Abraham received the gospel and was ordained a high
priest (see D&C 84:14; Abraham 1:2). He later entered into
celestial marriage, which is the covenant of exaltation (see
D&C 131:1–4; 132:19, 29). In connection with the covenants
he made, he received great promises from the Lord concerning
his family. Among these promises were the following:
- His posterity would be numerous (see Genesis 17:5–6; Abraham 2:9; 3:14).
- His seed, or descendants, would receive the gospel and bear the priesthood (see Abraham 2:9).
- Through the ministry of his seed, “all the families of the earth [would] be blessed, even with the blessings of the Gospel, which are the blessings of salvation, even of life eternal” (Abraham 2:11).
Together, all the covenants and promises that Abraham
received from the Lord are called the Abrahamic covenant. It
is an everlasting covenant that extends to all of Abraham’s
seed (see Genesis 17:7). To be counted as Abraham’s seed, an
individual must obey the laws and ordinances of the gospel.
Then that person can receive all the blessings of the Abrahamic
covenant, even if he or she is not a literal descendant of
Abraham (see Galatians 3:26–29; 4:1–7; D&C 84:33–40).
As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints, you are a child of the covenant (see 3 Nephi 20:25–26).
You have received the everlasting gospel and inherited the
same promises given to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. You have
the right to the blessings of the priesthood and to eternal life,
according to your faithfulness in receiving the ordinances of
salvation and keeping the associated covenants. Nations
of the earth will be blessed by your efforts and by the labors of
your posterity.
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