In order to be reconciled to God, individuals must progress along the covenant path — a series of non-negotiable covenants based on eternal, unchanging law.
These covenants “transform, save and exalt us,” Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained. “… A covenant is a pledge that we should prepare for, clearly understand and absolutely honor.”
In speaking to students, faculty and staff gathered in the Marriott Center on the Brigham Young University campus in Provo, Utah, on Tuesday, March 5, Elder Renlund answered a simple yet important question: “Why are multiple covenants needed?”
To demonstrate the answer, the Apostle enlisted the help of his wife, Sister Ruth Renlund, and three students — Gabriel Abello, Emma Rae Francis and Kate McConlogue.
With their hands outstretched in front of them, the students stood as Sister Renlund looped an exercise band around their wrists — once for Abello, twice for Francis and three times around McConlogue’s wrists.
As expected, it was easier for Abello and more difficult for McConlogue to stretch their hands apart or pull a hand away from the band.
“This simple demonstration is metaphorically what happens when we make multiple covenants with God,” Elder Renlund explained. “We are drawn closer to Him, and a stronger bond develops with Him.”
What about those who choose not to make multiple covenants with God? “A certain risk to achieving one’s eternal destiny may creep in,” he cautioned.
Examining risk factors
To look at the effect of risk factors in determining negative outcomes, Elder Renlund discussed them in relation to heart disease.
There are certain risk factors for a heart attack Elder Renlund said he can’t do anything about, such as his gender, age and family history of heart disease. There are other things, however, he can control to minimize risk of heart disease: tobacco use, blood pressure, cholesterol, obesity and blood sugar.
“Risk factors are not determinative of heart health, though,” Elder Renlund said. Even individuals with no known risk factors for a heart attack have heart attacks, and not having a risk factor does not mean an individual will never have a heart attack. “It simply means we are less likely than we otherwise would be.”
Just like it was more difficult for Francis, who had two loops wound around her wrists, to slip a hand out of the bond than Abello, who had just one loop, it is less likely — or there is less risk — for individuals to wander away from God when they have made two covenants, both baptism and the endowment.
Similarly, “When we add the sealing to a spouse to baptism and the endowment, we further decrease our risk to separate ourselves from God because the bond is stronger and draws us closer. In other words, making multiple covenants along the covenant path helps us mature in our discipleship,” Elder Renlund said.
The covenants made at baptism, in the endowment and in the sealing overlap, align and mutually reinforce each other, Elder Renlund pointed out. The purpose of these bonds is to help individuals “become more converted, faithful and committed disciples of Jesus Christ.”
Elder Renlund’s invitations regarding covenants
To those who have been baptized but not yet endowed, Elder Renlund invited them to prepare for and receive their endowment.
“The decision to receive the endowment is personal and should be made prayerfully. It depends only on your agency, no one else’s. … For most of you listening to me today, you meet all the criteria to be endowed if you feel a desire to receive and honor sacred temple covenants throughout your lives.”
Preparation includes qualifying for and using a temple recommend for proxy baptisms and confirmations, doing family history work, and conscientiously partaking of the sacrament weekly. “Continue to faithfully live the gospel of Jesus Christ,” he encouraged.
Elder Renlund noted that those who have been baptized and endowed but not yet sealed are dependent upon someone else’s agency. “You do not determine this step solely on your own. My invitation focuses on what you can do.”
Do not delay taking advantage of opportunities and do not close the door to the possibility, he advised.
“Remember, eternal life is not a question of current marital status but of discipleship.” As individuals focus on the covenants they have made, go to the temple, participate in family history work and partake of the sacrament, “you will strengthen your connection with Jesus Christ.”
To those who have never been sealed or their sealing in the house of the Lord did not turn out as hoped, Elder Renlund assured, “God’s grace is sufficient for all.”
To those who have been sealed to a spouse, “this sealing is a milestone, not a bookend in your life. … Become the spouse your spouse deserves. If you are blessed to be a parent, become the parent your children deserve. Let the multiple covenants draw you closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and strengthen your covenantal bonds with Them.”
