WEEK # 45

COVENANTS

"Each ordinance and requirement given to man for the purpose of brining to pass his salvation and exaltation is a covenant."  (Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, 1:152).

"A gospel covenant is a holy contract.  'God in his good pleasure fixes the terms, which man accepts' (Bible Dictionary, LDS ed., 'Covenants'). . . .  Man covenants to do certain things or meet certain conditions;  God cites promises that he will give in return.  (Carlos E. Asay,  "The Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood." Ensign, Nov. 1985, p. 43).

"The Lord identified the gospel as the great and all-embracing covenant. . . .  Many of the Lord's commandments are in the form of covenants promising specific blessings. . . .  Observing the gospel covenants we make with the Lord justifies us to enter the temple and there receive the ordinances and covenants essential to exaltation."  (Marion G. Romney, "Gospel Covenants,"  Ensign, May 1981,  pp. 43-44).

Questions and Activities

• What is a covenant?
• Name some of the covenants that we make with the Lord.
• Why does the Lord make covenants with men?
• What are the promised blessings of each of the major covenants in the gospel?
• What is the Abrahamic covenant, and what does it mean to us today?
• What specific covenants have you made with the Lord?  How do you feel about the way you are keeping them?
• What blessings can be yours if you live up to the covenants you have made with the Lord?
• How do the covenants you have made give you added responsibility?

Topical Guide

Abrahamic Covenant

Covenants

Oath

Promise

Stewardship, Steward

Swearing, Swear, Sware, Sworn

Vow

Scriptures

2 Nephi 29:1, 14

Alma 24:17-19;  56:1-8

Genesis 9:8-17 (compare JST, Genesis 9:21-25);  17:1-14

Deuteronomy 7:6-9;  26:12-19

Joshua 24:12-15;  21-27

Hebrews 8:6-13

Bible Dictionary

Abraham, Covenant of 

Corban

Covenant

Rainbow

Vows

Other Sources

Gospel Principles, chapter 15