One of the most important concepts of revealed religion is that

The words of Russell M. Nelson—“One of the most important concepts of revealed religion is that of a sacred covenant.”—resound with the gravity of eternal truth. They speak of bonds more enduring than contracts, promises more binding than law. A covenant is not a fleeting agreement born of convenience; it is a holy oath, sealed between the human soul and the Divine. To understand it is to glimpse the heart of religion itself, for revealed faith has always proclaimed not merely rules to be followed, but relationships to be entered into—solemn ties that join heaven and earth, man and God, time and eternity.

The origin of this idea flows through the ancient scriptures and the history of God’s dealings with His people. In the days of Abraham, the covenant was sealed with promise: that his seed would be blessed, and through them all nations of the earth would find light. With Moses, the covenant was etched in stone upon Sinai, a law that bound Israel to their God and their God to Israel. With Christ, the covenant was renewed in blood, not of beasts but of the Son Himself, who lifted the cup and declared, “This is the new covenant in my blood.” Thus, through every age, revealed religion has been anchored not in chance but in covenant.

A sacred covenant is not merely an agreement of words; it is the weaving of identity. Those who bind themselves to it do not remain unchanged, for it shapes them as surely as a river carves the stone. History gives us the example of the Puritans who sailed to the New World. Before stepping onto the soil, they drafted the Mayflower Compact—a covenant among themselves and with God. Though it was not grand in length, it carried in its simplicity the power to unite a fragile community under divine purpose. That covenant, made in humility, became a foundation stone for a new nation.

The power of covenant lies in its reciprocity. It is not man alone striving toward God, nor God alone dictating to man, but a mutual bond. Man pledges loyalty, obedience, and love; God pledges protection, guidance, and grace. In this sacred exchange, life gains both meaning and direction. The individual becomes part of something greater than self, a participant in divine destiny. This is why President Nelson elevates the concept so highly: without covenant, religion becomes mere ritual; with covenant, it becomes relationship.

Yet the ancients warn us that covenants are not to be taken lightly. To break them is to fracture not only trust but identity itself. The scriptures tell of Israel wandering in exile when they abandoned their covenant, their strength dissolved because they forsook the bond that gave them purpose. In the same way, in our own lives, when we neglect our most sacred promises—whether to God, to family, or to conscience—we find ourselves unmoored, drifting without anchor. A sacred covenant is not a trinket to display; it is a vow to live by, even when the path is steep and the cost high.

The lesson for us is timeless: live your life by sacred promises. Do not drift through existence as though untethered, but bind yourself to what is eternal. Make covenants with God, and honor them with integrity. Make covenants with those you love—spouse, children, friends—and let your word be a fortress. For in covenant lies strength, and in covenant lies identity. It is through kept promises that a soul becomes trustworthy, a family becomes strong, and a people become unbreakable.

Practically, this means pausing to ask: what vows have I made, and how do I keep them? If you are bound to God, renew your devotion daily in prayer and obedience. If you are bound to family, let your actions show loyalty and sacrifice. If you are bound by personal commitment—to truth, to justice, to kindness—do not abandon it when it grows hard. For each covenant kept becomes a pillar upon which your life stands firm, a testament that you live not by whim, but by sacred purpose.

Thus, President Nelson’s words shine as both reminder and commandment: a sacred covenant is the very essence of revealed religion, the golden thread that binds humanity to the Divine. To embrace it is to live a life of meaning; to keep it is to live a life of power. Let us then walk as covenant-keepers, for in so doing we join the chorus of the faithful through the ages, and we become part of the eternal story written between heaven and earth.