What is the new and everlasting covenant
The New and Everlasting Covenant is a term used in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), also known as Mormonism, to describe the covenant relationship between God and His children. It is considered a central doctrine of the church and is believed to be a restoration of the original covenant made between God and His people in the Old Testament.
According to Mormon theology, the New and Everlasting Covenant is a covenant of eternal marriage, where individuals make a commitment to God to be married for time and all eternity. This covenant is seen as a sacred and eternal bond between a man and a woman, and is considered a necessary step towards exaltation, or becoming like God.
The doctrine of the New and Everlasting Covenant is based on several scriptures in the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants, including:
- 1 Corinthians 11:25, which says, "This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you."
- Matthew 26:28, which says, "This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins."
- Doctrine and Covenants 132:4-5, which says, "And again, verily I say unto you, that whosoever receives this priesthood receives me, saith the Lord, for he says that if you receive me you shall be one, even as we are one. I am the same yesterday, today, and forever, and I am in the midst of a pure people, and will dwell with them in love and joy."
According to Mormon theology, the New and Everlasting Covenant is a covenant that was made between God and His people in the Old Testament, but was lost and forgotten. However, it was restored through the prophet Joseph Smith in the early 19th century, and is now available to all people who are willing to make the necessary covenants and ordinances.
The New and Everlasting Covenant is considered a sacred and eternal covenant, and is seen as a necessary step towards exaltation. It is believed that individuals who make this covenant will be able to live with God and His family for eternity, and will be able to have children who will also be able to live with them for eternity.
It's worth noting that the concept of the New and Everlasting Covenant is unique to the LDS Church and is not shared by other Christian denominations. While other Christian denominations may have similar beliefs about marriage and family, the specific doctrine of the New and Everlasting Covenant is a distinctive aspect of Mormon theology.