We Believe: Doctrines of Mormonism: Sin in General

List of Doctrines on "Sin in General"

751. Sin is the willful breaking of divine law.

752. There is no sin without knowledge of good and evil.

753. We are to shun all evil.

754. Sin makes a person spiritually unclean.

755. The Lord cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance.

756. There is sin in omission: to know the will of God and fail to act is sin.

757. All people sin.

758. When we commit sins we must suffer the penalties.

759. The final consequence of unrepented sin is spiritual death.

760. We experience joy when we choose the good and reject the evil.

761. Because no unclean thing can inherit the celestial kingdom, we cannot enter that kingdom unless we have repented of our sins.

762. The person who persists in sin cannot have joy, for wickedness never was happiness.

751. Sin is the willful breaking of divine law.

Orson F. Whitney
John
Elder Harold B. Lee
James
President Brigham Young

Orson F. Whitney

Sin is the transgression of divine law. A man sins when he violates his conscience, going contrary to light and knowledge—not the light and knowledge that has come to his neighbor, but that which has come to himself. He sins when he does the opposite of what he knows to be right. Up to that point he only blunders. One may suffer painful consequences for only blundering, but he cannot commit sin unless he knows better than to do the thing in which the sin consists. One must have a conscience before he can violate it. (Cowley and Whitney on Doctrine, pp. 435-36) TLDP:631

John

Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. (John writes to the churches in Asia) 1 John 3:4

Elder Harold B. Lee

Sin is something so universal that all of you know about it, and all preachers of righteousness and indeed all honest souls are opposed to it. Sin may be defined as any want of conformity to or transgression of a rule or law or right or duty, as made known by your conscience or the revealed word of God. Such non-conformity or transgression of divine law might be either by omission or commission, or in other words sin may be either the willful breaking of divine law or you may sin by your failure and neglect in thought, word or deed to keep the commandments of the Lord. One may sin by being hasty in judgment on vital issues or where the welfare of a human soul is at stake, and "he that forgiveth not his brother his trespasses standeth condemned before the Lord; for there remaineth in him the greater sin." (D&C 64:9) (Decisions for Successful Living, p. 82) TLDP:631

James

Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. (James writes to his brethren in the Church) James 4:17

President Brigham Young,
quoted by John A. Widtsoe

Sin consists in doing wrong when we know and can do better, and it will be punished with a just retribution, in the due time of the Lord. (In Tabernacle, Dec. 18, 1853) DBY:28

752. There is no sin without knowledge of good and evil.

Alma, the younger
Orson F. Whitney
Jesus
Jacob, brother of Nephi
James E. Talmage
Elder Joseph F. Smith
James
Alma, the younger
Joseph Smith
Joseph Smith
Lehi

Alma, the younger,
quoted by Mormon

[H]e that knoweth not good from evil is blameless. . . . (Alma discourses on the principle of repentance, about 76 B.C.) Alma 29:5

Orson F. Whitney

Jesus,
quoted by John

Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth. (Jesus responds to the Pharisees) John 9:41

Jacob, brother of Nephi,
quoted by Nephi

Wherefore, he has given a law; and where there is no law given there is no punishment; and where there is no punishment there is no condemnation. . . . (Jacob to the people of Nephi, 559-545 B.C.) 2 Nephi 9:25

James E. Talmage

According to the technical definition of sin it consists in the violation of law, and in this strict sense sin may be committed inadvertently or in ignorance. It is plain, however, from the scriptural doctrine of human responsibility and the unerring justice of God, that in his transgressions as in his righteous deeds man will be judged according to his ability to comprehend and obey law. To him who has never been made acquainted with a higher law the requirements of that law do not apply in their fulness. For sins committed without knowledge—that is, for laws violated in ignorance—a propitiation has been provided in the atonement wrought through the sacrifice of the Savior; and sinners of this class do not stand condemned, but shall be given opportunity yet to learn and to accept or reject the principles of the Gospel. AF:52-53

