  (1) Priest, (2) Teacher, and (3) Deacon.  Within these there are various degrees.

  Aaron held the highest office in the Levitical/Aaronic Priesthood--that of Priest.  There were Chief Priests among this order that were also known as High Priests.  Aaron, as High Priest of the Levitical Priesthood, did not stand at the head of the people.  Only first or second degree Apostles—Prophets—hold divine authority to stand at the head.  The mission of third degree Apostles is to take the gospel to the nations of the world.  Their jurisdiction is limited to the nations they are commissioned to serve.  This office was first introduced under Jesus.  Fourth degree Apostles hold an office similar to the twelve; but, their mission is to only one nation.

  Whoever stands at the head must have communication with God.  This rule is evident from Adam to Joshua; and from Moses to Malachi.  Moses was commanded to set Joshua at the head of the people in an office inferior to his; as a second degree Apostle of the Melchisedec Priesthood.  “18 And the LORD said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay thine hand upon him; 19 And set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation; and give him a charge in their sight. 20 And thou shalt put some of thine honour upon him, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may be obedient.” (Num. 27)

  The Apostolic order was lost after Malachi.  Thus, there is a gap of about 400 years in the Bible, between Malachi and Jesus.  Jesus restored the Melchisedec Priesthood; and stood as a first degree Apostle and Prophet like unto Moses.  Peter, James, and John successively stood at the head of the people.  After His resurrection, Jesus appointed Peter to “Feed my sheep” and “Feed my lambs.” (John 21)  The vacancy in the twelve caused by Judas was filled by Matthias (Acts 1:26 ).  The vacancy in the twelve caused by the appointment of Peter was filled by Paul.  In Revelations 1, Jesus addresses John as the head of the churches.

  The office held by Moses (and others) is the highest in the Melchisedec Priesthood; and can be held by only one on the earth at a time.  Each ordained to this office must be ordained by one that has passed through the veil of mortal flesh.  This is the reason Elisha could not be ordained by Elijah; until Elijah had been translated and stepped aboard the fiery chariot.

  Gospel and Divine Aut hority

  For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.—Rom. 1:16

  The gospel of Christ was not given in word alone; but, in power or divine authority.  “For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.” (1 Cor. 4:20)  “For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.” (1 Thess. 1:5)

  “1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers.  For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.” ( Rom. 13)

  “But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.” (1 Cor. 11:3)

  The power of the Melchisedec Priesthood is to administer the ordinances of the gospel with divine authority; and to have those ordinances recorded in heaven.  “And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” (Matt. 16:19)  Only those whose names are recorded in the book of life through the administration of the Melchisedec Priesthood have hope of the first resurrection.

  The gate into the kingdom of heaven is open only through the Melchisedec Priesthood.  These are the only ones qualified by God to both baptize with water and with the Spirit.  Only those called of God by the Spirit of prophesy and ordained by one holding the Melchisedec Priesthood can have a valid claim to the Melchisedec Priesthood.  “Thou shalt not take the name [authority] of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name [authority] in vain.” (Ex. 20:7)  “And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.” (Heb. 5:4)  How was Aaron called?  By the spirit of prophesy and ordination under the hands of Moses—who was an Apostle and Lawgiver.  “And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel , that he may minister unto me in the priest's office, even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron's sons.” (Ex. 28:1)

  Jesus went to John the Baptist for baptism of water; because John was a Priest of the Levitical Priesthood and held divine authority to baptize with water.  He did not have divine authority to baptize with the Spirit.  “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire.” (Matt 3:11 )

  Before Jesus began His ministry, “angels came and ministered unto him.” (Matt. 4:11)  Jesus was ordained by the Father as an Apostle and Prophet like unto Moses.  “5 So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee. 6 As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.” (Heb. 5)  Holding the superior office of Apostle and Prophet, Jesus also held the office of High Priest in the Melchisedec Priesthood.

  Great Commission and Anti-Christ

  Men have taken upon themselves to preach the gospel without being called by the spirit of prophecy and ordained according to the law of God.  They quote what they call the great commission.  “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”(Matt. 28:19)

  This was not a commission to all men.  Turn to Mark. “Afterward he appeared unto THE ELEVEN as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.15 And he said unto them [THE ELEVEN], Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” (Mark 16:14 )  Jesus was not addressing all men in all later ages of the world.  He was specifically commissioning the eleven Apostles who remained.

