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Question 1

The doctrine of the New and Everlasting Covenant, we uncover a divine principle that binds Christ’s infinite love to us, both in mortality and throughout eternity.This covenant is the sacred conduit through which the deepest expressions of His love and grace are made manifest to us.

Question 2

The love of Christ is infinite, transcending all human understanding. It is a love that reaches the deepest depths of our mortal condition, offering solace, redemption, and eternal life. This love is not confined by time or space; it is as boundless as the universe itself, encompassing all of creation and every individual soul.

Question 3

As we transition from mortality to immortality, the covenant remains a constant, unbroken bond. In the eternities, this covenant ensures that we continue to dwell in the light of Christ’s love. It is the assurance that His love and grace will accompany us forever, guiding our eternal progression and deepening our relationship with Him.**

Question 4

This covenant is the foundation of our eternal relationship with Christ. It binds us to Him in a way that is both intimate and eternal. As we honor this covenant, we draw closer to Him, experiencing the fullness of His love and the joy of His presence. The covenant is a perpetual invitation to partake in His divine nature and to be embraced by His infinite love.

Question 5

Transformative Grace:The New and Everlasting Covenant is more than a promise; it is a transformative power. It enables us to become more like Christ, imbuing us with His attributes and virtues. Through the blessings of this covenant relationship, we receive the divine assistance necessary to grow spiritually and to fulfill our eternal potential.

Question 6

“always abound in good works” is to live faithfully within the covenant, reflecting Christ’s love through our actions and commitments. It is through this steadfastness and immovable dedication to good works—synonymous with covenant fidelity—that we are sealed as His, brought to heaven, and granted everlasting salvation and eternal life.

Question 7

Residing in the celestial kingdom, partaking of the fruit of the tree of life as envisioned by John the Revelator in the Book of Revelation, we continue to receive a fullness of Christ’s love through the ongoing covenant relationship—the New and Everlasting Covenant. This celestial experience is not static but one of continuous increasing in glory. The covenant ensures that we are perpetually nourished by His love and grace, enabling us to progress eternally in light, truth, and glory.

Question 8

Let us cherish this covenant, honoring it with our faithfulness and devotion. In doing so, we open ourselves to the boundless love and grace of our Savior, embracing the divine relationship that He offers to each of us.

Question 9

The New and Everlasting Covenant encompasses all gospel covenants, ordinances, and blessings necessary for salvation and exaltation. It includes the covenants made at baptism, the temple ordinances, and all other sacred covenants that bind individuals to God through Jesus Christ

Question 10

Feasting upon the words of Christ implies a deep, sustained engagement with His teachings. This level of engagement is essential for covenant faithfulness.

Question 11

Welcome, graduate scholars, to today’s lecture on a profound and timeless principle that underpins the fabric of our existence and the very order of the cosmos: the role of covenants. As we delve into this topic, we will explore how covenants empower individuals to use their agency to make choices aligned with principles of righteousness, thereby maintaining order in the cosmos where goodness reigns supreme.

Question 12

A covenant, at its core, is a sacred agreement between individuals and the divine, rooted in trust, commitment, and mutual respect. It is through covenants that we bind ourselves to eternal laws and principles, thus establishing a framework for living that transcends the temporal and touches the divine. Covenants are not merely contractual obligations; they are profound commitments that shape our identity, purpose, and destiny.

Question 13

Agency, the power to choose, is one of the most profound gifts bestowed upon humanity. It is through agency that individuals exercise their will, make decisions,

Question 14

agency is not just a right; it is a responsibility. The choices we make have far-reaching consequences, not only for ourselves but for the broader tapestry of existence.

Question 15

The principles of righteousness are the eternal truths that govern the cosmos. These principles are immutable, reflecting the character and nature of the divine. Righteousness encompasses qualities such as love, justice, mercy, truth, and integrity. Living in accordance with these principles is not merely about personal morality; it is about aligning oneself with the very order of creation.

Question 16

Through covenants, individuals commit to higher standards of behavior and thought. When one enters a covenant, they agree to live in accordance with divine laws, which are the ultimate standards of righteousness.

Question 17

Covenants often come with promises of divine assistance. As individuals strive to uphold their covenantal commitments, they receive strength, guidance, and inspiration from the divine. This divine support empowers them to make choices that align with righteousness, even in the face of adversity.

