Gospel Basics

Covenants Connect Us with God

Making and keeping covenants brings blessings.

illustration of celestial kingdom

Glory in Degrees, by Annie Henrie Nader

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 Live Righteously

young man being baptized in a baptismal font

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

rendering of Recife Brazil Temple

Illustration of Recife Brazil Temple by James Porter

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 from 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 2:9–11).

Also in This Issue

We hope you have enjoyed learning about covenants. Here are some other gospel terms that you can learn about in this issue:

Resilience: The ability to adjust to difficulty or change. (See page 16.)

Patriarchal blessing: A blessing that each Church member can receive from their stake patriarch. It includes personal counsel from the Lord and may tell you of your spiritual gifts and other opportunities. (See page 32.)

Agency: Our ability to make our own choices and be responsible for those choices. (See page 36.)