  The Apostles then called others to the Melchisedec and Aaronic Priesthood.  They ordained a third degree Apostle (Matthias) to fill the vacancy created by Judas.  They ordained High Priests.  And, they ordained Elders throughout the various churches.  “And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.” (Acts 14:23 )

  Only men called by the spirit of prophecy and ordained by one holding that priesthood as a minister of the Melchisedec Priesthood hold divine authority to confer people into the kingdom of heaven.  “I [John the Baptist] indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire.” (Matt. 3:11)  “4 And no man taketh this honour [the priesthood] unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. 5 So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee. 6 As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.” (Heb. 5)

  There were men even during the Apostolic Era that claimed to represent the kingdom of God ; but, were never called of God, as was Aaron.  They held no legitimate claim to divine authority.  The term “Christ” is not a proper name.  It is properly translated “anointed” or ordained.  “Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists [not properly ordained]; whereby we know that it is the last time.” (1 John 2:18)

  These antichrists are called by the wisdom of man; rather than by the will of God.  They do not hold the Melchisedec Priesthood.  They have no divine power to baptize and confirm any person into the kingdom of heaven.  Their gospel works are vain.  “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.” (John 10:1)

  “14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed?  and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard?  and how shall they hear without a preacher?15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent?  as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace [with divine authority], and bring glad tidings of good things! 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel.” ( Rom. 10)

  Dispensations of the Melchisedec Priesthood

  The Melchisedec Priesthood was given to Adam in the first dispensation of the gospel.  Men soon lived by their own will and pleasures; and departed from the law of God.  Only eight souls survived the great flood 1556 years after the fall of Adam.

  Noah brought the Melchisedec Priesthood to the other side of the flood.  It was passed from one generation to the next; until Israel was taken into bondage in Egypt .  One branch of the Melchisedec Priesthood passed from Abraham through Median a son of Keturah.  Jethro, the father-in-law of Moses was a High Priest; and later assisted Moses in the administration of the kingdom.  “Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God , even to Horeb.” (Ex. 3:1)

  The Melchisedec Priesthood was lost to Israel during the 400 year captivity.  Moses restored the Apostolic order of the priesthood; as a first degree Apostle, Prophet, and Lawgiver.  This priesthood remained through Prophets and Prophet Judges until the days of Malachi.  The people had become so disobedient to the laws of God that the Apostolic order was taken from them.  There were no Prophets; and God no longer spoke to Israel .

  Jesus restored the Melchisedec Priesthood with all its orders and degrees.  He was ordained an Apostle, Prophet, and Lawgiver—holding all lower offices of the priesthood. This was the first half of the dispensation of the meridian of time.  After the Jews rejected the authority of God, the gospel was given to the Gentiles.

  Before His death, at the transfiguration, a similitude of the succession of the highest priesthood was given.  “1 And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, 2 And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.” (Matt. 17)

  After his resurrection, he appointed Peter as a first or second degree Apostle and Prophet to stand at the head.  He told Peter, “feed my sheep;” and “feed my lambs.” (John 21:15, 16)  It is believed that Peter was crucified upside down in Rome on orders of Nero, AD 69.  James succeeded Peter; and John succeeded James.  At the beginning of the last book in Bible (Revelation), we find John admonishing the churches for their returning to their pagan doctrines.  John was the last Apostle and Prophet.  The Gentiles had rejected the divine authority of God; even as the Jews before them.

  There is a tremendous mass of evidence proving the Gentiles apostatized.  The first evidence of this apostasy was the removal of the Prophetic Office from the earth.  God no longer spoke to the Gentiles.  The second evidence is the Melchisedec Priesthood was taken from the earth.  Men were no longer called of God, as was Aaron.  The Bible, ecclesiastical historians, and church leaders agree on this apostasy.  Jesus gave a warning in His day.  “8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily.  Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18)

  “3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” (2 Tim. 4)

  “11 Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD: 12 And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it.” (Amos 8)