Elder Joseph F. Smith

We shall not be cast off . . . for those sins, which we ignorantly commit, which are the results of misunderstanding in all honesty before the Lord. The difficulty does not lie here; the danger lies in our failing to live up to that which we do know to be right and proper. For this we will be held responsible before the Lord; for this we will be judged and condemned unless we repent. (In Tabernacle, July 7, 1878, JD20:26) TLDP:323

Related Witnesses:

James

Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. (James writes to his brethren in the Church) James 4:17

Alma, the younger,
quoted by Mormon

And now, how much more cursed is he that knoweth the will of God and doeth it not, than he that only believeth, or only hath cause to believe, and falleth into transgression? (Alma preaches to the poor whose afflictions had humbled them, about 74 B.C.) Alma 32:19

Joseph Smith,
quoted by Elder Joseph Fielding Smith

Again, if men sin wilfully after they have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sin, but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation to come, which shall devour these adversaries. (Letter to the Church from Liberty Jail, Dec. 16, 1838) HC3:226-33; TPJS:128

Joseph Smith

[I]t becometh every man who hath been warned to warn his neighbor. 82. Therefore, they are left without excuse, and their sins are upon their own heads. (Revelation Dec. 27/28, 1832; the "olive leaf message of peace") D&C 88:81-82

Lehi,
quoted by his son Nephi

[T]hey would have remained in a state of innocence, having no joy, for they knew no misery; doing no good, for they knew no sin. (Lehi teaches his sons, between 588-570 B.C.) 2 Nephi 2:23

753. We are to shun all evil.

President Joseph F. Smith
Recorded in Proverbs
Elder Spencer W. Kimball
John A. Widtsoe
President Spencer W. Kimball
Jesus
Nephi, son of Lehi
Nephi, son of Lehi

President Joseph F. Smith

It is not necessary that our young people should know of the wickedness carried on in any place. Such knowledge is not elevating, and it is quite likely that more than one young man can trace the first step of his downfall to a curiosity which led him into questionable places. Let the young men of Zion, whether they be on missions or whether they be at home, shun all dens of infamy. It is not necessary that they should know what is going on in such places. No man is better or stronger for such knowledge. Let them remember that "the knowledge of sin tempteth to its commission," and then avoid those temptations that in time to come may threaten their virtue and their standing in the Church of Christ. (Juvenile Instructor, vol. 37, May 1902, p. 304; Gospel Doctrine, p. 373) TLDP:631

Recorded in Proverbs

My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. Proverbs 1:10

Elder Spencer W. Kimball

The importance of not accommodating temptation in the least degree is underlined by the Savior's example. Did not he recognize the danger when he was on the mountain with his fallen brother, Lucifer, being sorely tempted by that master tempter? He could have opened the door and flirted with danger by saying, "All right, Satan, I'll listen to your proposition. I need not succumb, I need not yield, I need not accept—but I'll listen."
Christ did not so rationalize. He positively and promptly closed the discussion, and commanded: "Get thee hence, Satan," meaning, likely, "Get out of my sight—get out of my presence—I will not listen—I will have nothing to do with you." Then, we read, "the devil leaveth him."
This is our proper pattern, if we would prevent sin rather than be faced with the much more difficult task of curing it. As I study the story of the Redeemer and his temptations, I am certain he spent his energies fortifying himself against temptation rather than battling with it to conquer it. (The Miracle of Forgiveness, p. 216) TLDP:681

John A. Widtsoe

Naturally the question arises: How could these men [Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer], both of whom had seen the angelic guardian of the plates from which the Book of Mormon was translated and the plates themselves, and one of whom in addition had been privileged to have conversed with heavenly beings, John the Baptist, Peter, James and John —how could such men so conduct themselves as to endanger their Church membership or be content to remain outside the Church? They had knowledge, beyond that of other men, of the reality and divinity of the events which led to the organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The answer to the question is simple, well understood by all. These brethren did not use their knowledge in conformity with the order of the Church as set forth in the revelations of the Lord. That is, they entered forbidden paths; they did not obey the commandments of God. The practices of their lives did not correspond with their knowledge. CR1938Apr:49

