First of all, we love the Jews. We happen to share many similar doctrinal points such as a mutual belief in Jehovah, a God of revelation. We share a common belief in prophets. We hold a common commitment to the return of the Jews to the "land of Jerusalem," in fulfillment of the words of the ancient prophets. There are many other doctrinal and social similarities, among the least of which is that we are the only church in the history of this country that had an extermination order out against it by Governor Lilburn Boggs of Missouri. We went through untold persecutions, just like the Jews.

Even though the term Jew comes from the Hebrew word yehudi, "one belonging to Judah," it has always been used to identify a much larger group than those who are of the tribe of Judah. Citizens of the Kingdom of Judah, no matter what their tribal affiliation, were called Jews or sometimes Judeans. Lehi, who is the first recorded prophet in the Book of Mormon, through the tribe of Joseph was a Jew (see 2 Nephi 30:4; 33:8); Paul was a Jew, but his tribe was Benjamin (Acts 21:37-39; 22:3; Romans 11:1; Philip. 3:5); and even the American Indian, who are descendants of Lehi, are Jews. (D. & C. 19:27; 57:4.) Christ was a Jew, and he taught that "salvation is of the Jews" (John 4:22), meaning that through that chosen race had come the prophets, the priesthood, and the Redeemer himself. Our present Bible, for instance, has come to us by way of the Jews. (2 Nephi 29)

So you see, the Jewish people must not think that they are the only ones that can be considered "Israel." They have to realize that Judah was only one of the twelve sons of Jacob, who is called Israel.

For the last 2000 years the tribe of Judah has separated themselves from the Christian world because they have been blamed for having crucified the "Christian God." Yes, it was Judah who placed the Messiah on the cross, but it was all part of the plan. It was supposed to be. It was foreordained before the world was created.

You see, because of the fall of Adam, all humanity was spiritually lost, and so this life was to become a so-called preparatory existence for us to prepare ourselves worthy to return once again to Him, but only on conditions of repentance. But, how could we repent if there was no punishment for sin? Do you really think that God's mercy can rob justice? Who then could redeem us from this fall that separated us from our Heavenly Father and still appease the demands of law and justice for sin? If there was no redress, then God would be a partial God and He would cease to be God. This is impossible. There had to be an atonement that no mortal person could accomplish on his own; an infinite atonement or sacrifice; that mediator to appease the demands of justice, so that God might be perfect, just and merciful. Jesus Christ, the God of this world would do it for us, and is a gift to all but only on conditions of repentance with a broken heart and a contrite spirit. As I stated before, it was all part of the plan of God so that everyone can partake of eternal life; not just one person, not just one tribe, but all. (see Alma 42:1-26)

No one, not even the Jews could have taken the life of the Savior. He gave it up freely. He laid it down himself for the purpose of giving everyone that gift of the resurrection through his infinite atonement. (see Mosiah 3:19, Genesis 3, Romans 5:11-19)

Sincerely,

Donny Osmond


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