Why this little booklet on gospel covenants? Doesn't every member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints understand the meanings and purposes of covenants in their lives? In our teaching and testimonies, we use the word "covenant" frequently, especially in the term, "covenant path."
In order to better understand how some of the members of my own family members perceive gospel covenants, I asked them the question: "What does a gospel covenant mean to you?" Consider some of their responses:
"Unbreakable promise."
"Individual relationship between me and Heavenly Father, nobody else."
"A way of life, committing to strive to obtain."
"A two-way promise."
"An agreement God has made with me, that if I am true and faithful to my temple covenants, I'll return to my Heavenly Home."
"It's a matter of steps that lead to eternal life."
"Promises we've made. God determines what we should do. He gives us promises He will fulfill if we do it."
"It's about promises. We make promises with God-they are two-way promises. I'm trying to fulfill my part."
In the above responses, the word, "promise" was used most often in their descriptions. It is true that gospel covenants are "two-way promises" between us and God, made on His terms, but so much more.
Other additional descriptions need to be added-- terms such as "agreement," "sacred," "holy," "eternal," "binding," "trusting," "loving," "integrity," "oath," "ordinances," "sacrifice," "joy," and "peace."
In this study of "Sacred Gospel Covenants," the above words and others will be explored.
It is my earnest desire that those who read those explanations will come to a better understanding of the covenants they make.
Sincere appreciation is expressed to those who initially reviewed this work and for their helpful suggestions. And many thanks to those who helped format the book and prepare it for publication.
And, to my family, friends, and fellow Church members for whom this study was written, may we continue on our precious covenant paths.
