The New and Everlasting Covenant

The scriptures speak of covenants between God and man; from Adam to Moses to Abraham, and even David. It is interesting to find that the purpose of such covenants is almost always the same and, even today, we are bound to such a covenant. Even the same covenant from the beginning, the new and everlasting covenant.

Curious, isn’t it? A covenant which always has been is new, even today. Bruce R. McConkie explains, “It is new because it has been revealed anew in our day;” in accordance with Acts 3:21. He continues by saying, “it is everlasting because it has always been had by faithful people”. So what is the new and everlasting covenant?

D&C 66:2 “Verily I say unto you, blessed are you for receiving mine everlasting covenant, even the fulness of my gospel, sent forth unto the children of men, that they might have life and be made partakers of the glories which are to be revealed in the last days, as it was written by the prophets and apostles in days of old.”

That’s interesting… The above verse states that it is the fullness of the gospel AND that it was written by ancient prophets and apostles. This is a new conundrum, in that the restoration of the gospel in 1830 is commonly believed to be the ushering in of the dispensation of the fullness of times, even the restoration of the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. And yet it is. And we knew this.

So, why then do we find that many of the ordinances that have been restored are considered “new”? Why do we not find these ordinances in other denominations, creeds and sects? Why do we rely mostly on latter-day revelation to reveal to us the doctrines, principles and ordinances of a God that is “the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever” (Hebrews 13:8)?

The simple answer is apostasy. Apostasy has given way to much confusion, much thirsting and just as Amos prophecies in chapter 8 verse 12, “they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it.”

Why?

Isaiah 24:5 “The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant.”

So we needn’t be surprised to see the world and all its faiths moved so far from the truths of the new and everlasting covenant.

Let’s take a step back. Let us revert to the first recorded statement from God regarding this covenant:

Genesis 17:7 “And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.”

So the covenant was made, from the beginning, for God to be a God to our first parents, as well as to us. And that God, even our God went on to make a covenant of peace.

Numbers 25:13 “And he shall have it, and his seed after him, even the covenant of an everlasting priesthood; because he was zealous for his God, and made an atonement for the children of Israel.”

Jeremiah 32:40 “And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; but I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me.”

Isaiah 55:3 “Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.”

D. Todd Christofferson summarised as follows, “the doctrines and commandments of the gospel constitute the substance of an everlasting covenant between God and man that is newly restored in each dispensation.”

So the new and everlasting covenant is a promise between God and man that He will be their God and they will come unto Him; a binding contract to keep them together. These are the doctrines and principles by which we have been called to live.

Joseph Fielding Smith said that the new and everlasting covenant was the total sum of every contract, obligation, and performance that pertains to the gospel of Jesus Christ, which is sealed by the Holy Ghost of promise. This tells us that the higher priesthood is required – and that, in order to become partakers of the fullness of God’s blessings, we need to enter into every gospel ordinance made available to us.

That starts with the first ordinance of baptism, “the gate by which ye should enter is repentance and baptism by water” (2 Nephi 31:17), and then confirmation. John 3:5 “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”

Now those are the easy ones – mentioned countless time in both new and ancient scripture.

Sacrament is another ordinance, one which is observed weekly in The Church of Jesus-Christ of Latter-day Saints, “This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me … This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you” (Luke 22:19-20). Interestingly, though, this ordinance is somewhat debated in the Christian community. Fortunately, latter-day saints have the Book of Mormon to clarify – 3 Nephi 18:6 “And this shall ye always observe to do, even as I have done, even as I have broken bread and blessed it and given it unto you.”

The trouble comes in latter-day ordinances such as priesthood ordination and temple ordinances. This is where we need to apply our knowledge of Biblical prophecy, specifically, the restitution of all things as mentioned in Acts 3:21.

We’ve seen how the covenant had been broken and how apostasy had taken from the truths of the gospel, so this is where we need to rely on the spirit of prophecy, where we need to trust in living prophets and modern scripture. For without the New Testament, one would never know of baptism. How sacred and important an ordinance. Imagine if we didn’t have it – we surely could not enter the kingdom of God (John 3:5).

Now, I speak concerning marriage specifically, for as much as endowments have been stated in modern scripture, nothing in ancient scripture even appears to refute/contradict. And genealogy, well, you’d have to be blind to miss those in the Bible. But marriage, now that’s been the source of much disputation (even in my family – none of my family members are LDS). But worry not, I’ll address endowments in a later post.

So what does God say concerning marriage?

"Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh," (Gen. 2:24).

"What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder," (Matt. 19:6).

You see, I’ve always had a problem with the term “’til death do us part”. I mean, we sure do advocate resurrection and eternal life as Christians, so why then do we forsake our teachings of family and marriage when it does come? Why would God institute the ordinance here on earth, but tear it apart in heaven? Did he not say that they’ll be joined as one? Did he not say let no man put asunder?

Now I know what you’re thinking, that verse applies to man and not God. But what about our initial covenants with God regarding peace and everlasting priesthood? Why would he take marriage away?

