Josiah as a Type for the Gathering of Israel

When likening these scriptures to ourselves there is a very important distinction to be made. This distinction is a key to understanding and reconciling the gathering of Israel with the restored Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. When examining Josiah and the tribe of Judah there are similarities between the Latter-day Saints and the tribes of Israel scattered throughout the earth. While sharing common weaknesses between these two groups, the solutions to their respective problems are different.

Josiah, Judah and in fact all the tribes of Israel except Joseph must return to the Lord through the Aaronic covenant. ("The law was our schoolmaster to lead us to Christ." Galatians 3:24)It is the preparatory Priesthood that saves Israel temporally when they gather. The Aaronic covenant preserves Israel until they receive their Melchizedek blessings at the hand of Ephraim in the last days. (D&C 133:26-35)

The restored Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints holds all keys of both Priesthoods, (Aaronic and Melchizedek) and administers the keys to both Priesthoods. A difference between the two groups is that Israel begins their gathering and covenant restoration with the Aaronic covenant with the intent of progressing to Melchizedek covenants. The tribe of Joseph, (including Ephraim and Manasseh) receive the Melchizedek Priesthood covenants through the restoration of keys to the Prophet Joseph Smith. The difference between the two Priesthoods is the issue of representation and accountability. Under the Aaronic covenant a divinely appointed king by "right", (either birthright and/or divine appointment) can, through personal righteousness, secure the temporal salvation of his people if he follows the Lord's commandments and the people follow the king. ("The Literary Message of Isaiah", Avraham Gileadi, Hebraeus Press, pgs.13-14) This forms the pattern for gathering the scattered tribes of Israel in the last days. Confirmation and ratification of any king who gathers Israel will of necessity come from the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints. (D&C 68:18-21, As you read this passage, think in terms of Priesthood presidency rather than title) This is a subject I have explored with much depth but will not address now. Rest assured, there is a harmonious explanation that reconciles the gathering of Israel in the last days that does not imply those who lead the Church will fall or fail. It does imply our tradition/opinion the missionary program of the Church embodies the comprehensive gathering of Israel is not completely accurate. In addition to the missionary program there will be an organic effort that rises up with the sanction of those who hold the Priesthood keys. Everything will follow Priesthood order strictly, just not in the manner we have come to conclude.

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, endowed in the temple share a different covenant relationship with the Lord than the scattered tribes of Israel. Endowed members entered Melchizedek Covenants that call for personal representation and accountability before the Lord. When endowed, Church members are instructed in what they must do to prepare for representing themselves before the Lord at the veil. This covenant relates to the oath and covenant of the Melchizedek Priesthood which Moses attempts to institute among Israel after he led them from Egypt. "And without the ordinances thereof, and the authority of the priesthood, the power of godliness is not manifest unto men in the flesh; For without this no man can see the face of God, even the Father, and live. Now this Moses plainly taught to the children of Israel in the wilderness, and sought diligently to sanctify his people that they might behold the face of God; But they hardened their hearts and could not endure his presence; therefore, the Lord in his wrath, for his anger was kindled against them, swore that they should not enter into his rest while in the wilderness, which rest is the fulness of his glory. Therefore, he took Moses out of their midst, and the Holy Priesthood also." (D&C 84:21-25)

In the last days endowed members of the Church must decide what they will do with their Melchizedek Priesthood covenants. Will they claim the blessings associated with these covenants or will they choose to live below their privileges and suffer covenant curses because they "hardened their hearts." Will endowed members stand with the "key to the knowledge of God" (D&C 84:19) in the palm of their hand unturned, spurning the Lord's invitation to return into His presence and become empowered in their Priesthood? A few of the prophecies testify the wrath of God will fall upon the body of the Church first, moving out to the Gentiles from there. Those who turn to the Lord will be those who awaken to their reliance on God and learn obedience through the things which they suffer. Unlike the scattered tribes of Israel, Ephraim, (in particular) must sanctify themselves in the "refiner's fire" and "put on thy strength" which is power in their Priesthood they attain once they become sanctified. (D&C 113:7-8)

Once Ephraim is sanctified, Zion will be established, an ensign will be raised to gather Israel and the collective body of Israel will come to Zion to receive their endowments at the hand of Ephraim.

Events leading to the gathering of Israel will impact the membership of the Church but those who are endowed should not mistakenly think anything other than obedience to their Melchizedek covenants can save them. We will all be responsible and accountable by personal righteousness if we are endowed in the Temple of God. Melchizedek covenant people will not be saved through obedience to Aaronic covenants. Your covenants coupled with God's justice require more. Where much is given, much is expected.

Understanding the difference between the Aaronic and Melchizedek covenants is key to understanding how the Lord deals with Israel and the Church distinctly and separately until Israel is prepared to receive the Melchizedek covenant and the two become one.