Come, Follow Me

The Abrahamic Covenant

Genesis 12–17; Abraham 1–2

God promised Abraham that “as many as receive this Gospel shall be … thy seed” (Abraham 2:10). Our covenants at baptism and in the temple allow us access to the blessings of the Abrahamic covenant and make us part of the covenant people of God, as long as we are faithful (see Ezekiel 11:20).

Who were Abraham and Sarah?

Illustration of Abraham and Sarah by Dilleen Marsh

Abraham and Sarah were faithful followers of God who lived in about 2000 BC. They had many trials, but because Abraham sought the priesthood and “the blessings of the fathers” (Abraham 1:2), God made a covenant with him and promised that the covenant would continue through Abraham and Sarah’s descendants. Abraham and Sarah were blessed for their faithfulness.

What is included in the Abrahamic covenant?

Promised Blessings

• A promised land to live in (see Genesis 13:14–15).

• Descendants as numerous “as the stars of the heaven” (Genesis 22:17).

• The gospel of Jesus Christ and the priesthood (see Genesis 17:7; Abraham 2:9–11).

Responsibilities

• Bring the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ to all of God’s children so that “all the families of the earth [may] be blessed” (Abraham 2:11; also see Genesis 22:18).

• Obey God’s commandments (see Genesis 18:19).

Discussion

• How do you think Abraham felt when he heard these promises for the first time? What do you feel when you think of God’s promises to you?

• Abraham and Sarah initially struggled to have a child, but they trusted in God’s promises. How can you patiently move forward as you wait for promised blessings?

• How can you bless “the families of the earth” around you?