President Spencer W. Kimball

Now, my brothers and sisters, as we move into the last half of the Church’s second century, let us keep our faith beautifully simple. May we, as Paul said, be “wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil” (CR 1980Apr; Rom. 16:19). Learn to recognize evil, and shun it always. (“Let Us Not Weary in Well Doing”, Ensign, May 1980, p.80)

Related Witnesses:

Jesus,
recorded in Matthew

And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. (Jesus trains and instructs the Twelve) Matthew 10:28

Nephi, son of Lehi

Awake, my soul No longer droop in sin. Rejoice, O my heart, and give place no more for the enemy of my soul. (Nephi writes on plates shortly after the death of his father Lehi, 588-570 B.C.) 2 Nephi 4:28

Nephi, son of Lehi

O Lord, wilt thou redeem my soul? Wilt thou deliver me out of the hands of mine enemies? Wilt thou make me that I may shake at the appearance of sin? (Nephi writes on plates shortly after the death of his father Lehi, 588-570 B.C.) 2 Nephi 4:31

754. Sin makes a person spiritually unclean.

Marion G. Romney
Paul
Elder Joseph Fielding Smith
Recorded in Psalms
King Benjamin
Amulek
Alma, the younger
Jacob, brother of Nephi

Marion G. Romney

All men have sinned. Each person is therefore unclean to the extent to which he has sinned, and because of that uncleanness is banished from the presence of the Lord so long as the effect of his own wrongdoing is upon him. CR1982Apr:9

Paul

Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.
16. They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate. (Paul's letter to his companion Titus, about A.D. 64) Titus 1:15-16

Elder Joseph Fielding Smith

The Spirit of the Lord will not dwell in unclean tabernacles, and when the spirit is withdrawn, darkness supersedes the light, and apostasy will follow. This is one of the greatest evidences of the divinity of this latter-day work. In other organizations men may commit all manner of sin and still retain their membership, because they have no companionship with the Holy Ghost to lose: but in the Church when a man sins and continues without repentance, the Spirit is withdrawn, and when he is left to himself the adversary takes possession of his mind and he denies the faith. (Doctrines of Salvation, 3:309) TLDP:632

Recorded in Psalms

Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?
4. He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. Psalms 24:3-4

King Benjamin,
quoted by Mormon

For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father. (King Benjamin addresses his people, about 124 B.C.) Mosiah 3:19

Amulek,
quoted by Mormon

And I say unto you again that he cannot save them in their sins; for I cannot deny his word, and he hath said that no unclean thing can inherit the kingdom of heaven; therefore, how can ye be saved, except ye inherit the kingdom of heaven? Therefore, ye cannot be saved in your sins. (Amulek contends with the lawyer Zeezrom, about 82 B.C.) Alma 11:37

Alma, the younger,
quoted by Mormon

And he doth not dwell in unholy temples; neither can filthiness or anything which is unclean be received into the kingdom of God; therefore I say unto you the time shall come, yea, and it shall be at the last day, that he who is filthy shall remain in his filthiness. (Alma preaches to the people in Gideon, about 83 B.C.) Alma 7:21

Jacob, brother of Nephi

But, wo, wo, unto you that are not pure in heart, that are filthy this day before God; for except ye repent the land is cursed for your sakes; and the Lamanites, which are not filthy like unto you, nevertheless they are cursed with a sore cursing, shall scourge you even unto destruction. (Jacob addresses the Nephites, those who are pure in heart, 544-421 B.C.) Jacob 3:3

755. The Lord cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance.

Joseph Smith
Orson F. Whitney
Jacob, brother of Nephi
Elder George Albert Smith
Alma, the younger
Elder Spencer W. Kimball
John A. Widtsoe

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

For I the Lord cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance;
32. Nevertheless, he that repents and does the commandments of the Lord shall be forgiven;
33. And he that repents not, from him shall be taken even the light which he has received; for my Spirit shall not always strive with man, saith the Lord of Hosts. (Revelation received at a conference of elders of the Church, Nov. 1, 1831) D&C 1:31-33

