Present in the picture are the members of DBB2 Ward Dasmariñas Stake with Bishop Celestino Plana last March 23, 2024 - Manila Philippines Temple. Brother de Oro and I had performed our own endownment. This temple activity was meaningful and powerful to me for I have received the gifts of sacred blessings of the Lord which was bestowed upon me.
"Your commitment to follow the Savior by making covenants with Him and then keeping these covenants will open the door to every spiritual blessing and privilege available to men, women, and children everywhere."
In a world filled with challenges and uncertainties, many seek solace and guidance in their faith. For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the concept of making covenants with the Savior stands as a cornerstone of their spiritual journey. It is through these sacred agreements that individuals find not only guidance but also a pathway to accessing profound blessings and privileges.
The words of Elder Robert D. Hales, a beloved leader in the Church, resonate deeply: "Your commitment to follow the Savior by making covenants with Him and then keeping these covenants will open the door to every spiritual blessing and privilege available to men, women, and children everywhere." These words encapsulate the essence of the covenant path, a journey of dedication and spiritual growth.
What are Covenants?
In religious contexts, covenants are solemn promises made between individuals and God. They are not mere formalities but rather deeply meaningful commitments. In the LDS faith, covenants are viewed as sacred agreements, initiated by God, which outline His promises to His children and the expectations He has for them in return.
Making Covenants
Central to the LDS faith is the belief that individuals can make these sacred covenants with God through ordinances performed in temples. These ordinances include baptism, confirmation, the endowment, and sealing (eternal marriage). Each of these ordinances represents a step along the covenant path, marking significant milestones in a person's spiritual journey.
Through baptism, individuals make their first covenant with God, promising to take upon themselves the name of Jesus Christ, to serve Him, and to keep His commandments. This act of faith is symbolic of dying to one's old self and being reborn as a disciple of Christ.
Confirmation, which usually follows baptism, is the bestowal of the gift of the Holy Ghost. This ordinance is a vital part of the covenant path, as it provides individuals with the constant companionship of the Spirit, guiding and comforting them in their lives.
The endowment is a sacred ordinance in which participants receive further knowledge, instruction, and blessings. It is an opportunity for individuals to make additional covenants with God, promising to live according to higher principles and to seek to become more like Jesus Christ.
Sealing, the pinnacle of LDS temple ordinances, is an ordinance that binds families together for eternity. In this sacred covenant, spouses promise to remain faithful to each other and to their covenants, creating an eternal bond that extends beyond mortality.
Keeping Covenants
Making covenants is only the beginning of the journey. The true test of one's commitment comes in keeping these covenants throughout life. This requires dedication, faith, and a willingness to align one's will with God's.
Keeping covenants involves more than simply adhering to a set of rules. It requires a sincere effort to live according to the principles of love, service, forgiveness, and faith. It means striving to emulate the Savior's example in all aspects of life.
Opening the Door to Blessings
Elder Hales' words remind us that the covenant path is not just a symbolic ritual—it is a pathway to blessings and privileges beyond measure. By making and keeping covenants with God, individuals open themselves to a flood of spiritual blessings.
These blessings include guidance from the Holy Spirit, protection in times of trial, comfort in times of sorrow, and the strength to overcome challenges. They also include the promise of eternal life with our families and the opportunity to become like our Heavenly Father.
A Universal Path
Elder Hales' message is universal, extending to "men, women, and children everywhere." The covenant path is not exclusive—it is open to all who seek to follow Jesus Christ. It is a path of love, inclusivity, and hope.
In a world often filled with uncertainty, the covenant path offers a beacon of light and a source of strength. It is a reminder that we are not alone, that God is mindful of each of us, and that through our commitment to Him, we can access blessings beyond our imagination.
As we make and keep covenants with the Savior, we align ourselves with His divine purposes. We become partners with Him in building His kingdom on earth, bringing light and love to all those around us.