Notwithstanding the high regard given to Moses, unlike
most Jews the Book of Mormon and other Latter-day Saint teachings prioritize
the Abrahamic covenant over the Mosaic covenant, as is also found in Paul's New
Testament thinking. The Abrahamic covenant is itself a reiteration of the grand
premortal covenant made first during the council in heaven, and later
reaffirmed (possibly with different details being emphasized) with Adam, Enoch,
Noah, and others; it remains in force and describes God's plan to bless and
save His creations through covenant. Certain elements of the Mosaic covenant,
however, are understood as being uniquely suited to the situation of the
Israelites at the time and as being fulfilled in the atoning sacrifice of Jesus
Christ. According to the Latter-day Saint view, the intricate sacrificial
system, for example, was created in part with the intent to point toward and
prepare for the ultimate atoning sacrifice of Jesus the Messiah. Most Jews
would strongly disagree that the law of Moses has been fulfilled in Christ. For
many it still forms the core of their covenantal self-understanding today.
Where does this place Latter-day Saints with supersessionism,
the view held by many Christians that the covenants of the Hebrew Bible and the
identity of the Jews have been superseded (replaced) by Christ and no longer
have any meaning? The Book of Mormon and Latter-day Saints strongly affirm that
God's covenant promises still test with the house of Israel through the Abrahamic
covenant and that all of His promises to them will be fulfilled. They view the
Jews as one of the tribes of Israel. Latter-day Saint prophecy and belief
affirm that they will be gathered back to the lands of their inheritance.
Latter-day Saints believe that the Jews have played and will continue to play a
crucial and positive role under the Abrahamic covenant. Additionally, although
they believe that the Mosaic covenant was fulfilled in Jesus, they believe that
God was its author and that it thus contains powerful eternal truths—including
but not limited to the Ten Commandments—that remain in force and that can
continue to teach humankind about the mind, will, and nature of God. (Shon
Hopkin, "Areas Where Latter-day Saint Beliefs Differ," in Mark S.
Diamond and Shon D. Hopkin, Understanding Our Jewish Neighbors
[Springville, Utah: CFI, 2024], 53-54)