Question 18

Covenants create bonds not only between individuals and the divine but also among those who share the same commitments. This creates a moral community bound by shared values and principles. Within this community, members support and uplift each other, fostering an environment where righteous choices are encouraged and celebrated.

Question 19

By living according to the principles of righteousness outlined in covenants, individuals align themselves with the cosmic laws that govern the universe. This alignment brings harmony and order, as it reflects the inherent goodness that sustains the cosmos.

Question 20

When individuals make choices consistent with righteousness, they contribute to the preservation and proliferation of goodness. Goodness, in this context, is not just the absence of evil but the active presence of virtues that uplift, heal, and transform.

Question 21

the use of covenants to guide agency is a profound mechanism through which cosmic order is maintained. By committing to live according to principles of righteousness, individuals align themselves with divine laws, receive divine empowerment, and contribute to the overarching goodness that sustains the cosmos.

Question 22

teach others the importance of covenantal living in maintaining the divine order of the universe.

Question 23

welcome to this graduate seminar where we will delve into the profound interconnectedness of covenants, agency, and the cosmic order. In this discussion, we will explore how individuals, through the use of their agency and the making of sacred covenants, align themselves with the principles of righteousness, thereby maintaining the divine order in which goodness reigns supreme.

Question 24

In the ancient world, covenants were more than mere agreements; they were sacred, binding commitments that structured the very fabric of society and the cosmos. In the Hebrew tradition, for example, the covenant was central to the relationship between God and His people. This notion of a sacred covenant is pivotal because it signifies a mutual commitment to uphold divine laws and principles.

Question 25

Exodus 19:5-6 (KJV): Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation

Question 26

Agency, or the capacity to make choices, is a fundamental aspect of human existence. It is through agency that individuals exercise their will to either adhere to or deviate from the principles of righteousness. Covenants, then, serve as a guiding framework within which agency is exercised towards righteousness.

Question 27

The cosmos, as envisioned in ancient thought, is an ordered system governed by divine laws. When individuals choose to live according to these divine laws through the covenantal framework, they contribute to the maintenance of cosmic order. This alignment with divine principles ensures that goodness, rather than chaos, prevails.

Ancient Wisdom: The ancient Egyptians, for example, believed in Ma’at, the concept of truth, balance, order, harmony, law, morality, and justice. The Pharaoh was seen as the upholder of Ma’at, and it was through adherence to these principles that the cosmic order was maintained.

Question 28

Doctrine and Covenants 88:34-35

"And again, verily I say unto you, that which is governed by law is also preserved by law and perfected and sanctified by the same. That which breaketh a law, and abideth not by law, but seeketh to become a law unto itself, and willeth to abide in sin, and altogether abideth in sin, cannot be sanctified by law, neither by mercy, justice, nor judgment. Therefore, they must remain filthy still."

Question 29

Covenants are not merely temporal arrangements but are eternal in nature. They bind individuals to divine principles and to God, extending their influence beyond mortal life into eternity. This eternal perspective underscores the significance of making righteous choices within the covenantal framework.

Question 30

When individuals use their agency to make choices consistent with the principles of righteousness, as defined by their covenants, they contribute to the reign of goodness in the cosmos. This is not a passive state but an active process of aligning one’s will with divine will, thus ensuring that the divine order is upheld.

Ancient Insight: In the writings of Plato, we find the idea of the “cosmos” as an ordered, harmonious system. The philosopher-king, in “The Republic,” is the ideal ruler who understands the forms of justice and goodness, ensuring that these principles govern society.

Question 31

Doctrine and Covenants 88:36-38 All kingdoms have a law given; And there are many kingdoms; for there is no space in the which there is no kingdom; and there is no kingdom in which there is no space, either a greater or a lesser kingdom. And unto every kingdom is given a law; and unto every law there are certain bounds also and conditions.”

Question 32

‘Covenants are not confined to the fleeting moments of our mortal lives. They are eternal in nature, designed to govern our existence and align us with divine principles that regulate the cosmos for all eternity. When we enter into a covenant, we step into a timeless framework that binds us to the eternal laws of the universe, ensuring that our actions contribute to the everlasting order and goodness of creation.

