Why does God have us make covenants?

Since the days of Adam and Eve, God has told His children about His plan for us to become more like Him, including faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism, and the gift of the Holy Ghost.

When people receive baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost, they make covenants. Covenants are sacred agreements between God and a person. God promises us blessings if we strive to keep our covenants. Covenants allow us access to the power that cleanses us from our sins. Through them we also receive the greatest blessings God has to offer.

We don’t know all the reasons we need ordinances and covenants. As President Dallin H. Oaks, First Counselor in the First Presidency, once said: “Baptism is a requirement, but why? … I do not know. But what I do know is that the remission of sins is made possible only by the atoning sacrifice of our Savior, Jesus Christ. … His sacrifice paid the price for my sins, and He has prescribed the conditions upon which I can be saved by His payment. That is reason enough for me” (“Why Do We Do Missionary Work?,” New Era, Sept. 2009, 3).