Gospel Topics

The Lord's Covenant People

From the beginning the Lord has made covenants with his children on earth. When his people make covenants (or promises) with him, they know what he expects of them and what blessings they may expect from him. They can better carry out his work on earth. The people who covenant with the Lord and with whom the Lord makes covenants are known as the Lord�s covenant people. Members of the Church are part of the Lord�s covenant people.

What Is a Covenant?

Within the gospel, a covenant means a sacred agreement or mutual promise between God and a person or a group of people. In making a covenant, God promises a blessing for obedience to particular commandments. He sets the terms of his covenants, and he reveals these terms to his prophets. If we choose to obey the terms of the covenant, we receive promised blessings. If we choose not to obey, he withholds the blessings, and in some instances a penalty also is given.

For example, when we join the Church we make several covenants with God. We covenant with the Savior at baptism to take upon ourselves his name. He promises that �as many as . . . are baptized in my name, which is Jesus Christ, and endure to the end, the same shall be saved� (D&C 18:22). We covenant with the Lord as we partake of the sacrament. We promise to remember him and to obey his commandments. We are promised that the Holy Spirit will be with us. (See D&C 20:77�79.) As members of the Church, we also covenant to obey the law of chastity, to keep the Sabbath day holy, and to be honest. When we enter into the eternal marriage covenant, we make other sacred promises and are promised exaltation for faithful obedience.

God has also made special covenants with particular persons or groups. He made special covenants with Adam, Enoch, Noah, the children of Israel, and Lehi (see Moses 6:52; Moses 6:31�36; Genesis 9:9�17; Exodus 19:5�6; 2 Nephi 1). He made a special covenant with Abraham and his descendants that blesses members of the Church today.

God�s Covenant with Abraham and His Descendants

Abraham, an Old Testament prophet, was a very righteous man. He refused to worship his father�s idols. He kept all of the Lord�s commandments. Because of Abraham�s righteousness, the Lord made a covenant with him and his descendants. The Lord promised Abraham that he would have numberless descendants. He promised that all of them would be entitled to receive the gospel, the blessings of the priesthood, and all of the ordinances of exaltation. These descendants, through the power of the priesthood, would carry the gospel to all nations. Through them, all the families of the earth would be blessed (see Abraham 2:11).

God further promised that if they were righteous he would establish his covenant with all generations of Abraham�s children (see Genesis 17:4�8). God made the same covenant with Abraham�s son Isaac and again with Isaac�s son Jacob. God changed Jacob�s name to Israel. Since that time, the descendants of Jacob, called Israelites, have been known as God�s covenant people.

Members of the Church Are a Covenant People

The blood descendants of Abraham are not the only people whom God calls his covenant people. In speaking to Abraham, God said, �As many as receive this Gospel shall be called after thy name, and shall be accounted thy seed [lineage], and shall rise up and bless thee, as their father� (Abraham 2:10). Thus, two groups of people are included in the covenant made with Abraham: (1) Abraham�s righteous blood descendants and (2) those adopted into his lineage by accepting and living the gospel of Jesus Christ.

When we are baptized into the Church, we are adopted into Abraham�s family and have part in the covenant the Lord made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. If we are obedient, we inherit the blessings of that covenant. We have the right to receive help and guidance from the Holy Ghost. We have the right to hold the priesthood. We can gain eternal life in the celestial kingdom. There are no greater blessings than these.

Along with the blessings we receive as the Lord�s covenant people, we have great responsibilities. The Lord promised Abraham that through his descendants the gospel would be taken to all the earth. We are fulfilling this responsibility through the full-time missionary program of the Church and the missionary work done by the members. This opportunity to preach the gospel to all the world belongs only to the Lord�s Church and his covenant people.

As the Lord�s covenant people, we must keep his commandments. The Lord said, �I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise� (D&C 82:10). If we reject our covenant after accepting the gospel, the covenant becomes void and we will stand condemned before God (see D&C 132:4). He has said: �Refrain from sin, lest sore judgments fall upon your heads. For of him unto whom much is given much is required; and he who sins against the greater light shall receive the greater condemnation� (D&C 82:2�3).

