Willing to Enter into the Covenant

John W. Welch

When the people were entering into the covenant, they were instructed that they must answer the king by saying essentially that they were willing to enter into this covenant, and we are doing this voluntarily because our desires are there. We are willing to enter into a covenant with our God to do his will and to be obedient to his commandments, and also to keep the commandments given to us by the new king.

Where do we manifest our willingness? Where does the word willingness come into our covenantal renewal? In the sacrament prayer. Those who partake witness unto God the Eternal Father that they "are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him and keep his commandments which he has given them" (3 Nephi 18:10; Moroni 4:3; D&C 20:77). What does being willing really mean? It means we are going to do this of our own free will and choice. Choice and willingness are a vital part of covenant-making.

John W. Welch Notes

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