Covenants and Responsibilities
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What are the roles of covenants in our personal lives and in society?
- How do covenants play a part in religious history?
- What is their significance in the Restoration of the Gospel?
- What are temple covenants and why are they important?
- How do covenants connect us to Christ and His teachings?
Topics
Understanding the Role of Covenants in Personal Lives and Society
President Oaks discusses how covenants, as commitments to fulfill certain responsibilities, are essential for the regulation of our individual lives and the functioning of society. He gives examples of covenant responsibilities in various occupations and in the Church.
A covenant is a commitment to fulfill certain responsibilities.
Personal commitments are essential to the regulation of our individual lives and to the functioning of society.
- What are some examples of covenant responsibilities in society and in the Church?
- Why are covenants essential for the regulation of our individual lives and the functioning of society?
- How do you see covenant responsibilities playing out in your own life?
- What can you do to better fulfill your covenant responsibilities?
Recognizing the Significance of Covenants in Religious History
President Oaks explores the role of covenants in religious history, such as the Abrahamic covenant, and their importance in the teachings and practices of the Israelites as recorded in the Old Testament and the Book of Mormon.
The foundation and history of many religious affiliations and requirements are based on covenants.
The first part of the Book of Mormon, which was written during the Old Testament period, clearly demonstrates the role of covenants in the Israelite history and worship.
- What is the Abrahamic covenant and why is it significant?
- How do the Old Testament and the Book of Mormon demonstrate the role of covenants in religious history?
- How do the covenants in religious history influence your understanding of your own covenants?
- What can you learn from the faithfulness of those in the scriptures who made and kept covenants?
Appreciating the Role of Covenants in the Restoration of the Gospel
President Oaks discusses the foundational role of covenants in the Restoration of the Gospel. He explains how Joseph Smith's translation of the Book of Mormon, which is filled with references to covenants, played a significant role in the Restoration.
Covenants were foundational in the Restoration of the gospel.
That book (Book of Mormon) is the Restoration’s major source for the fulness of the gospel, including God’s plan for His children, and the Book of Mormon is filled with references to covenants.
- What role did covenants play in the Restoration of the Gospel?
- How did the Book of Mormon contribute to the understanding of covenants in the Restoration?
- How does understanding the role of covenants in the Restoration of the Gospel influence your perspective on your own covenants?
- What actions can you take to better fulfill your covenant responsibilities in light of the Restoration of the Gospel?
Understanding the Importance of Temple Covenants
President Oaks emphasizes the importance of temple covenants. He discusses the teachings, doctrine, and covenants revealed through Joseph Smith for administration in temples, and the blessings promised to those who live faithfully to these covenants.
Now I speak more of temple covenants.
Through him (Joseph Smith) the Lord revealed sacred teachings, doctrine, and covenants for his successors to administer in temples.
- What are temple covenants and why are they important?
- What blessings are promised to those who live faithfully to their temple covenants?
- How do you feel about your own temple covenants?
- What can you do to live more faithfully to your temple covenants?
Connecting to Christ Through Covenants
President Oaks discusses how covenants connect us to Christ and His teachings. He emphasizes that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is known for emphasizing making covenants with God, which are inherent in each of the ordinances of salvation and exaltation administered by the Church.
The Church of Jesus Christ is known as a church that emphasizes making covenants with God.
Covenants are inherent in each of the ordinances of salvation and exaltation this restored Church administers.
- How do covenants connect us to Christ and His teachings?
- Why does the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints emphasize making covenants with God?
- How have your covenants helped you feel connected to Christ?
- What can you do to strengthen your connection to Christ through your covenants?