Question 33

Agency, or the power to choose, is a gift with eternal implications. Our choices in this life reverberate through the corridors of time, influencing not just our immediate circumstances but also the fabric of eternity. By using our agency to make righteous choices, we align ourselves with the divine plan, ensuring that our actions uphold the eternal principles that sustain the cosmos.

Question 34

The principles of righteousness—love, justice, mercy, truth, and integrity—are the bedrock upon which the universe is built. These principles are eternal, reflecting the unchanging nature of the divine. Living in accordance with these principles is essential for maintaining the cosmic order, not just for our time on earth but for the infinite expanse of eternity.

Question 35

By living according to the principles of righteousness outlined in covenants, individuals align themselves with the eternal laws that govern the universe. This alignment brings about harmony and order, reflecting the inherent goodness that sustains the cosmos for all time.

Question 36

When individuals make choices consistent with righteousness, they contribute to the perpetuation of goodness for eternity. Goodness, in this context, is an active force that upholds and enhances the divine order, ensuring that the universe remains a place of justice, peace, and harmony forever.

Question 37

In conclusion, the use of covenants to guide agency is a profound mechanism through which eternal cosmic order is maintained. By committing to live according to principles of righteousness, individuals align themselves with divine laws, receive eternal empowerment, and contribute to the everlasting goodness that sustains the cosmos. As scholars and future leaders, you have the opportunity to delve deeper into these principles, understand their eternal implications, and teach others the importance of covenantal living in maintaining the divine order of the universe for all time to come.

Question 38

Every choice made in alignment with covenantal principles has an eternal ripple effect. These choices influence not only the immediate environment but also the eternal progression of the universe. Righteous choices promote eternal justice, peace, and harmony, countering the forces of chaos and disorder. In this way, individuals play a crucial role in maintaining the eternal balance of the cosmos.

Question 39

Welcome, distinguished scholars, to this next phase of our exploration into the profound role of covenants. Today, we will take a significant step further by examining how, in an ever-expanding universe, God selects individuals to rule and provide divine leadership. These individuals, who will rule and reign with Him as kings and priests, are chosen based on their adherence to covenants that uphold the principles of righteousness.

Question 40

Covenants are not merely agreements; they are divine instruments through which individuals demonstrate their commitment to God’s eternal laws. These sacred commitments serve as the foundation for God’s selection process for divine leadership.

Question 41

Demonstration of Faithfulness:
Through covenants, individuals show their unwavering faithfulness to God. This faithfulness is a key criterion for being chosen to serve in positions of divine leadership.

By consistently upholding their covenantal commitments, individuals demonstrate their reliability and trustworthiness, essential qualities for those who will rule and reign.

Question 42

Cultivation of Righteousness
Covenants provide a framework for living a life of righteousness. Those who adhere to these principles cultivate the virtues necessary for divine leadership, such as integrity, justice, compassion, and humility.
This cultivation of righteousness ensures that leaders are not only just but also compassionate, embodying the qualities of divine governance.

Question 43

Development of Spiritual Maturity
Adhering to covenants fosters spiritual growth and maturity. Individuals who consistently seek to align their lives with divine principles grow in wisdom, understanding, and spiritual depth.
This spiritual maturity is crucial for leaders who will guide and inspire others in the eternal progression of the cosmos.

Question 44

Preparation for Eternal Responsibilities:
Covenants prepare individuals for the responsibilities of eternal leadership. By living in accordance with God’s laws, they learn to govern themselves and others with righteousness and love.
This preparation is essential for those who will serve as kings and priests, ensuring they are equipped to uphold the divine order in an expanding universe.

Question 45

Ruling and Reigning as Kings and Priests

In God’s eternal kingdom, those who are called to serve as kings and priests are not chosen arbitrarily. They are selected based on their proven commitment to righteousness through their covenantal living. These leaders play a critical role in the divine administration, ensuring that the principles of justice, mercy, and love are upheld.

Question 46

As kings, these leaders are entrusted to be responsible for ensuring that the divine laws are upheld and that righteousness prevails.
- Their rulership is marked by an unwavering commitment to God’s principles. Their priesthood is characterized by compassion, understanding, and a deep commitment to serving others.

