President Dallin H. Oaks
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints emphasizes making covenants with God as a fundamental part of worship. President Oaks discusses the importance of covenants in regulating individual lives and their significant role in both society and religious practices. He explains the historical and doctrinal foundations of covenants, particularly within the context of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Temples and the sacred covenants made therein are highlighted as central to the faith and daily lives of Latter-day Saints.
The Importance of Covenants in Society
Covenants are essential commitments that regulate individual lives and society. Despite current challenges from those advocating for absolute individual freedom, covenants help maintain order and structure. Examples include judges, military personnel, medical staff, and missionaries, all of whom make formal commitments to their duties. These commitments are symbolized by distinctive clothing or items, reminding the wearer of their responsibilities.
“There is no magic in their distinctive clothing or symbols, only a needed reminder of the special responsibilities the wearers have assumed.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- Matthew 22:37-40: “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”
- Alma 46:12: “And it came to pass that he rent his coat; and he took a piece thereof, and wrote upon it—In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children—and he fastened it upon the end of a pole.”
Religious Covenants and Their Historical Foundations
Religious covenants form the foundation of many faith traditions, including the Abrahamic covenant and its role in Israelite history. The Book of Mormon emphasizes covenants, showing their importance in the worship and identity of God’s people. These covenants are central to the teachings and practices of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, linking back to ancient traditions and God’s promises.
“The books of Nephi make frequent reference to the Abrahamic covenant and to Israel as ‘the covenant people of the Lord.’”
Scriptural references for further study:
- Genesis 17:7: “And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.”
- 1 Nephi 15:14: “And at that day shall the remnant of our seed know that they are of the house of Israel, and that they are the covenant people of the Lord; and then shall they know and come to the knowledge of their forefathers, and also to the knowledge of the gospel of their Redeemer, which was ministered unto their fathers by him; wherefore, they shall come to the knowledge of their Redeemer and the very points of his doctrine, that they may know how to come unto him and be saved.”
Restoration and the Role of Covenants
During the Restoration of the gospel, covenants were foundational, as seen in the instructions given to Joseph Smith. The Book of Mormon played a crucial role in teaching about covenants, and the organization of the Church involved making and keeping sacred covenants. Baptism and sacrament ordinances are highlighted as covenant-making practices that renew and reaffirm these sacred promises.
“Revelation recorded in April 1830 directs that persons ‘shall be received by baptism into his church’ after they ‘witness’ (which means solemnly testify) ‘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.’”
Scriptural references for further study:
- Doctrine and Covenants 20:37: “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.”
- Moroni 4:3: “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 hath given them, that they may always have his Spirit to be with them. Amen.”
Temple Covenants and Their Significance
Temple covenants are vital to the restored gospel, offering teachings and blessings essential for eternal life. The Nauvoo Temple’s construction and the endowments given there prepared early Saints for their journey west. Temple garments worn by endowed members remind them of their sacred covenants and the continuous nature of these commitments.
“Persons who have been endowed in a temple are responsible to wear a temple garment, an article of clothing not visible because it is worn beneath outer clothing. It reminds endowed members of the sacred covenants they have made and the blessings they have been promised in the holy temple.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- Doctrine and Covenants 84:19-20: “And this greater priesthood administereth the gospel and holdeth the key of the mysteries of the kingdom, even the key of the knowledge of God. Therefore, in the ordinances thereof, the power of godliness is manifest.”
- Doctrine and Covenants 109:22: “And we ask thee, Holy Father, that thy servants may go forth from this house armed with thy power, and that thy name may be upon them, and thy glory be round about them, and thine angels have charge over them;”
Calls to Action
- Recommit to honoring the covenants you have made with God, remembering that these sacred promises guide and bless your life.
- Strive to wear the symbols of your covenants, such as the temple garment, as a daily reminder of your commitments to God and His commandments.
- Embrace the responsibilities of your covenants, understanding that they bind you to Jesus Christ and offer you His promised blessings.
- Seek to understand and appreciate the significance of temple covenants, and make regular temple worship a priority in your life.
- Reflect on the teachings of the Book of Mormon regarding covenants and apply them in your daily interactions and spiritual practices.