  Satan, through Pagan Rome, first destroyed the Church of Christ during the Apostolic Era.  Next, Rome , through Pagan Christian Rome, destroyed the holy priesthood.  Finally, Rome , through the Papacy, removed all possibility of anyone entering the kingdom of God for 1,260 years.  “1 And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun [Church of Christ], and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars…  3 And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. 5 And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne. 6 And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days… 17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed [the holy priesthood], which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ…  5 And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months… 7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and TO OVERCOME THEM: and power was given him over ALL kindreds, and tongues, and nations.” (Rev. 12, 13)

  “9 And here is the mind which hath wisdom.  The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth [ Rome has always been synonymously known as the city of seven hills]. 10 And there are seven kings: five are fallen [ Egypt , Assyria , Babylon , Persia , and Greece ], and one (6) is [Pagan Rome], and the other (7) is not yet come [Pagan Christian Rome under Constantine ]; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space [325 to 476 AD]. 11 And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth [Papal Rome], and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition.” (Rev. 17)

  After the 1,260 years complete dissolution of the kingdom of God , the gospel (and therefore the Melchisedec Priesthood) was to be returned to the nations of the earth (Gentiles).  This is the first half of the dispensation of the fullness of times.  “And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people.” (Rev. 14:6)

  The final form of the beast, which John described, was organized with the Papacy in 570 AD.  Add the complete reign of Satan for 1,260 years; and we arrive at 1830.  On April 6, 1830 , Joseph Smith claimed to organize the Church of Christ , according to the law of man, for the last time to the Gentiles.  Like the Gentiles after Jesus, the Gentiles under Joseph would not submit their will to that of God; and live according to the laws of God.  Joseph Smith was murdered on June 27, 1844 .

  At the very hour of his death, some 400 miles away, James J. Strang claimed to have been ordained to succeed Joseph as Apostle, Prophet, and Lawgiver.  On July 9^th, the letter from Joseph appointing him as his successor arrived in Burlington , Wisconsin .  The dispensation to the Gentiles continued.  Again, the people would not live by the laws of God.  James was shot by two apostates, using the U. S. Steamer Michigan as a cover.  Neither the murderers of Joseph, nor those of James ever served a day in prison for their crimes.

  With the death of James, there was no one called of God to succeed him.  God was again silent.  Jesus had prophesied, “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” (Matt. 24:14)  Isaiah had already prophesied of the final apostasy of the Gentiles.  “5 The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant. 6 Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate: therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left.” (Isa. 24)

  The prophet Micah spoke of this time.  “8 And thou, O tower of the flock [James J. Strang], the strong hold of the daughter of Zion [people of God in the land of Zion — North America ], unto thee shall it come, even the first dominion; the kingdom shall come to the daughter of Jerusalem [ July 8, 1850 ]. 9 Now why dost thou cry out aloud?  is there no king in thee?  is thy counseller perished?  for pangs have taken thee as a woman in travail. 10 Be in pain, and labour to bring forth, O daughter of Zion, like a woman in travail: for now shalt thou go forth out of the city, and thou shalt dwell in the field, and thou shalt go even to [spiritual] Babylon; there shalt thou be delivered; there the LORD shall redeem thee from the hand of thine enemies.” (Micah 4)

  Warren Post, one of the twelve Apostles under James, wrote in his lamentations, “Where is Zion ? When will she put on her beautiful garments? When will she be redeemed?