The truth is, he won’t. He doesn’t. There is no Biblical evidence that He will.

Let’s just think about the following verse before we delve into the Sadducees question to Christ, “Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,” (Ephesians 3:15).

Have you thought about it?

Now, Mark 12:25, “For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in heaven.”

Here Christ was asked regarding the companionship of the women who was given in marriage to her husband’s brothers after he had passed away in the life to come – this was tradition in those days. Now that’s interesting. They had a knowledge of marriage in the eternities already.

Let’s look at Christ’s response, which sure is true. “They” would neither marry, nor be given in marriage.

D&C 132:15-16 says, “Therefore, if a man marry him a wife in the world, and he marry her not by me nor by my word, and he covenant with her so long as he is in the world and she with him, their covenant and marriage are not of force when they are dead, and when they are out of the world; therefore, they are not bound by any law when they are out of the world. Therefore, when they are out of the world they neither marry nor are given in marriage; but are appointed angels in heaven, which angels are ministering servants, to minister for those who are worthy of a far more, and an exceeding, and an eternal weight of glory.”

This instance was an example of marriage for time and not for eternity. Now I won’t get into Talmage’s explanation of her sealing to her first husband (or the promise to those faithful to get a spouse in the next life if they weren’t able to do so in this one), but what I will say is that Christ’s words in this account still rings true to LDS today. The time to get married is here on earth and the ordinance to be sealed needs to be done through the Melchizedek Priesthood. Otherwise, we will be as the angels in heaven.

Beyond this, there is no apparent disputation with regards to eternal marriage. In fact, considering the restoration thereof in these latter days, you won’t find much else on the matter in ancient scripture.

For just as baptism appeared to arrive in the New Testament, so has Eternal Marriage arrived in the Doctrine and Covenants. This is where latter-day revelation becomes important. We cannot become so blinded as to ignore God’s words to us in these days by focussing wholly on what He said in those days. The saints have always followed prophets – we’re just fortunate to have the Bible as a record of what has been said. But we must never forget to keep listening to what is being said.

To quote the Lord in 2 Nephi 29:8, “Wherefore murmur ye, because that ye shall receive more of my word?”

Family is central to God’s plan. The rock upon which Christ’s Church was built is revelation. And marriage is eternal. I know this – scriptures approve it and prophets have said it. This is my testimony which I leave with you in the name of Jesus Christ.

From Aaron to Melchizedek

To quote the much acclaimed Isaiah,

"For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:" (Isaiah 28:10)

For every step becomes a journey and every line a story. From infant to elder, child to parent, and scholar to teacher; we're always learning, constantly growing. And the Lord would have it no other way.

Today, on the 23rd of November 2014, I took another step; from Priest to Elder - from Aaron to Melchizedek. And, oh, how glorious 'twas.

I woke this morning to find it raining - another confirmation from our Heavenly Father - and recalled the rain the day I was baptised and the day I was confirmed (and ordained and set apart as Priest) and the day I was set apart as Ward Missionary. In fact, it rained the night I decided to get baptised - how grateful I am to see that Heavenly Father would choose to use the same signs to confirm that this is His path for me.

Sustained at Stake Conference with fellow friends and Saints and family. My mom was there, my sister was there, my best friend was there, my sister's friend was there, and my other family (Brother Kevin and Sister Shan) was there. Unfortunately, Dylan was unable to make it.

Words of a hymn we sang (Onward, Christian Soldiers) emanates still:

"One in hope and doctrine
One in Charity"

The only thing that could've made this day better... Elder Tew (David Tew). Sadly, he's in America and it was 3am for him when the ordination took place. Speaking of which, I didn't record it for him. I should have. I wanted to. Shoust.

I can only remember some of what was mentioned as Brother Kevin acted as spokesperson (with a High Councillor and Elder Broadhead in the circle). Fortunately, there were witnesses, and together we can remember the Lord's council to me. I do remember that I need to council with my mom, family and Church leaders and that the Lord expects, also, that I be a missionary here, now, and when I serve a full time mission.

I'm grateful that I've been entrusted with the Priesthood which belongs to the Saviour Himself. I know that I need to keep the high standards set and that I need to magnify my callings and serve others to the best of my ability (the Lord will take care of the rest). I want to, and I know it is possible.

I'm grateful that my family was there. Yes, everyone that was with me today is my family. Their support and encouragement is truly appreciated and I love them - even though I may not say or express it as often as I should.

This is the Lord's plan for all His children; that they come nearer to Him and experience the blessings the Priesthood has to offer. And through this, we can all experience true joy and happiness. I know this, and I know that God knows this, and I cannot deny it. (To paraphrase Joseph Smith - God's chosen prophet in these Latter-days).

My Own Personal Liahona

“Your patriarchal blessing will see you through the darkest night. It will guide you through life’s dangers.” - Thomas S. Monson

We've been urged by Church leaders to receive a Patriarchal Blessing so that we can receive inspiration from the Lord. Had I known this, I'd have gotten it a lot sooner. Fortunately, however, I have it now. Even though it four months to get to me after I had it done.

