“There is only one way to return to live with God, and it is designated as the covenant path,” said Elder Dale G. Renlund, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as he delivered Tuesday’s devotional address.
Elder Renlund emphasized the significance of covenants in one’s spiritual journey, as they are based on eternal, unchanging laws. He taught that making and keeping covenants is how one can be reconciled to God.
“These covenants are nonnegotiable. They transform, save and exalt us,” he said. “A covenant is a pledge that we should prepare for, clearly understand and absolutely honor.”
Some may wonder why multiple covenants are needed, Elder Renlund said. He explained that covenants are not only sequential but also additive in having a relationship with God.
“Each covenant adds a bond, drawing us closer to and strengthening our connection with God,” he taught. “In other words, making multiple covenants along the covenant path helps us mature in our discipleship.”
This means that when we are confronted with life’s challenges, the likelihood that we distance ourselves from God is decreased, said Elder Renlund.
Elder Renlund briefly explained the covenants that one makes on the covenant path.
- Baptism. 1. This is the first covenant that everyone makes on the covenant path. The baptismal covenant is a public witness to Heavenly Father of three specific commitments: to serve God, to keep His commandments and to be willing to take on the name of Jesus Christ.
- The endowment. The endowment consists of five integral covenants: obedience to Heavenly Father's commandments, sacrifice in supporting the Lord's work, adherence to the gospel of Jesus Christ, keeping the law of chastity and dedication to God's work through consecration.
- The new and everlasting covenant. During the sealing, both husband and wife enter a covenant with each other and with God, joining in the tasks of mortality together. This covenant enables them to enter an order of the priesthood collectively, serving each other, their children and ultimately God.
Elder Renlund has found in his own experience that making and keeping all three covenants — baptism, endowment and sealing — tends to deepen one's discipleship.
He contrasted this with individuals who have undergone only baptism and endowment or have been baptized alone. Despite these distinctions, he emphasized the crucial point that one's spiritual journey is not solely determined by these factors.
“Faithfulness is an individual choice about how we live the covenants we have made. Not being sealed to a spouse does not halt your progression in your discipleship to the Savior. As you continue being valiant to your testimony of Jesus Christ, your progression continues.”
Urging those in attendance to prepare and progress along the covenant path, Elder Renlund taught that eternal life is available to all those who are “valiant in the testimony of Jesus.”
“You receive access to the grace of Christ through obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel. Additionally, I invite you to focus on the covenants you have made. Go to the temple often and participate in family history work. Conscientiously partake of the sacrament weekly. As you do, you will strengthen your connection with Jesus Christ.”
Elder Renlund testified that Jesus Christ is mighty to save and that He desires to have a close relationship with each of His children, a covenantal relationship.
“God established multiple covenants to bless us, not to condemn us. Focusing intently on the covenants we have made and preparing for the next one is the best way to prepare to receive all that Heavenly Father has. It is how we think celestial.”