  “ Zion , and the Daughter of Zion, are words that often occur in the Scriptures. I have often pondered over those words, and fancied while reading of Zion, that it was some hallowed spot almost Celestial: sometimes Zion [a] small mountain, on which stands part of the Ancient City of Jerusalem , passes for this holy Zion . Zion when referred to as a place of gathering, signifies a place of righteousness. Often it means the pure in heart. According to prophecy ancient, and modem, America is the land of Zion ; and was given by the Almighty to the Children of Joseph for an everlasting possession. Missouri is the State in which is found the center of Zion , and in Jackson County is the place that God designated as the very place where the Temple should be built, and the city around the Temple is called the New Jerusalem. God has declared it by the mouth of the prophet Joseph. Kirtland ( Ohio ) was appointed one of the Stakes of Zion, and was to be a strong hold for the Saints, for the span of five years. The prediction was fully verified: and then wickedness sprang up, where it ought not, and the prophet of God was voted out of the Temple . The Saints went from that place to Missouri , and remained but a few years, before they fell into divers sins, and God suffered them to be scourged; and driven from the State. Soon after another stake was appointed in Illinois called Nauvoo. There was a beautiful Temple built according to the pattern shown unto the prophet--but before the Temple was finished, the people again practiced divers sins, & the prophet was taken from them, and soon nearly all that were called saints, were expelled from Nauvoo, and went into a salt land, and not inhabited. From 1830, until 1844 the prophet led the people, until they became numerous, numbering nearly two hundred thousand souls: the people became vain in their imagination, and were lifted up in pride; and practiced their abominations; therefore the Lord caused them to be removed out of their place. Nine days previous to the death of Joseph, he appointed J. J. Strang as his successor. He also appointed Voree in Wisconsin as a city of refuge & place of peace and safety for the Saints. Soon after the administration of James commenced, there was another Stake appointed on Beaver Island , called the comer Stake of Zion. There the Kingdom of God was more fully organized in 1850, in the presence of four hundred witnesses. There we expected deliverance from oppression, and from all our enemies: there we receive the promise of everlasting inheritances. We hoped the prophet would continue with us, until the coming of the Son of God. The people again sinned and came short of the promises. On the 16th day of June 1856 the prophet was shot; but lived an example of patient sufferings until the 9th of July 1856 : making a period of 12 years the he presided over the Church.

  “Has Zion yet put on her beautiful garments? Does her light now shine? Is there any King in her: Has she any lovers: Where are they?

  “O Lord God thou knowest. Who hath known the mind of the Lord, and who hath been his counselors? How mysterious are his judgments. And his ways past finding out! Zion ’s lovers have nearly all forgotten her! She has become a hiss and a by word unto her enemies: Her children have forsaken her, and dwell among strangers. Her King is murdered, her Princes banished. Murderers can inherit King's pallaces, and vile apostates, possess Princes' dwellings! How long before the time to favor Zion will come? When will she be clothed in her beautiful garments? Behold all joy is turned into mourning: the apparent light into darkness: the voice of joy and melody is no more heard in the streets, they that praised the Lord in the dance, have departed far from her!
her Sabbaths are not kept,
her feasts & offers neglected;
and no more do we hear the voice of our King in her sanctuary, nor Apostles and high priests instructing the people on her Sabbaths: no elders, priests, teachers, & deacons to comfort the saints, & strengthen the weak visit the sick, & comfort the afflicted.

  “No more do we hear the Elders warning the Saints to flee out of Babylon ; to come out from among the ungodly & be clean, even all that bear the vessels of the Lord! Has the Lord utterly cast away his covenant people: even all that remained faithful to the words of the Prophet? O Lord forbid. For who would stand before thee? who could dwell in they presence? O Lord help us to walk in a straight way wherein we shall not stumble. We realize O Lord that thou wilt have a pure people to serve thee: thou canst not look upon sin with any allowance, where thou hast so often sought after, and entreated thy Saints, to hear thy word and obey. O Lord we learn from thy word, that thou didst cast off thy people in the days of old, because they would not listen to thy reproof, because they were unsteadfast and perfidious in thy covenants: because they despised thy counsel, & set at naught thy judgments. Thou changest not, thou art no respector of persons. May we take heed unto thy word, which is quick and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul & spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts, and intents of the heart. O Lord help us to bring up our children in thy fear; so that our Sons may be like olive plants that have grown up in their youth; and our Daughters like chief comer stones, that are polished after the similitude of a palace. Zion will prosper when her children shall put away every strange god from among them; and love, and serve the living and true God. Covetousness and pride, jealousy, ambition, and lust; have caused divisions, & contentions among us; which things the Lord hates: for he has often told us by the mouths of his prophets; that except ye are one, ye are none of mine. God delights in being honored; but his holy name is every day blasphemed: God requires of his people; that the strong, should bear with weak; that they should help to bear each others burdens. But the strong have trodden down the weak, & have sorely oppressed them. God requireth that men should live by every word which proceedeth out of his mouth: but men cleave to their abominations, and indulge freely in the things which are forbidden. O Lord we have sinned, we have done wickedly: unto us belongeth shame and confusion of faces: whilst unto thee belongeth righteousness and peace forever.

