In addition to the carnal law, Israel enjoyed a portion of the gospel law, including the invitation to exercise faith in Christ, repent, and be baptized by immersion for the remission of sins. Further, they held the keys of the administration of angels through those of the tribe of Levi, who held the lesser or Aaronic Priesthood. (D&C 84:26-27; D&C 107:20.) Together the carnal law and the lesser portion of the gospel law enjoyed by Israel constituted a ’preparatory gospel, ’ its purpose being to prepare them to accept Christ and receive once again the gospel in its fulness. “ (Gospel Symbolism, pp. 76-77.)”
“All These Things Were Types of Things to Come”
As every doctrine in the fulness of the gospel grows out of or is an appendage to the Atonement, so every ritual of the Mosaic law pointed to Christ and his atoning sacrifice.
’This is the whole meaning of the law, ’Amulek explained, ’every whit pointing to the great and last sacrifice; and that great and last sacrifice will be the Son of God, yea, infinite and eternal’ (Alma 34:14).
Further, the entirety of the law of Moses was symbolic. It was a system of vicarious ordinances, all of which had as their purpose to center attention and faith in the great vicarious ordinances that brought life and hope of salvation to all who would believe. The doctrines of atonement, redemption, punishment, and forgiveness were all taught through vicarious offerings.
The bullock, lamb, goat, ox, and dove were all substitutes, the lifeblood of each being offered in behalf of the one sacrificing. The whole system was one of vicarious ordinances and proxies, all pointing to the great vicarious sacrifice and the great proxy for us all. (Gospel Symbolism, pp. 81-82.)