Section 3
Overview
Section 3 of the 1835 Doctrine and Covenants (known in modern editions as D&C 107) is a foundational ecclesiological and theological document for Mormonism. It systematically defines the nature, scope, and hierarchy of divine authority, which it divides into two distinct priesthoods: the greater Melchizedek Priesthood and the lesser Aaronic (or Levitical) Priesthood. The text asserts that the Melchizedek Priesthood holds the 'keys of all the spiritual blessings,' including the power to receive mysteries, commune with angels, and stand in the presence of God the Father and Jesus Christ. Conversely, the Aaronic Priesthood administers outward ordinances, such as baptism for the remission of sins. The document meticulously outlines the governing quorums of the church—the First Presidency, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and the Quorum of the Seventy—establishing them as equal in authority but distinct in function, and mandating unanimous decisions. Furthermore, the text traces the lineage of the high priesthood from Adam down through the antediluvian patriarchs, introducing the unique doctrine that Adam is 'Michael, the Prince, the Archangel.' It concludes by defining the specific numerical composition of local priesthood quorums (deacons, teachers, priests, elders) and issues a stern warning that slothful or ignorant priesthood holders will not be 'counted worthy to stand.'
Key Figures
- Melchizedek: Described as a great high priest whose name was attached to the higher priesthood to avoid too frequent repetition of the Supreme Being's name.
- Aaron: The biblical figure whose name designates the lesser priesthood, which is conferred upon his literal descendants.
- Jesus the Mediator: Mentioned as the mediator of the new covenant, whose presence can be enjoyed by those holding the Melchizedek priesthood.
- Adam (Michael): The first man, who ordained the patriarchs, blessed his posterity in the valley of Adam-ondi-ahman, and is explicitly identified as Michael the Archangel.
- Seth: Son of Adam, ordained at 69, described as the express likeness of his father.
- Enos: Ordained at 134 years by Adam.
- Cainan: Called by God in the wilderness, ordained at 87.
- Mahalaleel: Ordained at 496 years by Adam.
- Jared: Ordained at 200 years by Adam.
- Enoch: Ordained at 25 by Adam, walked with God 365 years, translated at 430. The text claims his book contains Adam's prophecies.
- Methuselah: Ordained at 100 years by Adam.
- Lamech: Ordained at 32 years by Seth.
- Noah: Ordained at 10 years by Methuselah.
- Moses: Used as the archetype for the President of the High Priesthood, who is to be a 'seer, a revelator, a translator and a prophet'.
Doctrines Analyzed
Key theological claims identified in this text:
Two Priesthoods
Assertion
The church operates under two distinct priesthoods: the higher Melchizedek priesthood (handling spiritual administration) and the lesser Aaronic/Levitical priesthood (handling outward ordinances).
Evidence from Text
There are, in the church, two priesthoods, namely: the Melchizedek, and the Aaronic, including the Levitical priesthood.
Evangelical Comparison
In Evangelical theology, the Levitical priesthood was fulfilled and rendered obsolete by Christ's perfect sacrifice (Hebrews 8:13). Furthermore, Hebrews 7 explicitly teaches that Jesus Christ alone holds the Melchizedek priesthood because He lives forever; His priesthood is 'intransmissible' (aparabaton - Hebrews 7:24). This text directly contradicts the biblical model by distributing the Melchizedek priesthood to mortal men and reinstating an Aaronic priesthood for outward ordinances. Evangelicalism holds to the 'Priesthood of All Believers' (1 Peter 2:9), where every Christian has direct access to God through Christ without the need for intermediate human priests.
Priesthood Keys to God's Presence
Assertion
Holding the Melchizedek priesthood grants the authority and privilege to receive the mysteries of heaven and to commune directly with God the Father and Jesus Christ.
Evidence from Text
The power and authority of the higher or Melchizedek priesthood, is to hold the keys of all the spiritual blessings of the church... to enjoy the communion and presence of God the Father, and Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant.
Evangelical Comparison
This doctrine establishes a human, institutional prerequisite for experiencing the fullness of God's presence and spiritual blessings. In contrast, Evangelical Christianity teaches that the veil of the temple was torn at Christ's death (Matthew 27:51), symbolizing that all believers have bold, direct access to the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16) solely through the finished work of Jesus. By claiming that the Melchizedek priesthood 'holds the keys' to these blessings, the text interposes an ecclesiastical hierarchy between the believer and God, violating the doctrine of Sola Fide and Christ's sole mediation (1 Timothy 2:5).