  “O God our Father, turn away thine anger from us, and remember once more the covenant, made with thy people! O Lord remember again the day that thou didst give the Kingdom unto thy saints, which is everlasting! Remember again the promises made unto our fathers, and suffer not strangers to rob us of the dominion; let fear take hold of our enemies; for behold their eyes have looked upon Zion in unrighteousness, they despise dominion, are not afraid to speak evil of dignities, they have shed innocent blood, they have robbed the widow, and the fatherless! Let sudden destruction come upon them, suffer them not to escape the vengeance of thy wrath, for they have despised thy Law. Even many that have known thy law, & home witness to its truth; have turned therefrom, and joined hands with the ungodly to drive thy saints from their inheritance.

  “O Lord 'tis not for any righteousness which we have done, but for thy great names sake, and the promises made unto our fathers, that we desire to be delivered out of the hands of strange children, even those that thou hast already condemned.

  “O Lord they have despised thy word, they have refused to obey thy gospel, they have killed thy Prophets, and Saints; they have persecuted thine Elders and servants, when sent with messages unto them: therefore I beseech thee O God, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to let fall thine indignation upon them . Suffer not the heathen to make derision of thy people, and utterly disregard the authority which thou hast conferred upon those that hold thy Priesthoods. Let such as thy saints have cursed, in righteousness; be accursed; and such as they have blessed, let them be blessed: Thou knowest O Lord that our desires have been to serve thee; notwithstanding in consequence of the weakness of the flesh, we have often strayed from thee. Bring us again into thy fold into the land of our inheritances. May we again hear the voice of the true Shepherd that will call us into thy fold. Grant that thy law may be written in our hearts, that it may be our chief delight to serve thee. Separate our sins as far from us, as the East is from the West, and let the light of truth shine forth in us, and the day star arise in our hearts. Let thy Holy Spirit lead us in thy ways: then we will teach transgressors thy ways, and sinners will be converted unto thee.

  “Now therefore hear thy servant O Lord when he maketh confession unto thee, and (suppleatith) thy name and in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit we will ascribe all praise, honor, glory, and dominion forevermore. Amen.”

  About a year before the return of Jesus, the most terrible tribulations to ever come upon the earth will destroy two-thirds of the House of Israel and most of the Gentiles.  “21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.” (Matt. 24)

  “And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God.” (Zech. 13:9)

  “15 For the day of the LORD is near upon all the heathen [“goi,” also translated Gentile]: as thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee: thy reward shall return upon thine own head. 16 For as ye have drunk upon my holy mountain, so shall all the heathen drink continually, yea, they shall drink, and they shall swallow down, and they shall be as though they had not been.” (Obad. 1)  “O daughter of Zion, like a woman in travail: for now shalt thou go forth out of the city, and thou shalt dwell in the field, and thou shalt go even to [spiritual] Babylon; there shalt thou be delivered; there the LORD shall redeem thee from the hand of thine enemies.” (Micah 4)

  Mystery, Babylon the Great (the Catholic Church), all her daughters (Protestantism), and all who accepted the mark of the beast (anti-Christ) will all fall.  “16 And saying, Alas, alas, that great city [Papal Rome], that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls! 17 For in one hour so great riches is come to nought.  And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off, 18 And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like unto this great city! 19 And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness!  for in one hour is she made desolate.” (Rev. 18)

  “20 And the beast was taken [Papal Rome], and with him the false prophet [Mohammad] that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast [false doctrines], and them that worshipped his image [all of catholicity].  These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.” (Rev. 19)

  Before the great and dreadful day of the Lord, a safe refuge will be established for the very small remnant of saints that remain worthy.  “Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” (Matt. 3:12)

  Great Approbation

  Joseph Smith once wrote, “All men know that they must die. And it is important that we should understand the reasons and causes of our exposure to the vicissitudes of life and of death, and the designs and purposes of God in our coming into the world, our sufferings here, and our departure hence. What is the object of our coming into existence, then dying and falling away, to be here no more? It is but reasonable to suppose that God would reveal something in reference to the matter, and it is a subject we ought to study more than any other. We ought to study it day and night, for the world is ignorant in reference to their true condition and relation. If we have any claim on our Heavenly Father for anything, it is for knowledge on this important subject.”