Orson F. Whitney

Marvel not, my hearers, that all things are in commotion. The hour of God's judgment is at hand. War, famine, pestilence, earthquake, tempest and tidal wave—these are among the predicted signs of the Savior's second coming. Tyranny and wickedness must be overthrown, and the way prepared for him who, though gracious and merciful to all, and forgiving to sinners who repent, "cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance." Earth must be freed from all oppression and cleansed from all iniquity. It is God's house; he is coming to live in it, and to make of it a glorified mansion. The world is in its Saturday night; house cleaning is in progress; and the work of purification must be done and out of the way before the Lord of the Sabbath appears. ("The Everlasting Gospel," IE1925Feb:317) TLDP:345

Jacob, brother of Nephi

But behold, hearken ye unto me, and know that by the help of the all-powerful Creator of heaven and earth I can tell you concerning your thoughts, how that ye are beginning to labor in sin, which sin appeareth very abominable unto me, yea, and abominable unto God. (Jacob teaches the Nephites in the temple, 544-421 B.C.) Jacob 2:5

Elder George Albert Smith

Think of that—the suggestion that a little sin will be justified, yet in the very first revelation contained in the Doctrine and Covenants, that which is known as the Preface, we find these words: "For I the Lord cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance."
Yet there are those who would say that because it is a little sin our Heavenly Father does not care.
. . . . Whether it be a lie intended to affect a religious organization, a business organization, a political organization, or an individual, the lie will brand the one who tells it, and sooner or later he will have to account for the wrong he has committed. CR1932Oct:28-29

Alma, the younger,
quoted by Mormon

And he said: Thus saith the Lord God—Cursed shall be the land, yea, this land, unto every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, unto destruction, which do wickedly, when they are fully ripe; and as I have said so shall it be; for this is the cursing and the blessing of God upon the land, for the Lord cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance. (Alma blesses the earth for the sake of the righteous, 73 B.C.) Alma 45:16

Elder Spencer W. Kimball

And through it all we must remember that the pleading sinner, desiring to make restitution for his acts, must also forgive others of all offenses committed against him. The Lord will not forgive us unless our hearts are fully purged of all hate, bitterness and accusation against our fellowmen. . . .
The Lord says:
. . . I the Lord cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance;
Nevertheless, he that repents and does the commandments of the Lord shall be forgiven. (D&C 1:31-32) (The Miracle of Forgiveness, p. 200-01) TLDP:550

Related Witnesses:

John A. Widtsoe

Not only in numbers have we become a "marvelous work and a wonder" in a little less than one hundred years; but in a greater and a larger sense have we become a marvelous people, for we have impressed our thought upon the whole world. The world does not believe today as it did ninety years ago. A few days ago I picked up a recent number of a great magazine, and my feelings were roused within me and my testimony increased, when I found one of the writers declaring to the readers of the magazine that "God cannot look upon sin with the least degree of tolerance," borrowed almost word for word, from section one of the Doctrine and Covenants. In such a way have the doctrines taught by the despised Latter-day Saints been appropriated by the nations of the earth; and whether the people of the earth accept the inspiration of Joseph Smith, nevertheless, in fact, the whole current of human thought has been changed by the doctrines of this people. That is perhaps the greatest achievement of "Mormonism." CR1921Oct:108-09

756. There is sin in omission: to know the will of God and fail to act is sin.

James
Elder Harold B. Lee
Alma, the younger
Elder Spencer W. Kimball

James

Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. (James writes to his brethren in the Church) James 4:17

Elder Harold B. Lee

Sin may be defined as any want of conformity to or transgression of a rule or law or right or duty, as made known by your conscience or the revealed word of God. Such non-conformity or transgression of divine law might be either by omission or commission, or in other words sin may be either the willful breaking of divine law or you may sin by your failure and neglect in thought, word or deed to keep the commandments of the Lord. One may sin by being hasty in judgment on vital issues or where the welfare of a human soul is at stake, and "he that forgiveth not his brother his trespasses standeth condemned before the Lord; for there remaineth in him the greater sin." (D&C 64:9) (Decisions for Successful Living, p. 82) TLDP:631