The New and Everlasting Covenant

The fulness of the gospel is called the new and everlasting covenant. It includes the covenants made at baptism, during the sacrament, in the temple, and at any other time. The Lord calls it �everlasting� because it is ordained by an everlasting God and because the covenant will never be changed. He gave this same covenant to Adam, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, and other prophets. In this sense it is not new. But the Lord calls it �new� because each time the gospel is restored after being taken from the earth, it is new to the people who receive it.

When we accept the new and everlasting covenant, we agree to repent, be baptized, receive the Holy Ghost, receive our endowments, receive the covenant of marriage in the temple, and follow and obey Christ to the end of our lives. As we keep our covenants, our Heavenly Father promises us that we will receive exaltation in the celestial kingdom (see D&C 132:20�24).

How blessed we are to be God�s covenant people. To the faithful Saint, the Lord has promised, �All that my Father hath shall be given unto him� (D&C 84:38). The greatness of that promise is hard for mortals to understand. The commandments he gives are for our benefit, and as we are faithful we may forever share the blessings and beauties of heaven and earth. We may live in his presence and partake of his love, compassion, power, greatness, knowledge, wisdom, glory, and dominions.

The Church of Jesus Christ in Former Times

�We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth� (Articles of Faith 1:6). Jesus established his Church when he was on the earth. It was called the Church of Jesus Christ, and the members were called Saints. Through the persecution and martyrdom of Church leaders and the general wickedness of the people, the Church of Jesus Christ was taken from the earth.

Today the Church of Jesus Christ has been restored and is called The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. All of the offices and functions of the Church in the days of Jesus are present in the Church today.

Some Features That Identify the Church of Jesus Christ

Revelation

When Jesus established his Church, he personally instructed and directed its leaders. He, in turn, received his instructions from his Father in Heaven. Thus the Church of Jesus Christ was directed by God and not by men.

Jesus taught his followers that revelation was the �rock� upon which he would build his Church.

Before Jesus ascended into heaven after his resurrection, he told his Apostles, �I am with you always, even unto the end of the world� (Matthew 28:20). True to his word, he continued to guide them from heaven. He sent the Holy Ghost to be a comforter and a revelator to them.

He revealed many glorious truths to John, which are written in the Book of Revelation. The New Testament records many other ways in which Jesus revealed his will to guide his Church and enlighten his disciples.

Authority from God

The ordinances and principles of the gospel cannot be administered and taught without the priesthood. The Father gave this authority to Jesus Christ, who in turn ordained his Apostles and gave them the power and authority of the priesthood. He reminded them, �Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you� (John 15:16).

That there might be order in his Church, Jesus gave the greatest responsibility and authority to the Twelve Apostles. He appointed Peter chief Apostle and gave him the keys to seal blessings both on earth and in heaven.

Jesus also ordained other officers with specific duties to perform. After he ascended into heaven, the pattern of appointment and ordination was continued. Others were ordained to the priesthood by those who had already received that authority. Jesus made it known through the Holy Ghost that he approved of those ordinations.

The Church Organization

The Church of Jesus Christ was a carefully organized unit. It was compared to a perfectly formed building that was �built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone� (Ephesians 2:20). Jesus appointed other priesthood leaders to assist the Apostles in the work of the ministry. He sent officers called seventies in pairs to preach the gospel (see Luke 10:1). Other officers in the Church were evangelists (patriarchs), pastors (presiding leaders), high priests, elders, bishops, priests, teachers, and deacons.

These officers were all necessary to do missionary work, perform ordinances, and instruct and inspire Church members. These officers helped the members come to a �unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God� (Ephesians 4:13). The Bible does not tell us everything about the priesthood or the organization and government of the Church. However, enough of the Bible has been preserved to show the beauty and perfection of the Church organization.

The Apostles were commanded to go into all the world and preach. They could not stay in any one city to supervise new converts. Therefore, local priesthood leaders were called and ordained, and the Apostles presided over them. The Apostles visited and wrote letters to the leaders in the various branches. Thus, our New Testament contains letters written by the Apostles Paul, Peter, James, John, and Jude, giving counsel and instruction to the local priesthood leaders.