  “The organization of the spiritual and heavenly worlds, and of spiritual and heavenly beings, was agreeable to the most perfect order and harmony: their limits and bounds were fixed irrevocably, and voluntarily subscribed to in their heavenly estate by themselves, and were by our first parents subscribed to upon the earth.  Hence the importance of embracing and subscribing to principles of eternal truth by all men upon the earth that expect eternal life.”

  The Melchisedec Priesthood has been withdrawn from the earth at various times.  As long as one person remains on the earth that holds the Melchisedec Priesthood, the gate into the kingdom of heaven is open.  In the same hour that Joseph Smith was murdered, James J. Strang (some 400 miles distant) claimed to have been ordained under the hands of angels as his successor—as Apostle, Prophet, and Lawgiver.  James ordained L. D. Hickey one of the twelve Apostles.  He ordained Samuel Martin a High Priest, who ordained Lloyd Flanders a High Priest, who ordained me an Elder.  The Melchisedec Priesthood is still on the earth.  The gate into the kingdom of heaven is still open.

  Jesus was first ordained as an Apostle, Prophet, and Lawgiver.  At the transfiguration, he was “anointed” Messiah.  After he had offered His life, spent three days preaching to the spirits in prison (hell), and rose from the dead, He was given all power.  “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” (Matt. 28:18)

  He became the first fruits of the resurrection; because He lived a pure life, without ever transgressing a single law of God.  “21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth.” (1 Pet. 2)

  The prophecy of Adam was fulfilled.  “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” (Gen. 3:15)  Satan had bruised the heel of man by deceiving Eve and bringing mortality to mankind.  Jesus bruised his head by sanctification through perfect obedience to the law of God.  There has never been another man whose heart was filled with such love.  He gave His life in a most horrible death so that all of mankind would inherit a physical body in eternity.  Death had no claim on Him.  “30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. 31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel , and forgiveness of sins.” (Acts 5)

  “22 And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will. 23 Of this man's seed [Joseph, not Mary’s] hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus.” (Acts 13)

  “10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.” (2 Tim. 1)

  Jesus is not only the Savior of those that obey the gospel; but also of all mankind.  “10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.” (1 Tim. 4)

  Jesus taught, “2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you.  I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” (John 14)  This is not the heaven and hell doctrine of paganism.  It is the hope of all mankind.  All men will receive an immortal, physical body.  But they will not all receive the same degree of glory (happiness) in eternity.  For many it will be like a hell; as they will grieve like the rich man, when they discover how they wasted their mortal lives.  “40 There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. 41 There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory. 42 So also is the resurrection of the dead.” (1 Cor. 15)

  (1) There is a great difference in the opportunities for those who know God, obey the gospel, and remain faithful and obedient during life.  “But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” (Matt. 24:13)  They have the promise of the first resurrection, life with Jesus during the Sabbath of Creation, and the hope of inheriting the new earth, when it becomes the celestial glory with both the Father and the Son.

  “4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. 5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished.  This is the first resurrection.” (Rev. 20)

  “And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.” (Rev. 21:22)

  (2) All others must remain in death with the spirits in prison; until the Millennium and the short season allotted to Satan is over.  “5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished.  This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.” (Ibid.)

  (3) Mortal man will end, the rest of the dead will be raised in the second resurrection, will not be able to share in the grace of Jesus, and will be judged solely on their own works.

  “12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.” (Ibid.)

  “8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” (Rev. 21)

  Then there will be a new earth.  Those who were faithful and obedient in mortal life will inherit the earth; when it is restored to its original paradisical.  These are they of the celestial glory.  “He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.” (Rev. 21:7)

  Those who never obey the gospel--either in life or in death with the spirits in prison--will inherit the Telestial glory.   These kingdoms are as numerous as the stars.  The glory they receive is only as great as the stars are compared with the sun.  The celestial glory is compared to the glory of the sun.  What a difference!

  Here is the greatest approbation that can be realized during mortal life.  Here is the opportunity to know God, to obey the gospel of Christ, to know that our course in life complies with the will of God, to have the Holy Spirit to be with us always, to appreciate all the blessings of saints of God, to inherit the promise of the first resurrection, and to inherit the earth for eternity in its celestial glory.

  May God bless and inspire you with knowledge of spiritual truth; and lead you on the path of light.  We must humble yourselves, open our minds like a little child, seek first the kingdom of God , pray to the true and living God of Israel, and study.  “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Tim. 2:15)