In this episode, we look at chapter 6 in Hebrews to discover how Jesus serves as the ultimate High Priest, retiring human gatekeepers and removing every ladder between you and the presence of God.
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The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.
The End of Gatekeepers: Understanding Priesthood in Hebrews
For many, especially those coming from a Latter-day Saint background, the word priesthood is synonymous with a ladder of authority—a series of offices, keys, and lineages required to act in God's name. In this view, the Aaronic and Melchizedek priesthoods are essential roles that men must hold to administer ordinances and bridge the gap between God and man.
However, a "crash course" in the Book of Hebrews reveals a radically different story. In the Bible, the priesthood isn't a ladder you climb to get more authority; it is the story of how God removed every ladder so you could finally walk directly into His presence.
The Tabernacle: A "Keep Out" Sign
In the Old Testament, the priesthood system served as much as a barrier as it did a bridge. The Tabernacle was designed in layers—the outer court, the Holy Place, and finally, the Most Holy Place. This innermost room, representing God’s presence, was strictly restricted. Only the high priest could enter, and only once a year with a sacrifice. As Hebrews 9:8 explains, this system was designed to show that the way into the holiest place was not yet freely open.
The Problem with the Aaronic System
While many are taught that the Aaronic priesthood is a necessary office for today, Hebrews describes it as a "shadow system."Hebrews 7:18 goes as far as to call these Old Testament regulations "weak and useless" because they could never truly clear a person's conscience. They were a temporary fix that became obsolete the moment the true High Priest, Jesus, arrived.
The Untransferable Priesthood of Melchizedek
The most significant point of tension lies in the Melchizedek priesthood. In the LDS tradition, this is a higher office given to many men. But Hebrews 7:24 says that Jesus holds His priesthood permanently because He lives forever. The Greek term used here implies that His priesthood is untransferable—it does not pass from one person to another.
If Jesus’ priesthood cannot be transferred, then no other man—past or present—can hold it. Jesus didn't come to restore a priesthood for men to hold; He came to be the Priest so that human mediators would no longer be necessary.
The Veil is Torn
When Jesus finished His sacrifice on the cross, the massive curtain in the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. This was God’s "Emancipation Proclamation," signaling that the restricted zone is now open to everyone.
Today, we don't need a human gatekeeper, a temple recommend, or a specific office to reach God. Because of Jesus, every believer is part of a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9). We are invited to come boldly to the throne of grace, not because of our own authority or a certificate, but because of the finished work of Jesus Christ.
