The 5 covenants made in the temple endowment

Covenant to keep the commandments of God, this always seems to bring a beginning to a deep covenant relationship.

Abraham’s (and by extension, his whole family’s) covenant with God begam with a simple injunction: “walk before me” or in other words – “do what I ask”.

“1 And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. 2 And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly.” Genesis 17:1

The people of Israel under Moses first made a covenant with God after receiving the Ten Commandments, and their covenant was very simple – “All that the Lord hath said will we do, and be obedient”

“All that the Lord hath said will we do, and be obedient. And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which the Lord hath made with you concerning all these words.” Exodus 24:7-8

These Old Testament promises of families and nations to follow their God are requested again in their simplest form in the simple words of the Lord Jesus Christ – “Come, Follow Me” (Matthew 4:19)

Covenant to give things up

See section on Sacrifices

Christ asks us to give certain things up to be a devoted, covenant follower

“Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” Matthew 16:24

See section on Atonement

Jesus taught the Nephites:

“20 Now this is the commandment: Repent, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day. 21 Verily, verily, I say unto you, this is my gospel;” (3 Nephi 27:20-21)

The ancient laws governing the use of the God-given procreative power were a part of the Mosiac law and covenant with Israel since the beginning.

Jesus affirmed these teachings and the sanctity of marriage as He instructed His disciples in the new covenant:

“And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?“ Matthew 19:4-5

Joshua uses the language of the Law of Consecration when inviting Israel in the era of their wanderings to consider the blessings and miracles that dedicating themselves to God and His Holiness would bring.

“And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify (consecrate) yourselves: for to morrow the Lord will do wonders among you.” Joshua 3:5

Jesus also taught about absolute dedication to His teachings when He told the rich young ruler:

“If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.” Matthew 19:21