Adam as Michael the Archangel
Assertion
Adam, the first man, is also Michael the Archangel, a prince over his posterity forever.
Evidence from Text
And the Lord appeared unto them, and they rose up and blessed Adam, and called him Michael, the Prince, the Archangel.
Evangelical Comparison
This is a unique Latter-day Saint doctrine with no basis in orthodox Christian theology. In the Bible, angels and humans are distinct orders of creation (Psalm 8:5, Hebrews 2:7). Michael is described as an archangel (Jude 1:9) and a chief prince (Daniel 10:13), but never as a human being or the first man. Conflating Adam with Michael elevates Adam to a pre-existent, semi-divine status that contradicts the biblical narrative of Genesis 2, where Adam is formed from the dust of the ground, not incarnated from an angelic state.
The Prophetic Office
Assertion
The President of the High Priesthood is appointed to preside over the whole church and possesses all the gifts of God, acting as a seer, revelator, translator, and prophet like Moses.
Evidence from Text
And again, the duty of the president of the office of the high priesthood is to preside over the whole church, and to be like unto Moses. Behold, here is wisdom—yea, to be a seer, a revelator, a translator and a prophet...
Evangelical Comparison
The establishment of a living 'seer, revelator, translator and a prophet' who presides over the entire church fundamentally conflicts with the Evangelical doctrine of Sola Scriptura. Evangelicals believe that God has spoken finally and fully in His Son (Hebrews 1:1-2) and through the closed canon of the 66-book Bible (Jude 1:3, Revelation 22:18-19). While Evangelicals believe in spiritual gifts, they reject the concept of a singular, authoritative human head of the church on earth, recognizing Christ alone as the Head of the Church (Ephesians 1:22-23).
Baptism for Remission of Sins via Aaronic Priesthood
Assertion
The Aaronic priesthood holds the authority to administer the outward ordinance of baptism, which is required for the remission of sins.
Evidence from Text
The power and authority of the lesser, or Aaronic priesthood, is... to administer in outward ordinances—the letter of the gospel—the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins...
Evangelical Comparison
This text links the remission of sins directly to the outward ordinance of baptism administered by a specific, authorized priesthood. This is a form of baptismal regeneration and sacerdotalism. Evangelical Christianity strictly adheres to Sola Fide (Justification by Faith Alone), teaching that sins are remitted the moment a person places their faith in Christ (Romans 5:1, Ephesians 2:8-9). Baptism is viewed as an ordinance of obedience and public profession, not the mechanism by which sins are actually washed away.
Comparative Analysis
Theological Gap (Summary)
The text replaces the sole mediation of Jesus Christ and the universal priesthood of believers with a complex, necessary human hierarchy that controls access to God's presence and the remission of sins.
Theological Gap (Explained)
The theological chasm between this text and Evangelical Christianity centers on the doctrines of mediation and ecclesiology. In the New Testament, the tearing of the temple veil (Matthew 27:51) symbolized the end of the mediated Old Covenant system. Hebrews 7-10 painstakingly argues that human priests are no longer necessary because Jesus Christ offered a 'once for all' sacrifice and now holds the Melchizedek priesthood permanently and exclusively. He is the sole mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5). Section 3 of the 1835 D&C reconstructs the veil. By asserting that the Melchizedek priesthood 'holds the keys of all the spiritual blessings' and is required to 'enjoy the communion and presence of God,' the text interposes a human hierarchy between the believer and the Creator. Furthermore, by tying the remission of sins to the Aaronic priesthood's administration of baptism, it violates Sola Fide, making human works and institutional ordinances prerequisites for justification. This creates a system of sacerdotalism (salvation mediated through priests and sacraments) that Evangelicalism fundamentally rejects.
For All Ages
Imagine you have a direct, private phone line to the King of the Universe. Evangelical Christians believe that when Jesus died on the cross, He gave every single believer that direct phone line. You can talk to God anytime, and Jesus is the only one who connects you. This text, however, says that you don't have a direct line. Instead, it says you have to go through a special group of managers called the 'Priesthood.' These managers hold the 'keys' to the phone system. If you want your sins forgiven or if you want to be close to God, you have to go through their special ceremonies and obey their rules. It changes Jesus from being the only bridge to God, to making human leaders the bridge you have to cross.
Friction Points
Universal Priesthood / Christology
Distributes the Melchizedek priesthood to mortal men, contradicting Hebrews 7:24 which states Christ holds it permanently/exclusively.
Sola Fide
Requires the Aaronic priesthood's administration of baptism for the remission of sins.
Sole Mediation of Christ
Claims human priesthood holders hold the keys to the presence of God and spiritual blessings.
