WE ARE A COVENANT MAKING PEOPLE

WE ARE A COVENANT MAKING PEOPLE

Covenant Scripture Chain

Titus 1:2 (preexistence)

Genesis 6:18 (Noah)

Genesis 9:15-17 (Noah)

Genesis 15:18 (Abraham)

2 Chronicles 16:15 (Abraham)

Genesis 49:26 (Joseph of Egypt)

Jeremiah 23:5 (David)

Isaiah 9:6-7 (David)

Exodus 19:5-6 (Moses)

Enos 1:16-18 (Enos)

D&C 14:7 (blessings)

D&C 20:37 (baptism)

Mosiah 18:8-10 (baptism)

D&C 33:15 (Holy Ghost)

4^th Article of Faith (first 2 covenants we make)

3 Nephi 18-5-11 (Sacrament)

D&C 20:77-79 (Sacrament prayers)

D&C 84:33-40 (Priesthood)

D&C 132:19-20 (Temple)

D&C 66:2 (Eternal Life)

How to do a scripture chain: https://thatgoodpart.wordpress.com/2009/11/14/scripture-study-tips-cross-references-and-scripture-chains/

We are a Covenant making people

We talk often in the church about keeping and making covenants.  So exactly what is a covenant?  In the bible dictionary it says:

A covenant “sometimes denotes an agreement between persons nations : more often between God and man; but in this latter case it is important to notice that the two parties to the agreement do not stand in the relation of independent and equal contractors. God in His good pleasure fixes the terms, which man accepts. The same word is sometimes rendered “testament.”

The gospel is so arranged that principles and ordinances are received by covenant, placing the recipient under strong obligation and responsibility to honor the commitment. (https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bd/covenant?lang=eng&letter=c)

God made covenants with his people from the beginning of time.  We think of the first covenant being made with Adam where the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ was revealed to him and his immediate family but that was not the first; we made covenants in the preexistence.  In Titus 1:2 it says: 

“In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began.”  

In the spirit world, before mortality, we were taught the gospel of Jesus Christ and the Plan of Salvation.  Those that accepted and kept that first covenant now have a chance to come to the earth to obtain a body and make and keep more covenants.

There are two types of covenants.  The first type we will talk about is the covenant that the Lord made that applied to an individual for a specific purpose.

Noah is the first person in the Old Testament that we read about making a covenant with the Lord.  In Genesis 6:18 it says 

“But with thee will I establish my covenant; and thou shalt come into the ark, thou, and thy sons, and thy wife, and thy sons’ wives with thee.”  

Noah made that covenant, built the Ark and did what the Lord asked him to do.  We read in Genesis 9:15-17:        

“And I will remember my covenant, which is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh.  And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth.  And God said unto Noah, This is the token of the covenant, which I have established between me and all flesh that is upon the earth.”  

Each time we see a rainbow it is a reminder of the covenant God made with Noah.

Abraham’s covenant was the land of Canaan for his posterity:  

“In the same day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates.”  (Genesis 15:18) 

“Saying, Unto thee will I give the land of Canaan, the lot of your inheritance.”

(2 Chronicles 16:15)

Joseph of Egypt’s covenant was that his posterity would flourish in the land of the everlasting hills. 

“The blessings of thy father have prevailed above the blessings of my progenitors unto the utmost bound of the everlasting hills: they shall be on the head of Joseph, and on the crown of the head of him that was separate from his brethren.” (Genesis 49:26)

David was told that the Messiah would come through his line: 

“Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.” (Jeremiah 23:5)

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.  Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.”  (Isaiah 9:6-7) 

Law of Moses or commonly known as the ‘old testament’ or ‘old covenant.’

“Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:  And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.”  (Exodus 19:5-6) 

In the Book of Mormon we have the covenant God made with Enos that the Lamanites would be taught the gospel of Jesus Christ in the future: 

“And I had faith, and I did cry unto God that he would preserve the records; and he covenanted with me that he would bring them forth unto the Lamanites in his own due time.  And I, Enos, knew it would be according to the covenant which he had made; wherefore my soul did rest. And the Lord said unto me: Thy fathers have also required of me this thing; and it shall be done unto them according to their faith; for their faith was like unto thine.”  (Enos 1:16-18) 

These are examples of covenants God made with a particular person for a particular reason for a specific time.  All of them are kind of the same in the sense that he asks them to remember Him, or keep His commandments and in turn they will receive certain blessings.  Usually blessing that will affect not just them but their posterity.