Alma, the younger,
quoted by Mormon

Elder Spencer W. Kimball

Yes, sins of omission have much in common with those of commission. As we have seen, one common feature is their potential for damning the sinner. (The Miracle of Forgiveness, p. 101) TLDP:631

757. All people sin.

Paul
Joseph Smith
Marion G. Romney
John
Elder Heber J. Grant
Recorded in Ecclesiastes
Paul
Jesus
Francis M. Lyman

Paul

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (Paul writes to the Church in Rome, about A.D. 55) Romans 3:23

Joseph Smith

[A]nd as all men sin[,] forgive the transgressions of thy people, and let them be blotted out forever. (Prayer given to Joseph Smith by revelation and offered at the dedication of the Kirtland Temple on March 27, 1836) D&C 109:34

Marion G. Romney

From the days of Adam until today, Satan has fought against Christ for the souls of men. Every person who has reached the age of accountability, except Jesus, has yielded in some degree to sin, some more and some less, but all save Jesus only have yielded sufficiently to be barred from the presence of God. This means that every person must be cleansed through the atonement of Jesus Christ in order to reenter the society of God. ("Jesus—Savior and Redeemer," Brigham Young University Speeches of the Year, 1978, p. 11) TLDP:633

John

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
9. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
10. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. (John writes to the churches in Asia) 1 John 1:8-10

Elder Heber J. Grant

I do not believe that any man lives up to his ideals, but if we are striving, if we are working, if we are trying, to the best of our ability, to improve day by day, then we are in the line of our duty. If we are seeking to remedy our own defects, if we are so living that we can ask God for light, for knowledge, for intelligence, and above all, for His Spirit, that we may overcome our weaknesses, then, I can tell you, we are in the straight and narrow path that leads to life eternal. Then we need have no fear. CR1909Apr:111; DGSM:40

Recorded in Ecclesiastes

For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not. (Reflections of a son of David the king) Ecclesiastes 7:20

Paul

As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: (Letter to the Church in Rome, about A.D. 55) Romans 3:10

Related Witnesses:

Jesus,
quoted by John

He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. (The scribes and Pharisees bring a woman taken in adultery before Jesus) John 8:7

Francis M. Lyman

For there is an advantage, there is a blessing and an enlargement of the soul that comes to the man who obeys the word and will of the Lord. It is better that we have done God's will than that we should have need to be forgiven for neglecting it. It is better not to have been a sinner. It is better that our sins should be very light, and not of a serious nature, than that they should be deadly sins. It is better that we should live without sin, and be like the Son of God. It is not necessary that we should be sinners. God has designed that we should not be sinners, but that we should live lives of purity and righteousness and walk in obedience to His will, as the Savior did. CR1899Oct:35

758. When we commit sins we must suffer the penalties.

President Spencer W. Kimball
John A. Widtsoe
Elder Wilford Woodruff
President Harold B. Lee
Joseph Smith
Jeremiah
N. Eldon Tanner

President Spencer W. Kimball

We are concerned that too many times the interviewing leader in his personal sympathies for the transgressor, and in his love perhaps for the family of the transgressor, is inclined to waive the discipline which that transgressor demands.
Too often a transgressor is forgiven and all penalties waived when that person should have been disfellowshipped or excommunicated. Too often a sinner is disfellowshipped when he or she should have been excommunicated.
. . . . There can be no forgiveness without real and total repentance, and there can be no repentance without punishment. This is as eternal as is the soul.
. . . . [W]hen a man has committed sin, he must suffer. It is an absolute requirement—not by the bishop—but it is a requirement by nature and by the very part of a man. CR1975Apr:116

John A. Widtsoe

The eternal power of choice was respected by the Lord himself. That throws a flood of light on the "Fall." It really converts the command into a warning, as much as if to say, if you do this thing, you will bring upon yourself a certain punishment. . . .
In the heavens above, as in the earth below, law prevails. No one can escape the consequences of the acceptance or rejection of law. Cause and effect are eternally related. (Evidences and Reconciliations, pp. 192-95) TLDP:187-88

