In Mormonism, the Melchizedek Priesthood is considered the higher of two priesthoods, the other being the Aaronic Priesthood. It is believed to be the same priesthood held by Jesus Christ and restored to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery by the apostles Peter, James, and John. Holding this priesthood grants men authority to perform essential ordinances such as conferring the Holy Ghost, administering temple ordinances, and giving priesthood blessings.
Only worthy male members of the LDS Church can be ordained to this priesthood, beginning as elders and progressing through offices such as high priest or apostle. The Melchizedek Priesthood is viewed as the power and authority of God delegated to man, and possessing it is necessary for exaltation.
Biblical Christianity teaches that the Melchizedek priesthood belongs to Christ alone. Jesus is the one eternal high priest who intercedes for believers and has fulfilled all priestly work once and for all through his sacrifice (Hebrews 7:23–27). No human being shares this priesthood or continues his mediating role. All believers now have direct access to God through Jesus, not through an ordained human priesthood (Hebrews 10:19–22; 1 Peter 2:9).
