“Exodus 19:5–6,” New Era, July 2011, 5
Line upon Line
Exodus 19:5–6
What are the blessings promised to the Lord’s people if we keep His covenant?
5 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:
6 And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.
Keep My Covenant
Every saving ordinance is accompanied by a covenant, including baptism and temple ordinances. Here are some of the promises we make through the covenant of baptism, which we renew when we take the sacrament (see Mosiah 18:8–10; D&C 20:37, 77, 79):
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Take upon us the name of Christ.
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Always remember Him.
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Serve Him and keep His commandments.
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Bear one another’s burdens.
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Mourn with those that mourn, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort.
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Stand as witnesses of God at all times, in all things, and in all places.
An Holy Nation
“According to the [Old Testament] things or places were holy that were set apart for a sacred purpose. … The Israelites were a holy people because they stood in a special relationship to Jehovah. … The word holy … came to refer to moral character. … Israel must be holy in character because the God of Israel was holy.”
Bible Dictionary, “Holiness”
A Kingdom of Priests
The Church is referred to as “a royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9), and those who will inherit the celestial kingdom are referred to as “priests and kings” (D&C 76:56). This means that individuals and families who keep covenants can receive all of the ordinances and blessings of the priesthood and be exalted in the celestial kingdom with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
Obey My Voice
“What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, … whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.”
Moses Calls Aaron to the Ministry by Harry Anderson