Elder Russell M. Nelson: Covenants
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The greatest compliment that can be earned here in this life is to be known as a "covenant keeper," Elder Russell M. Nelson said during the Sunday afternoon session of conference.
"When we realize that we are children of the covenant, we know who we are and what God expects of us," Elder Nelson said. "His law is written in our hearts. He is our God and we are His people. Committed children of the covenant remain steadfast, even in the midst of adversity. When that doctrine is deeply implanted in our hearts, even the sting of death is soothed and our spiritual stamina is strengthened."
One of the most important concepts of revealed religion is that of a sacred covenant, Elder Nelson said. Covenants are sacred promises with God in which He sets the terms, and individuals have the choice of whether they are going to accept those terms. If one accepts the terms of the covenant and obey God's law, he or she receives the blessings associated with the covenant.
"Through the ages, God has made covenants with His children," he said. "His covenants occur throughout the entire plan of salvation and are therefore part of the fullness of His gospel."
The Bible speaks of men and women in the Old World who were identified as children of the covenant (Acts 3:25), and the resurrected Lord explained to the people in the New World the importance of their identity as children of the covenant and the promises associated with that covenant (see 3 Nephi 20:25-26).
"Isn't that amazing? Some 600 years before Jesus was born in Bethlehem, prophets knew that the Abrahamic Covenant would be finally fulfilled only in the latter days," he said. "To facilitate that promise, the Lord appeared in these later days to renew that Abrahamic covenant."
Because of this renewal, all can receive the fullness of the gospel, enjoy the blessings of the priesthood and qualify for God's greatest blessing — that of eternal life.
"Some of us are the literal seed of Abraham; others are gathered into his family by adoption," he said. "The Lord makes no distinction. Together we receive these promised blessings — if we seek the Lord and obey His commandments. But if we don't, we lose the blessings of the covenant. To assist us, His Church provides patriarchal blessings to give each recipient a vision for his or her future, as well as a connection with the past, even a declaration of lineage back to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob."
Brethren of the covenant have the right to qualify for the oath and covenant of the priesthood, and if they are faithful and worthily receive the priesthood, they are able to receive all that the Father has, Elder Nelson said.
"Incredible blessings flow from this oath and covenant to worthy men, women and children in all the world," he said. "Ours is the responsibility to help fulfill the Abrahamic Covenant. Ours is the seed foreordained and prepared to bless all people of the world. That is why priesthood duty includes missionary work."
The Book of Mormon is a tangible sign that the Lord has commenced to gather His children of covenant Israel, Elder Nelson said.
"It helps us to make covenants with God. It invites us to remember Him and to know His Beloved Son. It is another testament of Jesus Christ."
Children of the covenant have the right to receive His doctrine and to know the plan of salvation. They claim it by making covenants of sacred significance and keep the covenant by obedience to His commandments, he said.
"The rewards for a covenant keeper will be realized both here and hereafter."