Theology Proper / Anthropology
Conflates the first human, Adam, with the angelic being Michael the Archangel.
Sola Scriptura
Establishes a living Prophet/Seer/Revelator with ultimate authority over the church, superseding the closed canon.
Semantic Warnings
Terms that have different meanings between traditions:
"Priesthood"
In This Text
The exclusive power and authority of God delegated to worthy male members of the LDS church to act in His name and administer saving ordinances.
In Evangelicalism
In the Old Testament, a specific Levitical class mediating for Israel. In the New Testament, the spiritual status of all believers (1 Peter 2:9) who offer spiritual sacrifices, with Christ as the sole High Priest.
"Bishop"
In This Text
A local presiding high priest (or literal descendant of Aaron) who manages temporal affairs and acts as a 'judge in Israel' over transgressors.
In Evangelicalism
An overseer or pastor of a local congregation, tasked with teaching, shepherding, and spiritual care (1 Timothy 3, Titus 1).
"Apostle"
In This Text
A member of the Quorum of the Twelve, a traveling presiding high council with authority equal to the First Presidency, holding keys to regulate the global church.
In Evangelicalism
Specifically, the original disciples commissioned by Christ and Paul, who were eyewitnesses to the resurrection and foundational to the early church (Ephesians 2:20).
Soteriology (Salvation)
Salvation Defined: While not explicitly defining eternal life here, salvation is implicitly tied to receiving the 'spiritual blessings' and 'mysteries' unlocked by the priesthood.
How Attained: Through obedience to priesthood authority and receiving outward ordinances (like baptism for remission of sins) administered by authorized priesthood holders.
Basis of Assurance: Assurance is based on learning one's duty, acting in diligence, and not being 'slothful', so as to be 'counted worthy to stand'.
Comparison to Sola Fide: This text stands in direct opposition to Sola Fide. Romans 4:4-5 teaches that to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness. This text demands diligent performance of priesthood duties to be 'counted worthy to stand' (v. 44).
Mandates & Requirements
Explicit Commands
- Every man must learn his duty.
- Every man must act in the office in which he is appointed in all diligence.
- Quorum decisions must be made in all righteousness, holiness, lowliness of heart, meekness, long suffering, faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity.
- The Twelve must ordain evangelical ministers (patriarchs) in large branches.
- The Twelve must ordain and set in order all other officers of the church.
Implicit Obligations
- Members must submit to the hierarchical authority of the priesthood quorums.
- Members must accept the decisions of the highest councils as final and binding ('had in remembrance no more before the Lord').
- Adherents must view the President of the Church as a Moses-like figure with ultimate earthly authority.
Ritual Requirements
- Baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.
- Administering of ordinances and blessings by the laying on of hands.
- Ordination to specific priesthood offices (Deacon, Teacher, Priest, Elder, High Priest, Bishop, Seventy, Apostle).
Evangelism Toolkit
Practical tools for engagement and dialogue:
Discovery Questions
Open-ended questions to promote reflection:
- In Hebrews 7:23-24, the Bible says that Old Testament priests had to be replaced because they died, but Jesus holds His priesthood permanently because He lives forever. How does the LDS teaching of passing the Melchizedek priesthood to millions of men fit with Jesus holding it permanently and exclusively?
- If the veil of the temple was torn when Jesus died, giving all believers direct access to God (Hebrews 4:16), why is a human priesthood necessary today to hold the 'keys' to God's presence?
- The text ends with a strong warning that the slothful will not be 'counted worthy to stand.' How do you find peace and assurance of your standing before God when the requirement is perfect diligence?
Redemptive Analogies
Bridges from this text to the Gospel:
The Need for a High Priest
The LDS desire for a High Priest to bridge the gap between man and God is a valid, biblical longing. The Gospel fulfills this longing perfectly, not through a human organization, but through Jesus Christ Himself, who is our sympathetic, perfect, and eternal High Priest.
Spiritual Weight
Burdens this text places on adherents:
Verse 44 places a severe burden on the believer: 'He that is slothful shall not be counted worthy to stand, and he that learns not his duty and shows himself not approved, shall not be counted worthy to stand.' This creates a constant treadmill of performance, where a member's worthiness and eternal standing are perpetually contingent on their diligence in church callings and duties.
By teaching that the priesthood hierarchy holds the 'keys' to spiritual blessings and God's presence, the believer is made entirely dependent on the institution. If they fall out of favor with the leadership or face church discipline, they believe they are literally cut off from the presence of God and eternal blessings.