We are now going to talk about a covenant that each of us have the opportunity to make.  This is a covenant that is the same for each and every person.  We are asked to keep His commandments and in turn we gain Eternal Life.  It can be called “Gospel Covenant” or “The New Testament” or “Plan of Salvation.”  This covenant has to do with our personal salvation. 

“When we receive these saving ordinances and keep the associated covenants, the Atonement of Jesus Christ becomes effective in our lives, and we can receive the greatest blessing God can give us—eternal life”.  https://www.lds.org/ensign/2012/07/understanding-our-covenants-with-god?lang=eng

“And, if you keep my commandments and endure to the end you shall have eternal life, which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God. (D&C 14:7)

The first covenant we make is baptism.  

“When we were baptized, we entered into a covenant with God. We promised to take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ, always remember Him, keep His commandments, and serve Him to the end. We renew this covenant each time we partake of the sacrament.” https://www.lds.org/youth/learn/yw/ordinances-covenants/baptism?lang=eng

“And again, by way of commandment to the church concerning the manner of baptism—All those who humble themselves before God, and desire to be baptized, and come forth with broken hearts and contrite spirits, and witness before the church that they have truly repented of all their sins, and are willing to take upon them the name of Jesus Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end, and truly manifest by their works that they have received of the Spirit of Christ unto the remission of their sins, shall be received by baptism into his church.  “D&C 20:37” 

“And it came to pass that he said unto them: Behold, here are the waters of Mormon (for thus were they called) and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light; Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life— Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you?”  (Mosiah 18: 8-10)

Immediately thereafter is confirmation or the receiving of the Holy Ghost. Another covenant with great blessings.

“After we are baptized, we receive the ordinance of confirmation. As part of this ordinance, we are told to “receive the Holy Ghost.” This means the Holy Ghost can be our constant companion if we desire and invite His presence in our lives and faithfully keep the commandments.”  https://www.lds.org/youth/learn/yw/ordinances-covenants/gift?lang=eng

D&C 33:15 “And whoso having faith you shall confirm in my church, by the laying on of the hands, and I will bestow the gift of the Holy Ghost upon them.”

Our fourth article of faith tells us that baptism and laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost are the first ordinances of the Gospel with faith and repentance being principles.  We must practice these principles of faith and repentance as we prepare to take on the covenant of baptism and confirmation.

“We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.”  https://www.lds.org/scriptures/pgp/a-of-f/1?lang=eng

The Sacrament is another ordinance that we participate in weekly to renew the covenants we made at baptism.

“Those who have received the saving ordinances of baptism and confirmation partake of the sacrament each week to renew those covenants. While partaking of the bread and water, we remember the sacrifice the Savior made for us. In addition, we ponder the covenants we have made to take upon us the name of Jesus Christ, always remember Him, and keep His commandments. In turn, God extends the promise that His Spirit may be with us always.”https://www.lds.org/ensign/2012/07/understanding-our-covenants-with-god?lang=eng

3 Nephi 18:5-11 --- "And when the multitude had eaten and were filled, he said unto the disciples: Behold there shall one be ordained among you, and to him will I give power that he shall break bread and bless it and give it unto the people of my church, unto all those who shall believe and be baptized in my name.  And this shall ye always observe to do, even as I have done, even as I have broken bread and blessed it and given it unto you.  And this shall ye do in remembrance of my body, which I have shown unto you. And it shall be a testimony unto the Father that ye do always remember me. And if ye do always remember me ye shall have my Spirit to be with you.  And it came to pass that when he said these words, he commanded his disciples that they should take of the wine of the cup and drink of it, and that they should also give unto the multitude that they might drink of it. And it came to pass that they did so, and did drink of it and were filled; and they gave unto the multitude, and they did drink, and they were filled.  And when the disciples had done this, Jesus said unto them: Blessed are ye for this thing which ye have done, for this is fulfilling my commandments, and this doth witness unto the Father that ye are willing to do that which I have commanded you. And this shall ye always do to those who repent and are baptized in my name; and ye shall do it in remembrance of my blood, which I have shed for you, that ye may witness unto the Father that ye do always remember me. And if ye do always remember me ye shall have my Spirit to be with you."

And these are the sacrament prayers:

D&C 20:77 “O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this bread to the souls of all those who partake of it, that they may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son, and witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him and keep his commandments which he has given them; that they may always have his Spirit to be with them. Amen.”

