Alma 13:14 notes that Melchizedek was "a high priest after this same order which I have spoken, who also took upon him the high priesthood forever." According to McConkie and Millet, the phrase "who also took upon him the high priesthood forever" refers to the words of the Psalmist who recounted the promise of the Father to the Son: "the Lord hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek" (Psalm 110:4). Wrote Elder Bruce R. McConkie: "God swore an oath that Christ should be a priest forever; that is, though our Lord had possessed the priesthood in pre-existence, he would receive it anew in mortality and would have it forever in time and in eternity. And this sets the pattern for all who become sons of God and joint--heirs with Christ" (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary 3:173) [Joseph F. McConkie and Robert L. Millet, Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon, Vol. III, p. 102]