The Malkizedek Priesthood: A Portal to Divine Communion

How often do we truly meditate on the magnitude of our blessings? We attend general conference, we study the scriptures, we strive to keep the commandments—but do we pause to consider the source of that striving, the power that sustains it?

The Brethren have recently emphasized a concept that should reverberate through every Latter-day Saint heart: access. Access to all the spiritual blessings of the Church. Not a trickle, not a taste, but the entirety of God’s grace, made available through the priesthood.

The transcript of a recent discourse articulates this beautifully, pointing us to Doctrine and Covenants 107:18-19. These verses aren't mere words to be read and filed away; they are a map to a reality beyond our current comprehension.

Let’s unpack what we’re told. The power and authority of the higher, or Malkizedek, priesthood holds the keys to “all the spiritual blessings of the Church.” It’s a statement of breathtaking scope. President Nelson echoes this, proclaiming that men and women alike have access to these blessings. But what, precisely, *are* these blessings?

D&C 107:19 unveils a glimpse: the privilege of receiving the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, the heavens opening unto us, communion with a general assembly and the church of the firstborn, and, most profoundly, “the communion and the presence of God the Father and Jesus Christ, the mediator of the new covenant.”

Consider the implications. We, through covenants made within temple walls, are granted access to a relationship with the divine, a fellowship that transcends earthly limitations. This isn't a passive reception; it's an active participation in a reality that demands humility, faith, and unwavering obedience.

The word “communion” itself is laden with meaning. It speaks of shared fellowship, a deep and intimate connection. To commune with God, with Christ, with the Church of the Firstborn—this is not a concept reserved for prophets of old; it is a potential reality for each of us.

This access isn't automatic. It requires diligence in keeping covenants, a striving for righteousness, and a willingness to receive the Spirit. It demands that we wrestle with the scriptures, seeking understanding not merely through intellectual analysis but through heartfelt prayer and supplication. It requires us to actively participate in the ordinances of the priesthood, not as mere observers but as willing servants.

Furthermore, this reality necessitates a profound shift in perspective. How often do we view our efforts in the gospel as a burden, a checklist of duties to be performed? The revelation in D&C 107:19 reframes the entire endeavor, revealing it as a pathway to the most intimate and profound relationship imaginable.

Let us strive to cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation for this extraordinary privilege. Let us seek the guidance of the Spirit as we ponder the implications of these verses and strive to live in a way that is worthy of such a profound blessing.

What covenants have you made, and how might you better cultivate the blessings promised through them?