another doctrine broken down

The Doctrine of a Covenant People

By Joseph Fielding McConkie
From: The Book of Mormon: 3 Nephi 9–30, This Is My Gospel
Religious Studies Center, BYU

What Is a Covenant People?

According to holy writ, whenever the Lord has a people that He acknowledges as His own, that acknowledgment comes in the form of a covenant. Unlike “commitments,” which are personal pledges, a covenant is a two-way divine agreement authored by God, witnessed by angels, and sealed by ordinance.

The concept of covenant ties all books of scripture—and all generations of Saints—into one eternal family. The Old Testament and New Testament are more accurately seen as the Old Covenant and New Covenant.

Salvation Is a Family Affair

When we lose sight of the family-centered nature of salvation, we become—spiritually speaking—orphans. “We suppose we can have salvation independent of family responsibilities,” writes McConkie. But God’s plan is familial: He made covenants with our ancient fathers that apply to us today.

“We are left without root nor branch.” – Malachi 4:1

Defining the Terms

• Jew: A citizen of the kingdom of Judah. Lehi was a descendant of Joseph through Manasseh but identified as a Jew politically (see Alma 10:3).
• Gentile: A nation without prophets at its head. Joseph Smith was an Israelite, but called a Gentile because of his national identity.
• Remnant of Jacob: Any scattered descendants of Israel—such as Lehi’s posterity.
• Times of the Gentiles: The era between Christ’s earthly ministry and His millennial reign.
• Redemption of Jerusalem: When Christ reigns and Jerusalem returns to the gospel covenant.
• Salvation of Our God: The final triumph of Christ, also meaning “deliverance” or “victory” (Hebrew: yeshooaw).

Christ Speaks from the Darkness

After His crucifixion, Christ speaks to the Nephites from the heavens. His voice is heard twice during the great destruction, identifying the wickedness that led to the fall of cities and declaring Himself as the Redeemer.

“I am Jesus Christ the Son of God… By me redemption cometh.” (3 Nephi 9:15–17)

The New Sacrifice: Broken Heart and Contrite Spirit

The law of Moses is fulfilled. Blood sacrifices are ended. Instead, the Lord commands:

“Offer for a sacrifice unto me a broken heart and a contrite spirit… I will baptize with fire and with the Holy Ghost.” (3 Nephi 9:20)

Lament Over Israel

The Lord laments the rejection of His gospel by the house of Israel, yet extends a future invitation to repent and be gathered again.

The Covenant Renewed at the Temple

Christ appears at the temple in Bountiful. About 2,500 people come forth to feel the prints in His hands and feet. He calls Twelve disciples, gives authority to baptize, and institutes a new dispensation.

The Twelve: Symbol of Israel and Prophetic Unity

These Twelve mirror the Old World apostles and represent the unity and future gathering of the twelve tribes. Christ establishes the foundation of the Church through them. The beatitudes begin with sustaining the Twelve and accepting baptism by their authority.

Salt of the Earth: Covenant Identity

Those who keep their covenants are the “salt of the earth,” purifying and preserving righteousness. Losing that saltiness is compared to breaking the covenant.

Fulfillment of the Law

Christ declares that He has fulfilled the law of Moses. He is now the law and the light, and those who endure to the end through Him will receive eternal life.

Other Sheep

Christ clarifies that the Nephites are the “other sheep” mentioned in John 10:16. The people in the Old World misunderstood this due to unbelief. Other scattered remnants will also hear His voice.

The Covenant Meal and the Sacrament

Christ provides the sacrament twice—once using bread and wine brought by the Twelve, and once miraculously. These meals echo ancient covenant rituals, such as those on Sinai in Exodus 24.

The Day of the Gentiles and Israel’s Triumph

After the Gentiles reject the gospel, the covenant returns to Israel. The Book of Mormon goes forth to gather all Israel. Christ quotes Micah, declaring that the remnant of Jacob will be as a lion among the Gentiles.

The Gathering and the Twelve

All gathering must be directed by those holding the keys—the Twelve Apostles. No independent group or self-declared prophet can assume this authority. The covenant to sustain them is foundational.

Conclusion

Christ tells the Nephites: “Ye are the children of the prophets… and of the covenant.” (3 Nephi 20:25). Like them, we are Abraham’s seed and heirs of gospel fullness—both in blessings and responsibilities.