What Is a Covenant?

More than a contract — a covenant is the means by which we become one with God in purpose and action

A covenant is an agreement between God and man, where a man promises to obey the will and commandments of God, and God promises specific blessings upon the person covenanting.

A covenant is more than a contract or agreement — it is unifying ourselves with God and His purposes.

In Hebrew, the word da’ath (yada) is used when describing the covenant relationship between ancient Israel and their God. This same word is also translated as “to know.” What this really means is to know and be unified in their concerns, obligations, dedication, and affections — to be one with God in purpose and action (Ensign, August 1980).

Scriptures Emphasizing This Meaning

To “Know” as Covenant Union

  • Genesis 4:1 — “Adam knew Eve his wife” — meaning they were one in their concerns, obligations, and purposes as well as physically
  • John 17:3 — “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent” — life eternal is to covenant with God and become one with Him
  • Doctrine and Covenants 132:24 — “This is eternal lives — to know the only wise and true God, and Jesus Christ, whom he hath sent. I am he. Receive ye, therefore, my law.”

Why Are Covenants Important?

We must be committed to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Partial commitment and partial obedience do not suffice. As Doctrine and Covenants 76:77–79 teaches, not being valiant in the testimony of Jesus leads to receiving terrestrial glory rather than celestial.

First Presidency Message — July 2011

“Commitment is a little like diving into the water. Either you are committed, or you are not. Either you are moving forward or you are standing still. There’s no halfway.”

Covenants Are Important Individually

Personal Covenant Accountability

  • JST James 2:18–19 — Faith without works is dead and cannot save
  • Mosiah 3:19 — “For the natural man is an enemy to God… unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ”

Covenants Are Important as a People

From the beginning of time, disciples of Jesus Christ have been set apart as a covenant people, different from others. Through this group, the Lord’s work is accomplished on earth.

  • Covenants bind us together as a people, strengthen and support us, and help us believe in others who have made the same promises.
  • Shared beliefs and values bring feelings of unity and connection.
  • Covenant people are organized to spread the gospel to others.

How Is a Covenant Made?

Generally, a covenant includes four key parts, much like a treaty in Old Testament times:

  • The ritual/ordinance — performed through the priesthood, often with symbolism involved.
  • The promise/oath — a commitment to take action.
  • The name — taking upon oneself a new name or designation, symbolizing a transformation.
  • The blessing/reward — a promised blessing or protection provided by God.

Examples of Covenants

  • Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 17:1–14) — Land, posterity, and the promise that all nations would be blessed through Abraham’s seed.
  • Baptismal Covenant — Symbolizes death, burial, and resurrection. Promises to serve God, take upon oneself the name of Christ, and always have His Spirit.
  • Marriage Covenant — Unity in purpose, fidelity, and eternal progression.
  • Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood (D&C 84:33–41) — Includes ordination, magnifying callings, and receiving eternal blessings.

Conclusion

The Lord uses covenants to:

  • Increase our commitment to obedience.
  • Strengthen our faith through promised rewards.
  • Change and convert us through laws and ordinances, making obedience easier over time.
  • Increase our responsibility to obey, as we are held to a higher standard.

As Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf recounted, commitment is like diving into the water: “Brother, I’m committed!” There is no halfway.

Oaths they took, and covenants they have made — thus in their fear and in their doubt, they are strengthened in their determination to do that which they have covenanted to do. Covenants — The Lord of the Rings :)