The Aaronic Priesthood

Shawn McCraney critiques the reinstitution of the Aaronic Priesthood in the LDS Church, using the metaphor of a mother who fixates on pictures of her premonitions instead of her actual child to illustrate the folly of clinging to past symbols when the true fulfillment, represented by Jesus Christ, has been realized. He argues that the Aaronic Priesthood was a temporary measure, foreshadowing and fulfilled by Jesus, suggesting that focusing on it now rather than on the living Christ is both futile and diminishes the significance of Christ’s completed work.

The teaching delves into the historical context of the Aaronic priesthood in the Bible, contrasting its traditional role and lineage-specific duties with the teachings of the LDS Church. It emphasizes that the Levitical priesthood was a preparatory system pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, highlighting that the concept of "holding the priesthood" in a modern religious context pales in comparison to living with humble faith in Christ.

The Aaronic priesthood involved stringent purification rites and rituals, strictly for Levites, serving as a type foreshadowing the ultimate, one-time sacrifice of Jesus Christ who now stands as the eternal mediator in the heavenly Holy of Holies. The claim by Joseph Smith that John the Baptist conferred this priesthood to him and its subsequent bestowal on young LDS males represents a misapplication of its original biblical meaning and exclusive Levitical lineage.

The teaching explains that the rituals and symbols of the Old Testament, such as the high priest entering the Holy of Holies and offering sacrifices, were ultimately fulfilled in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, who became the ultimate High Priest and perfect sacrifice, eliminating the need for the Aaronic priesthood and traditional rites. This highlights that faith in Jesus is all that is necessary for salvation, as He permanently resides in the Holy place and offers eternal redemption.