D&C 20:79 “O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this wine to the souls of all those who drink of it, that they may do it in remembrance of the blood of thy Son, which was shed for them; that they may witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they do always remember him, that they may have his Spirit to be with them. Amen.”

Priesthood is another covenant made along our path

D&C 84:33-40 ---  For whoso is faithful unto the obtaining these two priesthoods of which I have spoken, and the magnifying their calling, are sanctified by the Spirit unto the renewing of their bodies. They become the sons of Moses and of Aaron and the seed of Abraham, and the church and kingdom, and the elect of God. And also all they who receive this priesthood receive me, saith the Lord; For he that receiveth my servants receiveth me; And he that receiveth me receiveth my Father; And he that receiveth my Father receiveth my Father’s kingdom; therefore all that my Father hath shall be given unto him.  And this is according to the oath and covenant which belongeth to the priesthood.  Therefore, all those who receive the priesthood, receive this oath and covenant of my Father, which he cannot break, neither can it be moved.

Joseph Fielding Smith said: 

“When we receive the Melchizedek Priesthood we do so by covenant. We solemnly promise to receive the priesthood, to magnify our callings in it, and to live by every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God. The Lord on his part promises us that if we keep the covenant, we shall receive all that the Father hath, which is life eternal. Can any of us conceive of a greater or more glorious agreement than this?” (Conference Report, Oct. 1970, 91).  https://www.lds.org/manual/doctrines-of-the-gospel-student-manual/chapter-26-the-oath-and-covenant-of-priesthood?lang=eng

When we are ready we make covenants in the temple of the Lord.  The first one is the “Temple Endowment.”

“The temple endowment is a gift that provides perspective and power. During the temple endowment we receive instructions and make covenants related to our eternal exaltation. Associated with the endowment are the ordinances of washing and anointing and being clothed in temple garments as a reminder of sacred covenants.  Temple ordinances and covenants are so sacred that they are not discussed in detail outside of the temple. Because of that, President Boyd K. Packer, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, advised, “It is important that you listen carefully as these ordinances are administered and that you try to remember the blessings promised and the conditions upon which they will be realized.” https://www.lds.org/ensign/2012/07/understanding-our-covenants-with-god?lang=eng

Another is the “Sealing Power”

“The temple ordinance referred to as “temple marriage” or “being sealed” creates an eternal relationship between husband and wife that can last beyond death if the spouses are faithful. Parent and child relationships can also be perpetuated beyond mortality, linking generations together in eternal family relationships.”  When an individual enters into the covenant of marriage in the temple, he or she makes covenants with both God and with his or her spouse. Spouses promise faithfulness to each other and to God. They are promised exaltation and that their family relationships can continue throughout eternity.  Children born to a couple who were sealed in the temple or children who are later sealed to their parents have the right to be part of an eternal family.”  https://www.lds.org/ensign/2012/07/understanding-our-covenants-with-god?lang=eng

D&C 132:19-20 --- And again, verily I say unto you, if a man marry a wife by my word, which is my law, and by the new and everlasting covenant, and it is sealed unto them by the Holy Spirit of promise, by him who is anointed, unto whom I have appointed this power and the keys of this priesthood; and it shall be said unto them—Ye shall come forth in the first resurrection; and if it be after the first resurrection, in the next resurrection; and shall inherit thrones, kingdoms, principalities, and powers, dominions, all heights and depths—then shall it be written in the Lamb’s Book of Life, that he shall commit no murder whereby to shed innocent blood, and if ye abide in my covenant, and commit no murder whereby to shed innocent blood, it shall be done unto them in all things whatsoever my servant hath put upon them, in time, and through all eternity; and shall be of full force when they are out of the world; and they shall pass by the angels, and the gods, which are set there, to their exaltation and glory in all things, as hath been sealed upon their heads, which glory shall be a fullness and a continuation of the seeds forever and ever.  Then shall they be gods, because they have no end; therefore shall they be from everlasting to everlasting, because they continue; then shall they be above all, because all things are subject unto them. Then shall they be gods, because they have all power, and the angels are subject unto them.

By entering into these covenants we become partakers of the new and everlasting covenant which is all gospel covenants and obligations we make.  If we keep our end of the covenant we will result in the blessing of Eternal Life which is all that the Father has.

D&C 66:2 – “Verily I say unto you, blessed are you for receiving mine everlasting covenant, even the fullness of my gospel, sent forth unto the children of men, that they might have life and be made partakers of the glories which are to be revealed in the last days, as it was written by the prophets and apostles in days of old.”