Chapter 45: RSM: A Priest after the Order of Melchizedek, Part 2

In this chapter, we’ll review the aspects necessary to obtain the Melchizedek Priesthood and consider the oath of the priesthood, the basic elements that form the priesthood oath, and the affirmations that comprise the swearing of the oath.

The Process of Perfection
Our Process of Perfection looks like this:

Individual Salvation
Born of the Blood
Redemption
Born Again
Sanctified
Born of the Water > Born of the Spirit > Born of God >

Married Exaltation
Going Onto Perfection
Exaltation
Becomes Perfected > Reaches the Stature of Messiah > Sees God the Son

The Oath of the Melchizedek Priesthood
Obtaining the Melchizedek Priesthood is not received through a lineage like the Levitical Priesthood but by the swearing of an oath – Hebrews 7:21.
 
Oath Defined
An oath is a solemn, formal promise or declaration, often invoking a deity or sacred object as a witness, to tell the truth or to perform a duty faithfully, common in legal settings (like swearing to tell the truth in court) or for significant commitments (like an oath of allegiance). It signifies a deep, binding commitment, and breaking one can have serious consequences, like perjury. 
Key Meanings:

• Formal Promise: A serious pledge to do something or that something is true.
• Truthfulness: A commitment, often in court, to speak truthfully (e.g., "under oath").
• Loyalty/Duty: A vow to a person, country, or cause (e.g., "oath of office").
• Sacred Witness: Often involves calling upon God or something sacred to validate the promise. 

 
 
The Basic Elements of the Priesthood
Both priesthoods – the Melchizedek and Levitical - have the same basic elements, which are evident in the Levitical Priesthood and form the basis for the priesthood oath.

1. A standard of personal righteousness. We see this when the Levites refuse to defile themselves during the Golden Calf incident in the book of Exodus.
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2. A charge to teach the law.  Under the Levitical Priesthood, the priesthood office for non-kohanim Levites were to be experts in law and thus were to be the teachers/counselors of the law.

3. The kohanim Levites (priests), were the mediators between God and the people.  They were accountable and answerable for the transgression of the people.  The high priest mediated between God and the collective nation of Israel.

4. The fourth element was to administer the ceremonial laws. 

Melchizedek Priesthood
Under the Melchizedek Priesthood, Men/Fathers and Community Leaders also establish and administer civil and moral laws.

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Priests in the Melchizedek Priesthood Review
We have already considered men/fathers receiving the priesthood when we reviewed being Born Again but repeat it here for continuity. The elements listed above form the basis of the Oath of the Priesthood.  Men/Fathers who enter the priesthood swear to the following affirmations:

1. To strive to keep himself pure;
2. To teach his family the Law of the Son, which includes: The Process of being Born Again;
3. To maintain order and build social harmony in the family;
4. To establish and administer civil and moral laws pertaining to the family;
5. To stand accountable and answerable for the transgression of his family;
6. To administer ceremonial laws to his family - the memorials and ordinances of redemption and sanctification: Memorial to the Lord's Sacrifice, baptism and placing the Name of God on his family, use an altar to petition God and making offerings – an altar as the Sign of the Priesthood Covenant.

Firstborn Sons
Firstborn sons are dedicated to God and serve as temple priests.

Single Women and Men
Single women are under the responsibility of the community leader. Single men administer to themselves.


High Priests in the Melchizedek Priesthood
The High Priests who are over groups or communities affirm in an Oath to:

1. To strive to become Perfect;
2. To commit to the Davidic Covenant to obey the Law of the Father and to establish the Law of the Son in his community;
3. To establish the ways of peace in his community;
Create order, establish/administer civil and moral law, teach the truth, and build social harmony;
3. To stand accountable and answerable for the transgressions of the community; 
4. To administer the ceremonial law to prepare the community to enter into the presence of God the Son – Yehovah-Yeshua.​ Wear a white robe as the Sign of a High Priest.
 

A Zion Community
​High Priests are accountable and answerable for the transgressions of the community until the community as a whole establishes peace and becomes a Zion community having Pure Hearts and Clean Hands.


Ordinances to Enter the Son’s Presence
In ancient Israel, the High Priest was responsible for reconciling himself and all Israel with God on Yom Kippur/Day of Atonement so that they could enter into God's presence as a national community at Sukkot/Tabernacles, which can represent the Millennial Age.  Under the Gospel of Yeshua, the Day of Atonement assumes a different emphasis in preparation to enter into the Presence of God the Son. Here we review the processes and requirements that brought the community to the point of becoming a Zion community. That review includes:

                  1. The remembrance/memorial of Yeshua’s Redemption from Universal Sin.
    2. The Process of Being Born Again and overcoming Personal Sin - the Baptism of Water, 
Baptism of the Spirit, Baptism of Fire,  and Being Born of God and the Associated Covenants
​                                     - Abrahamic, Threshold, Priesthood and Sinai.
                                  3. Cultivating the ways of peace in the community.

"A Zion Community Receiving the Presence of God the Son"