The New Testament shows that this Church organization was intended to continue. For example, the death of Judas left only eleven Apostles. Soon after Jesus had ascended into heaven, the eleven Apostles met together to choose someone to take the place of Judas. Through revelation from the Holy Ghost, they chose Matthias.

Later, other Apostles died or were killed. Paul, Barnabas, and James, the brother of the Lord, were all ordained in their places. Jesus had set a pattern for twelve Apostles to govern the Church. It seemed clear that the organization was to continue as he had established it.

First Principles and Ordinances

The Apostles taught two basic principles: faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and repentance. After new converts had faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and their Redeemer and had repented of their sins, they received two ordinances: baptism by immersion and the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost. These were the first principles and ordinances of the gospel. Jesus had taught, �Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God� (John 3:5). Everyone needed these saving ordinances of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Ordinances Performed for the Dead

Jesus has provided for everyone to hear the gospel, whether on earth or after death. Between his death and resurrection, Jesus went among the spirits of those who had died. He organized missionary work among those who were dead. He appointed righteous messengers and gave them power to teach the gospel to all the spirits of people who had died. This gave them an opportunity to accept the gospel.

Living members of his Church then performed ordinances by proxy in behalf of the dead. Ordinances such as baptism and confirmation must be done on earth.

Spiritual Gifts

All faithful members of the Church were entitled to receive gifts of the Spirit. These were given to them according to their individual needs, capacities, and assignments. Some of these gifts were faith, including the power to heal and to be healed; prophecy; and visions. Spiritual gifts always exist in the true Church of Jesus Christ.

Jesus told his disciples that these signs or spiritual gifts always follow them that believe. Many of his disciples performed miracles, prophesied, or beheld visions through the power of the Holy Ghost.

The Church of Jesus Christ in the Americas

After Jesus was resurrected, he visited the people in America and organized his Church among them (see 3 Nephi 11�28). Then he left them and ascended into heaven. For over two hundred years they lived righteously and were among the happiest people whom God had created (see 4 Nephi 1:16). While presiding in the Middle East, Christ spoke of other sheep he had in other parts of this and other worlds.

THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST TODAY

When Jesus lived on the earth, he established his Church, the only true Church. He organized his Church so the truths of the gospel could be taught to all people and the ordinances of the gospel could be administered correctly with authority. Through this organization, Christ could bring the blessings of salvation to mankind.

After the Savior ascended into heaven, men changed the ordinances and doctrines that he and his Apostles had established. Because of apostasy, there was no direct revelation from God. The true Church was no longer on the earth. Men organized different churches that claimed to be true but taught conflicting doctrines. There was much confusion and contention over religion. The Lord had foreseen these conditions, saying there would be �a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord. . . .They shall . . . seek the word of the Lord, and shall not find it� (Amos 8:11�12).

The Lord Promised to Restore His True Church

The Savior promised to restore his Church in the latter days. He said, �I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder� (Isaiah 29:14). For many years people lived in spiritual darkness. About 1700 years after Christ, people were becoming more and more interested in knowing the truth about God and religion. Some of them could see that the gospel Jesus taught was no longer on the earth. Some recognized that there was no revelation and no true authority and that the church that Christ organized did not exist on the earth. The time had arrived for the Church of Jesus Christ to be restored to the earth.

New Revelation from God

In the spring of 1820, one of the most important events in the history of the world occurred. The time had come for the marvelous work and wonder of which the Lord had spoken.

Joseph Smith the Prophet

As a young boy, Joseph Smith wanted to know which of all the churches was the true Church of Christ. He went into the woods near his home and prayed humbly and intently to his Heavenly Father, asking which church he should join. On that morning a miraculous thing happened. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith. The Savior told him not to join any church because the true Church was not on the earth. He also said that the teachings of present churches were �an abomination in his sight� (Joseph Smith� History 1:19). Beginning with this event, there was again direct revelation from the heavens. The Lord had chosen a new prophet. Since that time the heavens have not been closed. Revelation continues to this day through each of his chosen prophets. Joseph was to be the one to help restore the true gospel of Jesus Christ.

