Fruit That Remains
Matthew L. Carpenter, of the Seventy
Elder Carpenter describes the importance of making and keeping covenants to have blessings sealed for eternity.
Open talk in Gospel LibraryIdeas for Opening the Lesson
- Begin the lesson by discussing the concept of preservation, using the example of preserving peaches as Elder Carpenter did in his talk.
- Start the lesson by asking the class members to share their favorite fruit and why they like it. Then transition into the talk by explaining Elder Carpenter's analogy of fruit and eternal blessings.
- Open the lesson by asking class members to share experiences where they had to prepare or preserve something for future use. This could lead into the discussion of preserving blessings through covenants.
Topics
Understanding the Role of the Holy Ghost in Sealing Ordinances
Elder Carpenter discusses the role of the Holy Ghost as the Holy Spirit of Promise, who seals each ordinance upon those who are faithful to their covenants. The sealing of ordinances is essential for receiving eternal blessings.
The Holy Ghost, in His divine role as the Holy Spirit of Promise, will seal each ordinance upon those who are faithful to their covenants so that it will be valid after mortality.
- What is the role of the Holy Ghost in our ordinances?
- How does being faithful to our covenants affect the sealing of our ordinances?
- What does it mean for an ordinance to be "sealed"?
- How does the sealing of ordinances relate to eternal blessings?
- Can you share an experience where you felt the influence of the Holy Ghost in relation to your covenants and ordinances?
Understanding the Concept of Exaltation
Elder Carpenter explains the concept of exaltation, which includes dwelling in God's presence for eternity, inheriting thrones and powers, and receiving all that God the Father has. Exaltation requires celestial marriage and faithfulness to the associated covenants.
Celestial marriage is a pivotal part of preparation for eternal life. It requires one to be married to the right person, in the right place, by the right authority, and to obey that sacred covenant faithfully. Then one may be assured of exaltation in the celestial kingdom of God.
- What is exaltation and what does it involve?
- Why is celestial marriage important for exaltation?
- What does it mean to be "married to the right person, in the right place, by the right authority"?
- How does obedience to our covenants relate to exaltation?
- Can you share an experience where understanding the concept of exaltation has inspired you to be faithful to your covenants?
Maintaining the Lateral and Vertical Bonds in Marriage
In his talk, Elder Carpenter discusses the importance of maintaining both the lateral bond (between spouses) and the vertical bond (with God) in a celestial marriage. Being faithful to these bonds is crucial for receiving the blessings of exaltation.
To keep the lateral bond with your spouse, God has counseled us to “love [your] wife [or husband] with all [your] heart, and … cleave unto her [or him] and none else.”... To keep the vertical bond with God, we are true to the temple covenants we have made regarding the laws of obedience, sacrifice, the gospel, chastity, and consecration.
- What are the lateral and vertical bonds in a celestial marriage?
- Why are these bonds important in a celestial marriage?
- What does it mean to "cleave unto" your spouse?
- How can we be true to our temple covenants and maintain our vertical bond with God?
- Can you share an experience where maintaining these bonds has strengthened your marriage or your relationship with God?
Addressing Different Circumstances in Covenant Keeping
Elder Carpenter acknowledges different circumstances people may face in keeping their covenants, such as having an unfaithful spouse, being single, or having broken covenants. He assures that blessings are available for all who remain faithful, and that repentance is always possible.
If you remain faithful to the covenants you made when you were endowed, you will receive the personal blessings promised to you in the endowment even if your spouse has broken his or her covenants or withdrawn from the marriage... If you have not remained faithful to temple covenants, is there hope? Yes! The gospel of Jesus Christ is a gospel of hope.
- What are some challenges people might face in keeping their covenants?
- How does God's mercy apply to those with unfaithful spouses or those who are single?
- What hope is there for those who have broken their covenants?
- How does repentance relate to covenant keeping?
- Can you share an experience where understanding God's mercy and the power of repentance has helped you or someone you know in keeping covenants?
Additional Discussion Questions
- How does the analogy of preserving fruit relate to preserving blessings through covenants?
- What are some ways we can better keep our covenants?
- How does understanding the eternal nature of our covenants affect our daily lives?
- How can we support others in their efforts to keep their covenants?
- What are some blessings you have experienced from keeping your covenants?
- How can we better prepare for and understand the covenants we make in the temple?
- How does our understanding of exaltation motivate us to keep our covenants?
- What are some ways we can strengthen our vertical bond with God?
- How can we strengthen our lateral bond with our spouse or future spouse?
- How does the Atonement of Jesus Christ enable us to repent and return to the covenant path?
