Priesthood in the Pre-Existence:

Compiled by Robert Hyatt

Feb. 2001

Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, p.477 MELCHIZEDEK PRIESTHOOD

Alma says that those "ordained unto the high priesthood of the holy order of God" were "in the first place," that is in pre-existence, "on the same standing with their brethren," meaning that initially all had equal opportunity to progress through righteousness. But while yet in the eternal worlds, certain of the offspring of God, "having chosen good, and exercising exceeding great faith," were as a consequence "called and prepared from the foundation of the world according to the foreknowledge of God" to enjoy the blessings and powers of the priesthood. These priesthood calls were made "from the foundation of the world," or in other words faithful men held priesthood power and authority first in pre-existence and then again on earth. (Alma 13.) "Every man who has a calling to minister to the inhabitants of the world was ordained to that very purpose in the Grand Council of heaven before this world was." (Teachings, p. 365.)

Joseph Fielding Smith Jr., Doctrines of Salvation, Vol.3, p.81

ANTIQUITY OF MELCHIZEDEK PRIESTHOOD

PRIESTHOOD IN PRE-EXISTENCE. In regard to the holding of the priesthood in pre-existence, I will say that there was an organization there just as well as an organization here, and men there held authority. Men chosen to positions of trust in the spirit world held priesthood.