Authority from God Was Restored

In restoring the gospel, God again gave the priesthood to men. John the Baptist came in 1829 to ordain Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery to the Aaronic Priesthood (see D&C 13; 27:8). Then Peter, James, and John, the presidency of the Church in ancient times, came and gave Joseph and Oliver the Melchizedek Priesthood and the keys of the kingdom of God (see D&C 27:12�13).

Later, additional keys of the priesthood were restored by heavenly messengers such as Moses, Elias, and Elijah (see D&C 110:11�16). Through the Restoration the priesthood was returned to the earth. Those who hold this priesthood today have the authority to perform ordinances such as baptism. They also have the authority to direct the Lord�s kingdom on earth.

Christ�s Church Was Organized Again

On 6 April 1830, the Savior again directed the organization of his Church on the earth (see D&C 20:1). His Church is called The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (see D&C 115:4). Christ is the head of his Church today, just as he was in ancient times. The Lord has said that it is �the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth, with which I, the Lord, am well pleased� (D&C 1:30).

Joseph Smith was sustained as prophet and �first elder� of the Church (see D&C 20:2�4). Later the First Presidency was organized, and he was sustained as President. When the Church was first organized, only the framework was set up. The organization was completed during the next several years. The Church was organized with the same offices as were in the ancient Church. That organization included Apostles, prophets, seventies, evangelists (patriarchs), pastors (presiding officers), high priests, elders, bishops, priests, teachers, and deacons. These same offices are in his Church today (see Articles of Faith 1:6).

A prophet, seer, and revelator, acting under the direction of the Lord, leads the Church today. This prophet is also the President of the Church. He holds all of the authority (keys) necessary to direct the Lord�s work on the earth (see D&C 107:65, 91). Two counselors assist the President. Twelve Apostles, who are special witnesses of Jesus Christ, teach the gospel in all parts of the world. Other general officers of the Church with special assignments include the Presiding Bishopric and the Quorums of the Seventy.

The offices of the priesthood include Apostles, seventies, patriarchs, high priests, elders, priests, teachers, and deacons. These are the same offices that existed in the original Church. The Church has grown much larger than it was in the days of Jesus. As it has grown, the Lord has revealed additional units of organization within the Church. When the Church is fully organized in an area, it has local divisions called stakes. A stake president and his two counselors preside over each stake. The stake has twelve high councilors who help do the Lord�s work in the stake.

Melchizedek Priesthood quorums are organized in the stake under the direction of the stake president. Each stake is divided into smaller areas called wards. A bishop and his two counselors preside over each ward. In areas of the world where the Church is developing, there are missions, which are divided into the smaller units of districts, branches, small branches, groups, and families.

First Principles and Ordinances Were Restored

The Church today teaches the same principles and performs the same ordinances as were performed in the days of Jesus. The first principles and ordinances of the gospel are faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism by immersion, and the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost (see Articles of Faith 1:4).

These precious truths were returned in their fulness when the Church was restored. Through the gift and power of God, Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon, which contains the plain and precious truths of the gospel. Many other revelations followed and have been recorded as scripture in the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price.

Other Important Truths Were Restored

Other important truths that the Lord restored include the following:

1. Our Heavenly Father is a real person with a tangible, perfected body of flesh and bones
2. We existed in premortal life as spirit children of God
3. The priesthood is necessary to administer the ordinances of the gospel
4. We will be punished for our own sins and not for Adam�s transgression
5. Children do not need to be baptized until they are accountable (eight years old)
6. There are three degrees of glory in the heavens, and people will be rewarded according to their actions on earth
7. Family relationships can be eternal through the sealing power of the priesthood
8. The temple endowment and sealings are available for both the living and the dead

The Church of Jesus Christ Will Never Be Destroyed

Since its restoration in 1830, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has grown rapidly in membership. There are members in nearly every country in the world. The Church will continue to grow. As Christ said, �This Gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in all the world, for a witness unto all nations� (Joseph Smith).

The Church will never again be taken from the earth. Its mission is to take the truth to every person. Thousands of years ago, the Lord said he would �set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, . . . and it shall stand for ever� (Daniel 2:44). Daniel was seeing a vision of the church in the latter days, or our day.