Abstract

This study is an examination of the office of high priest from its beginning with Adam as the first and down through the restoration of the Church in the last days. This study revealed that the office of high priest was the only priesthood office that was held from the time of Adam until the Melchizedek Priesthood was taken, generally, away from the congregation of Israel in Moses' day. The office did however remain but was exclusive only to a few. Another important aspect of the history of the office of high priest that will be shown is how the doctrine of foreordination applies to the office. The Book of Mormon prophet Alma discourse on the subject will be analyzed and used to show many of the requirements men who have desired the office of high priest have and continue to meet. This study also details the restoration of the office of high priest in the dispensation of the fullness of times. The Doctrine and Covenants is scriptural backdrop of this section. Historical examples from journals and other writings of those who were there will show how the office has been understood in the Church since the days of Joseph Smith. Further, a detailed account of how the Church came to understand the office of high priest in regard to the Melchizedek Priesthood office of Seventy is set forth. Lastly, a brief examination of vicarious bestowal of the office of high priest and the future of the office of high priest is also given.

Degree

MA

College and Department

Religious Education; Church History and Doctrine

Rights

http://lib.byu.edu/about/copyright/

Date Submitted

2006-07-18

Document Type

Thesis

Handle

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/etd1468

Keywords

Priesthood, high priest, high priests, high priesthood, office, office of high priesthood

Language

English

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