Hi Everyone!
As I prepared to put this post together, I asked Siri, male voice version, "What is the definition of priestcraft?" He replied, "Priestcraft is a derogatory term. it means the knowledge or work of a priest." Well, that's one definition. Let me teach you what Priestcraft is according to the word of God.
My primary sources will be from 2 Nephi 26:29, and Alma 1 in the Book of Mormon but I will quote from 1 Peter 5:2 in the KJV of the Holy Bible as well.
So what is Priestcraft? In 2 Nephi 26:29, is reads, " 29 He commandeth that there shall be no priestcrafts; for, behold, priestcrafts are that men preach and set themselves up for a light unto the world, that they may get gain and praise of the world; but they seek not the welfare of Zion."
In Alma 1:2-3, we are introduced to a wicked man. He is large and known for his much strength. He begins to teach the Nephite people. Some of his teachings are; he preaches against the Church of God and the teachings from the scriptures, he doesn't agree with. He teaches that "every priest and teacher ought to become popular and they ought not to labor with their hands" but should be "supported by the people." This man also taught "that all mankind should be saved at the last day" "they (people) need not fear nor tremble..." "for the Lord had created all men, and had also redeemed all men; and, in the end, all men should have eternal life."
So how do the people like his teachings? Many like them quite a bit and begin to give this man money and goods. Why? This man teaches people that no matter what, they don't have to repent but that they are saved by the Lord no matter what. He teaches selfish and carnal values. People start making some very wrong choices and take on the philosophy, "eat, drink, and be merry." (Luke 12:19, 2 Nephi 28:7)
There are many who do not listen or agree with this man. One of these men is named Gideon. Gideon is an older man, ex-military, and a man of God who has served and taught his people for many years. When the wicked teacher meets with Gideon, knowing Gideon belongs to the church of God, the wicked teacher begins to argue with Gideon. Gideon is an experienced teacher and withstands all of the wicked teacher's words by using the words of God. This infuriates the wicked teacher and he draws a sword and kills Gideon. The people of the church of God, take this wicked teacher in front of their Chief Judge whose name is Alma. in verse 11 of Alma 1 we hear how this wicked teacher "stood before Alma and pleaded for himself with much boldness." This wicked man just killed an innocent man and yet he pleads for himself boldly! This should be a major hint to you why priestcraft can be so dangerous to our souls. If we don't think anything we do is bad, because we're already saved, why not kill or do what ever we want? Priestcraft is selfish in every way.
Alma is a man who is wise and is the Chief Judge over the land and is the High Priest of the Church of God. Alma teaches about the harms of priestcraft in verse 12 and says, "this is the first time that priestcraft has been introduced among this people. And behold, thou art not only guilty of priestcraft, but hast endeavored to enforce it by the sword; and were priestcraft to be enforced among this people it would prove their entire destruction." According to the law of the land, this man is condemned to die. We learn his name at the end of his life. He is named Nehor and he suffers "an ignominious death."
Turning to God and serving others is the true path to happiness. Jesus Christ did indeed ransom every man but He does not save men in their sins. Christ wants us to love God and to love one another. Let's follow the true Master Teacher and turn away from foolish and vain priestcrafts and live in harmony to God's commandments so that we can live happily and show our gratitude for Christ for what He has done for us.
