This episode explores the true biblical meaning of covenant—and how it offers freedom through Christ, not the pressure of performance found in Mormonism.
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Introduction
Mormons often speak of “making covenants” and “keeping covenants” as central to their spiritual journey, particularly in temples.
Common Mormon Language Around “Keeping Covenants”:
“Keeping my covenants helps me stay on the covenant path.”
- This is one of the most common phrases in modern LDS teaching.
- The “covenant path” is seen as the lifelong journey of obedience to temple covenants, commandments, and church requirements to eventually achieve exaltation (godhood).
“I need to stay worthy to enter the temple by keeping my covenants.”
- Mormons must follow strict behavioral guidelines to maintain a temple recommend—this includes tithing, the Word of Wisdom, chastity, loyalty to church leaders, and more.
- Failure to keep these standards can result in losing temple privileges.
“We renew our covenants every Sunday by taking the sacrament.”
- Mormons are taught that by taking the sacrament (communion), they are renewing the covenants they made at baptism—and by extension, all temple covenants as well.
- This creates a weekly cycle of striving to stay “worthy” of God’s blessings.
“By keeping my covenants, I can qualify for eternal life and exaltation.”
- In LDS belief, eternal life (not just salvation but godhood in the highest heaven) is conditional on faithful covenant-keeping.
- This includes baptism, priesthood ordination (for men), temple endowment, celestial marriage, and ongoing obedience.
“I want to be a covenant-keeper so I can be with my family forever.”
- LDS doctrine teaches that only those who keep all covenants faithfully to the end will achieve celestial marriage and eternal family unity.
- But what is the true biblical meaning of covenant? And how does it expose the flaws in Mormon doctrine?
- This is a vital conversation for anyone transitioning from Mormonism to true biblical Christianity.
1. The Biblical Idea of Covenant
- In Scripture, a covenant is a divinely initiated relationship where God sets the terms and fulfills the promises.
Key biblical covenants:
- Noahic Covenant (Genesis 9)
- Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 12, 15, 17)
- Mosaic Covenant (Exodus 19-24)
- Davidic Covenant (2 Samuel 7)
- New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Luke 22:20)
2. The Power of...