Your Covenant

by Mark A. Shields

As members of the restored Church, we know that we are part of the Abrahamic Covenant, but few understand what that means for us today. Mark Shields, author of Your Endowment, describes the latter-day blessings of the Abrahamic Covenant and how those blessings are inextricably linked to the temple. Filled with poignant insights, this book will enhance your understanding of the temple experience.

Genres: Nonfiction, Spirituality, Lds

192 pages, Paperback

Published April 12, 2016

Reviews

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finally got to finishing this tome of knowledge (sorry it took so long, Mark!)! This is a fabulous book filled with insights, quotes, connections, and applications. But, most importantly, it is a book FILLED with a feast of understanding Abraham and his covenant. I was blown away by the depth and breadth of the understanding, application, and sheer knowledge of the Abrahamic covenant as it is outlined in this book. I can also not think of another book that approaches the subject like this one does.

With that said, I have to add a personal observation and caution to particular readers out there. It took me awhile to figure it out, but this book is written in the same style as Tad R. Callister's, Infinite Atonement. In that, it is written by a lawyer and sometimes the way lawyers write and argue can be a little burdensome to read, at least to me. I had to do the same method of reading that I did with Infinite Atonement; I basically sped-read it. While most books I read each line for new information, I have noticed that many authors that are/were lawyers tend to do an encompassing description of their arguments or opinions. It makes for a slow read and I sometimes get lost in the details of the arguments instead of following the overall train of thought. That's just my own personal problem with my own reading limitations, but if it helps anyone else I thought I'd mention it. It really is a wonderful read and I look forward to reviewing sections as I study the Old Testament and Abraham in the future.

[Cami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mark Shields has done it again! I loved "Your Endowment," and this is a companion volume. The Abrahamic Covenant has always been a phrase I have tuned out believing it meant I was one of Abraham's promised posterity and God had fulfilled that promise to Abraham, end of story. This book has opened my eyes to understand there is a whole lot more to it than that and it has always been right in front of me. The author explains things simply and beautifully, weaving together scriptures with temple symbols in a way that is hard to misunderstand. I am seeing the Abrahamic Covenant in my scripture study everywhere now. It was my pleasure to preview this manuscript. I will definitely get my hands on a hard copy when it comes out soon.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this far too fast, and will have to read it again when I get the chance. A deeply thought provoking book. It could be an excellent help to members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints studying the Old Testament.
2021 Popsugar Reading Challenge [Advanced]: The book on your TBR list with the prettiest cover

[Cami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful Temple insights abound

If you've read his boom Your Endowment, I think you will find this has at least as many light bulb moments. This book is drier and probably a little heavier on repetition, but oh man is this powerful. The revised and expanded edition of Your Endowment has a lot of this text in it, but I highly recommend reading this whole book by itself. Your understanding will dramatically expand. I promise.

[Kristie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mind blown - loved it. My temple experiences and interpretation of my patriarchal blessing just rose to a whole new level.

[Skylar Hatfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short book packed with eye opening information about Abraham, Sarah and the covenant they made with God. I believe this book is best understood by LDS folks who have made covenants in the temple, read the Old Testament and Pearl of Great Price at least once. This book helped me understand and accept the story of Hagar from the Old Testament. That story has always made me angry about Sarah. Now I have a more clear understanding of the deeper meaning underlying the factual account of her forced retreat from Abraham. One of the best features of the book is the summary at each chapter end. That made the book very clear and digestible. I would read the other books by this author.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book connects the Abrahamic covenant to temple covenants. It goes through each scriptural chapter in which Abraham interacts with God, showing what Abraham did and what God promised. Abraham’s works were sequentially: obedience, sacrifice, receiving new names, walking in the way of the Lord, the token of circumcision, eternal marriage to Sarah, and the consecration of his son Isaac. God’s promises include eternal priesthood (power, authority, rights, and responsibilities), eternal posterity, and exaltation(symbolized by the promised land).

The writing itself was rather dull and repetitive, but there were some worthwhile ideas to ponder.

[Karen Rollins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and thought provoking

I enjoyed reading this book and appreciated the insights. Contemplated the importance of the new things I learned and thought about in greater depth.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

So enlightening!!

I know I will read this book multiple times. It has really helped me and will continue to help me, understand the covenants I have made. I have loved every book this author has written! I highly recommend!

[Apzmarshl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mark Shields is a gospel genius, and I'm so grateful he was willing to share his knowledge. The Abrahamic Covenant wasn't even on my radar before this. I've read the Old Testament and wondered what I had even read. Abraham and Sarah seemed to have it rough. This book clearly opened my eyes to the nuances I was completely missing. It has added great understanding to the endowment and to what covenant keeping should look like in practice. I almost wish I could take this book with me into the temple. Luckily, the summaries at the end of each chapter can be scanned quickly in the parking lot 😉.

Second time through. Remember so much more. Made more sense. Great study for President Nelson's current challenge about studying Covenant Israel.

[Traci Larson · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have ever felt like the temple was repetitive or monotonous, this book is for you.
If you have ever sat and wondered what the temple is trying to teach you, this book is for you.
If you have ever been to a temple, this book is for you.
This is not a sit and read book. This is a book to dissect in smaller bits with pondering as a side effect. This book will make you want to go back to the temple more often, to listen harder, and to think more in depth. It will increase your understanding and open your spiritual eyes to the truths found there.
The Abrahamic Covenant is often misunderstood or undervalued. This book will help you see it in a new light. It sure did for me.

[J Kir · Rating 4 out of 5]

This deep reading doctrinal insights. This book requires that you have a basic understanding of the story of Adam and Eve and Abraham. Great insights on the Abrahamic covenant. Some time it was a bit tedious to read but it was worth it. Gotta chew on it. Not a quick fix. But that is the temple. It can be a place to just feel the spirit but it can also be a serious study of a lifetime. This is more on the side of serious study.