Let's back up a little. What is a Patriarchal Blessing? Well, a blessing is spiritual guidance, comfort, and inspiration from our Heavenly Father through a worthy Priesthood holder. But a Patriarchal Blessing is a blessing from from a Patriarch specifically.

And what is a Patriarch, you ask? Well, Abraham was a Patriarch. In the English language, it quite literally means "father". In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, one Patriarch is called to watch over a stake (more on stakes here). This Patriarch, therefore, becomes a father to stake, available for guidance and council. This calling, unlike most other Church callings, is a lifelong calling.

With that in mind, we return to the Patriarchal Blessing. Patriarch's hold the Melchizedek Priesthood, as well as keys to the office of Patriarch, so that he may administer blessings to those who seek them out.

The difference between a Patriarchal Blessing and a normal blessing, primarily, is that Patriarchal Blessings are only received once. In fact, the information, inspiration, warnings, promises, and declarations given are typically enough to last a lifetime. Whereas a normal blessing targets a specific event or occurrence.

In our Patriarchal Blessing's, we receive specific revelation to guide, inspire, warn, and promise to us throughout our lives. Here we learn which tribe we fall under with regards to the Abrahamic covenant, what Heavenly Father deems to be of importance to us, and what He desires that we look out for or seek out for.

I remember my Patriarchal Blessing as I walked into the High Council room with Brother Comrie (our local stake Patriarch). It was the first time we'd met and I was there on my own. We began with a prayer and he went on to teach me about Abraham, his covenants, our covenants and shared with me his own personal experiences. We dabbled a bit into my conversion, as well as my family situation and offered support, as would a father. It is here that I learnt exactly what the role of a Patriarch was.

He went on to giving me my blessing, and I remember how the Spirit warmed my soul. The words kept coming and the messages seemed endless. I knew I wouldn't remember it all, but much was impressed on my mind since that day. As he ended, he counselled me to share with others of my faith what had been said. This briefed as curious to others, because this is typically kept secret (another sacred vs secret debate). It is peculiar, though, as to what I have mentioned to a select and what I have not. Sometimes I long to share, as is my nature to share all things, but I'm held back because I've been told countless times not too. It's the conflict between doing what I've been counselled to do by my Patriarch and what other members continue to remind me of with regards to keeping it to myself.

But that is besides the point. Our Patriarchal Blessings are there for us, specifically. We need to study them out and learn what it is our Heavenly Father wills us to do. Sometimes the words are vague, requiring constant prayer and seeking out, while other times they are as specific and detailed as can be. A suggestion put forth was to type out and print out a pocket sized copy to keep on me at all times. I like that idea.

Let me end off with the somewhat humorous process of getting a printed copy of my Patriarchal Blessing. I received mine on the 3rd of June 2014 (the blessing that is). And then I moved to Alberton (out of previous stake boundaries). Brother Comrie sent out a printed copy via postal service. The postal service went on strike. Two months later he sent out another copy. Still no post. I was unable to fetch it from him in person due to my busy schedule with Church and work in Alberton.

We organised that he give it to Centurion 1 Ward clerk so that he could give it to Centurion YSA rep who would give it to another YSA who would then bring it to me at Institute. The great Mormon grapevine. That didn't work. Something about one being there and the other not and one week the wrong Patriarchal Blessing was brought.

Eventually, when Elder Cook came to town for a YSA devotional (okay, he was here for the missionaries - first Zimbabwe, Harare and then South Africa, Johannesburg - and just fit us YSAs in) I had planned on going. So I asked Brother Comrie if I could fetch it from him there. Needless to say, more chaos.

Brother Comrie gave it to President Martin (Stake President) to give it to me. He even went to the pulpit and called for a "Jonothan Smith". I was not there. It was my sister's honour's evening at school, so I needed to be there to support her. I found out too late and the message didn't get to him until afterwards.

A friend of mine even spoke to President Martin, saying that he was looking for me as well. After discussing with this with that friend, I began mustering up a new plan to get my Patriarchal Blessing.

A week later, the Centurion 1 Ward clerk messaged me to say that he took my Patriarchal Blessing from Pres Martin to give to a sister in Institute so that she could give it to me. I believe I missed a week to go teaching with missionaries and then we left before we had time to discuss it, then she forgot it at home.

Fortunately, we live in the digital age, so she sent me photos... and I was finally able to receive the physical copy a week later. It took four months, but I finally got it. I don't know why he didn't just email it to me in the first place (as he suggested after I finally got the copy).

Anyway, I'm glad to finally have it. I know that it will continue to help me as it already has begun to. Whatever the reason for the delay, it was worth it. And I'd recommend all baptised members to work towards it. And to everyone else, read the Book of Mormon and learn for yourself. Who knows, you might be waiting for your Patriarchal Blessing for four months as well. But I can promise you, regardless of your decision, you'll never regret it.