Question 47

the selection of leaders based on their covenantal faithfulness has an eternal impact. These leaders not only ensure the immediate administration of God’s kingdom but also contribute to the perpetual stability and harmony of the cosmos. By ruling and reigning in righteousness, they play a pivotal role in maintaining the divine order and advancing God’s eternal purposes.

Question 48

covenants serve as the foundation for selecting divine leaders who will rule and reign with God as kings and priests in an ever-expanding universe. By upholding the principles of righteousness, these individuals demonstrate their readiness for such a sacred calling. Their faithfulness, righteousness, spiritual maturity, and preparation equip them to provide divine leadership that maintains order, justice, and harmony for eternity.

Question 49

covenants are sacred agreements that bind individuals to eternal principles. These covenants are the foundation for divine leadership, as they ensure that those chosen to rule and reign with God are committed to upholding righteousness and maintaining cosmic order. Those who abide in the covenant are promised thrones, kingdoms, and dominions, signifying their role as eternal rulers.

Question 50

through Jesus Christ, we are made kings and priests unto God. This divine appointment is contingent upon our acceptance of His sacrifice and our commitment to live according to His teachings.

Question 51

“To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.”
- Here, we see that overcoming the trials and challenges of life through faithfulness qualifies us to sit with Christ on His throne, sharing in His divine rulership.

Question 52

The Eternal Perspective of Covenants

Covenants are not limited to our mortal existence; they are designed to regulate the universe for eternity. As we enter into and honor these covenants, we align ourselves with divine principles that transcend time and space.

Question 53

Then shall they be gods, because they have no end; therefore shall they be from everlasting to everlasting, because they continue; then shall they be above all, because all things are subject unto them… For strait is the gate, and narrow the way that leadeth unto the exaltation and continuation of the lives, and few there be that find it… This is eternal lives—to know the only wise and true God, and Jesus Christ, whom he hath sent.” THE TREE OF GOD”S LOVE.

Question 54

Covenants ensure that individuals chosen for divine leadership are committed to upholding the principles of righteousness. This commitment is essential for the regulation of the cosmos where goodness reigns.

1. Demonstration of Faithfulness:
   • Covenants require unwavering faithfulness. Scripture reminds us that those who abide in their covenants will be exalted and entrusted with eternal responsibilities.
2. Cultivation of Righteousness:
   • Living according to covenantal principles cultivates righteousness. Scriptural references consistently highlight the importance of living a righteous life to qualify for divine leadership.
3. Development of Spiritual Maturity:
   • Covenants foster spiritual maturity, preparing individuals for their roles as eternal leaders. This spiritual growth is crucial for those who will guide others in the eternal progression of the cosmos.
4. Preparation for Eternal Responsibilities:
   • Through covenants, individuals are prepared for the eternal responsibilities of divine leadership. Scriptural promises of thrones, kingdoms, and dominions underscore the gravity and scope of these responsibilities.

Question 55

the new and everlasting covenant serves as the eternal framework through which these principles are realized. This covenant has always been and will forever continue to be the foundation for maintaining order in the cosmos where righteousness reigns.

Question 56

The New and Everlasting Covenant: An Eternal Framework

The new and everlasting covenant is a comprehensive and eternal agreement between God and His children. It is designed to bind individuals to divine principles and ensure that they live in accordance with God’s eternal laws. This covenant is not a new concept but has been the divine blueprint for order and righteousness throughout time and will continue to be so forever.

Question 57

Doctrine and Covenants 132:6

And as pertaining to the new and everlasting covenant, it was instituted for the fulness of my glory; and he that receiveth a fulness thereof must and shall abide the law, or he shall be damned, saith the Lord God.”
- This passage highlights the new and everlasting covenant as essential for receiving the fulness of God’s glory. It underscores the necessity of abiding by the covenant’s laws to achieve eternal exaltation.

Question 58

The covenant binds us to the principles that govern the universe. These principles are eternal, ensuring that the cosmos operates in harmony and order.
- By committing to this covenant, individuals align themselves with these eternal principles, becoming part of the divine order that sustains the cosmos.

Question 59

those who live by the covenant are always aligned with the divine will, contributing to the orderly functioning of the universe.

Question 60

By adhering to the covenant, individuals demonstrate their readiness for eternal leadership. Their commitment to the principles of righteousness qualifies them to be entrusted with divine responsibilities.