Posted by:
kimball
(
)
Date: February 20, 2012 03:29PM
This is the definition of the word "covenant" from the mormon Bible Dictionary:
"Covenant. Sometimes denotes an agreement between persons (1 Sam. 23:18) or nations (1 Sam. 11:1); more often between God and man; but in this latter case it is important to notice that the two parties to the agreement do not stand in the relation of independent and equal contractors. God in his good pleasure fixes the terms, which man accepts..."
Thus, all the covenants I ever made in the temple are essentially two-way agreements between me and God. God set the terms, and God promised me certain things in return for my obedience. We made a mutual agreement, and as such, if either party fails in their portion of the covenant, then the other is under no further obligation to fulfill their portion.
Many mormons, and even some ex-mormons, are sticklers in that they say that they will absolutely keep all promises they have made, even if they stop agreeing with them. They say it is a matter of integrity and honesty. Not true - in the case of temple covenants it is clearly a matter of two parties fulfilling their end of an agreement. If, then, God can not demonstrate that he agreed to abide by his side of the covenant, does not abide by it, or if he never existed in the first place to make such an agreement, then I am under no obligation to fulfill my side of the covenant, and I can break it while keeping my integrity intact.
If it was termed as an "oath" or a "promise" then things might be different.
Covenant: "I, (think of the new name), covenant before God, angels and these witnesses that I will never reveal the First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood, with its accompanying name and sign."
Response: The First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood is given by clasping the right hands and placing the joint of the thumb directly over the first knuckle of the hand. The name of this token is the New Name that you received in the temple. The sign is made by bringing the right arm to the square; the palm of the hand to the front, the fingers close together, and the thumb extended.
Covenant: "I, (think of the first given name), solemnly covenant, before God, angels, and these witnesses that I will never reveal the second Token of the Aaronic Priesthood, with its accompanying name and sign."
Response: This token is given by clasping the right hands and placing the joint of the thumb between the first and second knuckles of the hand. The name of this token is your own first given name. The sign is made by bringing the right hand in front of you, with the hand in cupping shape, the right arm forming a square, and the left arm being raised to the square.
Covenant: "I covenant in the name of the Son that I will never reveal the first token of the Melchizedek Priesthood or sign of the nail, with its accompanying name and sign."
Response: This token is received by bringing the right hand into this position. The hand vertical, the fingers close together, and the thumb extended, and the person giving the token placing the tip of the forefinger of his right hand in the center of the palm, and the thumb opposite on the back of the hand of the one receiving it. The name of this token is "The Son", meaning the Son of God. The sign is made by bringing the left hand in front of you with the hand in cupping shape, the left arm forming a square, the right hand is also brought forward, the palm down, the fingers close together, thumb extended.
Covenant: "You will be under the same sacred obligation in connection with (the second token of the Melchizedek priesthood with its accompanying sign) as you are with the other tokens and signs of the holy priesthood which you have received in the temple this day." (whether you agree to it or not)
Answer: This token is given by clasping the right hands interlocking the little finger, and placing the tip of the forefinger on the center of the wrist. The name of this token is "Health in the navel, marrow in the bones, strength in the loins and in the sinews, power in the priesthood be upon me and upon my posterity through all generations of time and throughout all eternity." The sign is made by raising both hands high above the head, and while lowering the hands repeating aloud the words: 'Oh God, hear the words of my mouth, Oh God, hear the words of my mouth, Oh God, hear the words of my mouth."