Week 108- Putting on Christ Through Sacred Covenants 

Scriptures:

Galatians 3:27

Romans 13:12

Romans 13:14

Genesis 3:21

John 6:56

Mosiah 18:8–10

James 4:8

Doctrine and Covenants 88:63

General Conference Address:  

“Put Ye On the Lord Jesus Christ” (Sister Dennis CR 04/2024) 

Thought:

When God the Father offered His Only Begotten Son as a sacrifice for us, Jesus Christ Himself became the highest symbol of our Father in Heaven’s undying love for each of us. We have the privilege and blessing of being invited into a covenant relationship with God, in which our own lives can become a symbol of that covenant. As we choose to draw nearer to Him through a covenant relationship, it allows Him to draw nearer to us and more fully bless us with an extra measure of His mercy and love—a covenantal love referred to as hesed in the Hebrew language.

The ordinances and covenants of the gospel are rich with deep, symbolic meanings that point directly to the Savior's Atonement. From the waters of baptism to the weekly emblems of the sacrament, and onto the sacred endowments of the temple, we are continually invited to "put on Christ." In “Put Ye On the Lord Jesus Christ” (Sister Dennis CR 04/2024), Sister Dennis notes that the garment of the holy priesthood acts as a beautiful, daily reminder of this protective covering: "I am so grateful for the privilege of wearing the garment of the holy priesthood to remind me that the Savior and the blessings of His infinite Atonement constantly cover me throughout my mortal journey."

Ultimately, keeping our personal commitments to God becomes our own personal sign to Him of our devotion. It provides spiritual armor that will protect us from evil, give us power, and be our light and guide through the darkness and difficulties of this world.

Misc:

The concept of a covenant covering is beautifully highlighted in the roots of the ancient Hebrew language. The basic Hebrew word for atonement is kaphar, which directly translates "to cover." This directly connects the physical covering provided by sacred temple clothing to the spiritual covering provided by the Savior's Atonement, dating back to when the Lord made coats of skins to cover Adam and Eve after they left the Garden of Eden. See more in “The Atonement” (Pres. Nelson CR 10/1996).

Invitation: 

Study Sister Dennis's address this week, paying special attention to how your daily actions can become a personal symbol of love for the Savior. Write down 3-5 of them and what they mean to you and what you want them to mean to him.