The Lord made promises to Abraham concerning his posterity, that it would never end. The Prophet Joseph Smith qualified to receive this same blessing, and all Church members who remain true and faithful in all things also qualify to receive it. It is the blessing of exaltation and eternal life.
Doctrine and Covenants 132:30–31
30 Abraham received promises concerning his seed, and of the fruit of his loins—from whose loins ye are, namely, my servant Joseph—which were to continue so long as they were in the world; and as touching Abraham and his seed, out of the world they should continue; both in the world and out of the world should they continue as innumerable as the stars; or, if ye were to count the sand upon the seashore ye could not number them.
31 This promise is yours also, because ye are of Abraham, and the promise was made unto Abraham; and by this law is the continuation of the works of my Father, wherein he glorifieth himself.
President Russell M. Nelson said:
“Whenever I look at stars in the sky, I am reminded that about 4,000 years ago Jesus the Christ (then speaking as Jehovah—God of the Old Testament) made a covenant with Father Abraham. Included was the promise that the Savior of the world would come through Abraham’s lineage and that his seed would be multiplied ‘as the stars of the heaven.’ In addition, Abraham was told that through his seed, ‘all the nations of the earth [shall] be blessed’ (Genesis 22:17–18). This covenant was to be everlasting—even through ‘a thousand generations’ (1 Chronicles 16:15). Abraham was promised ‘that this right shall continue in thee, and in thy seed after thee . . . even with the blessings of the Gospel, which are the blessings of salvation, even of life eternal’ (Abraham 2:11).
“From scriptures we learn that this covenant ‘should be fulfilled in the latter days’ (1 Nephi 15:18). Then the fulness of His gospel would be preached and many would truly believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
“In 1836, keys of ‘the gospel of Abraham’ were conferred (D&C 110:12). In 1843 the Lord declared to the Prophet Joseph Smith that ‘Abraham received promises concerning his seed, and of the fruit of his loins—from whose loins ye are. . . . This promise is yours also, because ye are of Abraham’ (D&C 132:30–31).
“Brothers and sisters, you may also claim the supernal blessings promised to the faithful lineage of Abraham. The Lord explained that blessings and responsibilities of His priesthood are yours because of your faith, works, and lineage—the lineage declared in your patriarchal blessings. You ‘are lawful heirs,’ He said. ‘Your life and the priesthood have remained, and must needs remain through you and your lineage’ (D&C 86:9–10).
“The ultimate blessings of the Abrahamic covenant are conferred in holy temples. These blessings allow us to come forth in the First Resurrection and inherit thrones, kingdoms, powers, principalities, and dominions, to our ‘exaltation and glory in all things’ (D&C 132:19). The fulfillment of the ancient Abrahamic covenant is feasible only because of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is He who has made it possible for us to dwell with God, with Him, and with our families eternally. This is His work and His glory. I love Him; I testify of Him and express my everlasting gratitude for Him now and forevermore, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.”
(“Special Witnesses of Christ,” Ensign, Apr. 2001, 7.)
