Abraham 2:9
Question
This verse is part of the Abrahamic Covenant. What does it mean to you personally to be “children of the covenant?”
What further insights do you gain from Elder Nelson’s explanation?
Scripture
9 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee above measure, and make thy name great among all nations, and thou shalt be a blessing unto thy seed after thee, that in their hands they shall bear this ministry and Priesthood unto all nations;
Abraham 2:9
Quote
The covenant that the Lord first made to Abraham… is of transcendent significance. It contained several promises:
Abraham’s posterity would be numerous, entitled to eternal increase and to bear the priesthood;
He would become a father of many nations;
Christ and kings would come through Abraham’s lineage;
Certain lands would be inherited;
All nations of the earth would be blessed by his seed;
That covenant would be everlasting—even through “a thousand generations.”
Some of these promises have been accomplished; others have yet to be…
We are also children of the covenant. We have received, as did they of old, the holy priesthood and the everlasting gospel. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are our ancestors. We are of Israel. We have the right to receive the gospel, blessings of the priesthood, and eternal life. Nations of the earth will be blessed by our efforts and by the labors of our posterity. The literal seed of Abraham and those who are gathered into his family by adoption receive these promised blessings—predicated upon acceptance of the Lord and obedience to his commandments.
Elder Russell M. Nelson
Bethene Zetterquist Photography 