We are to be keepers of covenants. In other words, not only are we to fulfill the terms of a covenant, we are to protect them and retain their holy form – in their pure and unadulterated condition. In this sense we, as keepers of a covenant, keep and protect them in their purity.
When a covenant is made impure by changing the terms and making the signs of the covenant (ordinances) out of order, then we become subject to judgments, because God cannot be mocked.
God is love. But only those that love God will be redeemed in that love. And for those that take his name and words in vain, he will divide with a sword. Those that are not willing to be hated by all for his namesake is not worthy of him. To those that love the world and are ashamed of his name He comes not in peace, but he comes with a sword (Matthew 10:34).
When we force God into our own image by devaluing his word to fit our own works of darkness we break the covenant. We are no longer keepers and protectors of a holy order. We usurp that order to justify our wickedness and fleshy desires. Do we preach false doctrines because we love the honor and the vain things of the world? (Alma 1:16)
For this very reason, Nephi identified the occupants of the Great and Spacious building as the House of Israel (1 Nephi 11:35).
Silence speaks a sermon. Who will keep the covenant? Who will be a protector and righteous keeper of the covenants? Do we only want our keepers of the covenants to preach to us smooth things? Do we desire they preach to us deceits? (Isaiah 30:10)
Who is the tail? And who will be cut off because they hearken to the tail? (2 Nephi 19: 14-16).
Or will the children of Zion discern those that are hypocrites and liars? (D&C 63: 38-39)
