Gospel basics — Covenants connect us with Heavenly Father
Gospel basics – Covenants connect us to God
A covenant is a promise between Heavenly Father and His children. He sets the conditions for the covenants we make with Him. When we do what He asks, we receive many blessings. And we don’t just get blessings on earth – when we make and keep covenants, we will return to live with God and our families in heaven one day.
COVENANTS AND ORDINANCES
We make covenants during certain ordinances. We need to receive those ordinances and obey those covenants in order to return to live with God. The ordinances are performed by priesthood authority. Those ordinances include baptism and confirmation, receiving the Melchizedek Priesthood (for men), and the ordinances we receive in the temple. During the sacrament, Church members renew the promises they have made to God (see Doctrine and Covenants 20:77, 79).
COVENANTS HELP US LIVERIGHTEOUSLY
During baptism, we promise to follow Jesus Christ, always remember Him, and keep the commandments (see Doctrine and Covenants 20:37). God promises that the Holy Ghost may always be with us. When men receive the priesthood, they promise to live worthy of God’s priesthood power. God promises to bless them. (See Doctrine and Covenants 84:33-40).
COVENANTS WE MAKE IN THE TEMPLE
When Church members receive their endowment in the temple, they promise to live righteously and sacrifice for the gospel. They are promised power from God (see Doctrine and Covenants 38:32, 109:22). During the temple sealing, a husband and wife are married for eternity and promise to be faithful to each other and to God. God promises they can return to Him and live as families forever. (See Doctrine and Covenants 132:19-20).
WE ARE A COVENANT PEOPLE
Those who join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints become God’s covenant people. They also inherit the blessings and responsibilities of the Abrahamic covenant (see Galatians 3:27-29). Being part of God’s covenant people means we help each other as we come closer to Christ. It also means we work to strengthen God’s Church on the earth. When we keep our covenants, we can find power and strength form God.
FROM THE SCRIPTURES
When they were baptized, Alma and his people made a covenant to help each other and to obey God’s commandments (see Mosiah 18:8-11). After they were converted, the Anti-Nephi-Lehies made a covenant to never use their weapons again (see Alma 24:17-19). The Lord made a covenant with Abraham (see Abraham 2:9-22).
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