At the time of the prophet Malachi, the Levites (sons of Levi)—those charged with official responsibilities associated with temple rites—had drifted from the principles and ordinances of the Lord (see 3 Nephi 24:7). Malachi envisions a time in the last days when the Levites, having been purified, will again perform their duties in righteousness. What is the connection between this and future priesthood activities? The Prophet Joseph Smith clarifies this doctrine as follows:
Sacrifice to Be Part of Restoration. It will be necessary here to make a few observations on the doctrine set forth in the above quotation, and it is generally supposed that sacrifice was entirely done away when the Great Sacrifice [i.e.,] the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus was offered up, and that there will be no necessity for the ordinance of sacrifice in future; but those who assert this are certainly not acquainted with the duties, privileges and authority of the Priesthood, or with the Prophets.
The offering of sacrifice has ever been connected and forms a part of the duties of the Priesthood. It began with the Priesthood, and will be continued until after the coming of Christ, from generation to generation. We frequently have mention made of the offering of sacrifice by the servants of the Most High in ancient days, prior to the law of Moses; which ordinances will be continued when the Priesthood is restored with all its authority, power and blessings… .
All Ordinances Restored. These sacrifices, as well as every ordinance belonging to the Priesthood, will, when the Temple of the Lord shall be built, and the sons of Levi be purified, be fully restored and attended to in all their powers, ramifications, and blessings. This ever did and ever will exist when the powers of the Melchizedek Priesthood are sufficiently manifest; else how can the restitution of all things spoken of by the Holy Prophets be brought to pass. It is not to be understood that the law of Moses will be established again with all its rites and variety of ceremonies; this has never been spoken of by the prophets; but those things which existed prior to Moses’ day, namely, sacrifice, will be continued.
It may be asked by some, what necessity for sacrifice, since the Great Sacrifice was offered? In answer to which, if repentance, baptism, and faith existed prior to the days of Christ, what necessity for them since that time? The Priesthood has descended in a regular line from father to son, through their succeeding generations. (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, comp. Joseph Fielding Smith [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1976], 172–173)
Referring to this statement, Elder Bruce R. McConkie has stated: “Members of this tribe [Levites] will again in this final dispensation offer their traditional sacrifices to the Lord as part of the restoration of all things” (D. & C. 13; Teachings, pp. 172–173.) (Mormon Doctrine, 2d ed. [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1966], 439.) President Joseph Fielding Smith commented on this future ceremonial practice as follows: “In this dispensation, the temple work is under the direction of the Melchizedek Priesthood and while the sons of Levi will have to offer an offering in righteousness, that is separate and apart from the ordinances in the temple as we have them” (Answers to Gospel Questions, 5 vols. [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1957–1966], 3:164).