Elder Wilford Woodruff

I have never committed a sin in this Church and kingdom, but what it has cost me a thousand times more than it was worth. We cannot sin with impunity; we cannot neglect any counsel with impunity, but what it will bring sorrow. (In Assembly Hall, July 4, 1880, JD21:284) TLDP:631
Elder Spencer W. Kimball
We might add that one's position makes no difference to the inescapability of the consequences of sin. In the Church, the bishop, the stake president, the apostle—all are subject to the same laws of right living, and penalties follow their sins just as for the other members of the Church. None are exempt from the results of sin, as regards either Church action against the offender or the effects of sin upon the soul. (The Miracle of Forgiveness, p. 145) TLDP:632

President Harold B. Lee

The heaviest burden that one has to bear in this life is the burden of sin. CR1973Apr:177

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

Therefore I command you to repent—repent, lest I smite you by the rod of my mouth, and by my wrath, and by my anger, and your sufferings be sore—how sore you know not, how exquisite you know not, yea, how hard to bear you know not.
16. For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent;
17. But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I;
18. Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit—and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink—
19. Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men. 20. Wherefore, I command you again to repent, lest I humble you with my almighty power; and that you confess your sins, lest you suffer these punishments of which I have spoken, of which in the smallest, yea, even in the least degree you have tasted at the time I withdrew my Spirit. (Christ announces himself and gives a commandment of God for Martin Harris, March 1830) D&C 19:15-20

Jeremiah

[Y]our sins have withholden good things from you. (The prophet Jeremiah foretells judgments to be poured out upon the Jews because of their sins) Jeremiah 5:25

N. Eldon Tanner

There is no happiness in sin, and when we depart from the path of righteousness we begin to do those things which will inevitably lead us to unhappiness and misery and loss of freedom. CR1977Apr:21

759. The final consequence of unrepented sin is spiritual death.

Paul
Amulek
President Spencer W. Kimball
James
President Joseph F. Smith
Paul
Nephi, son of Lehi
Jesus
Jesus
Jeremiah

Paul

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Paul writes to the Church in Rome, about A.D. 55) Romans 6:23

Amulek,
quoted by Mormon

President Spencer W. Kimball

One must come to a realization of the seriousness of his sin. Since the beginning there has been in the world a wide range of sins. Many of them involve harm to others, but every sin is against ourselves and God, for sins limit our progress, curtail our development, and estrange us from good people, good influences, and from our Lord. (President Kimball Speaks Out, p. 6) TLDP:633

James

[S]in, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. (James writes to his brethren in the Church) James 1:15

President Joseph F. Smith

Self-respect, deference for sacred things, and personal purity are the beginnings and the essence of wisdom. The doctrines of the gospel, the Church restraint, are like school-masters to keep us in the line of duty. If it were not for these schoolmasters, we would perish and be overcome by the evil about us. We see men who have freed themselves from Church restraint and from the precious doctrines of the gospel, who perish about us every day They boast of freedom, but are the slaves of sin.
Let me admonish you to permit the gospel schoolmaster to teach you self-respect and to keep you pure and free from secret sins that bring not only physical punishment, but sure spiritual death. You cannot hide the penalty which God has affixed to them—a penalty often worse than death. It is the loss of self-respect, it is physical debility, it is insanity, indifference to all powers that are good and noble—all these follow in the wake of the sinner in secret, and of the unchaste. Unchastity, furthermore, not only fixes its penalty on the one who transgresses, but reaches out unerring punishment to the third and fourth generation, making not only the transgressor a wreck, but mayhap involving scores of people in his direct line of relationship, disrupting family ties, breaking the hearts of parents, and causing a black stream of sorrow to overwhelm their lives. (Gospel Doctrine, p. 335) TLDP:631-32

Paul

The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. (Letter to the Church at Corinth, Greece, about A.D. 55) 1 Corinthians 15:56

Nephi, son of Lehi

Therefore remember, O man, for all thy doings thou shalt be brought into judgment.
21. Wherefore, if ye have sought to do wickedly in the days of your probation, then ye are found unclean before the judgment-seat of God; and no unclean thing can dwell with God; wherefore, ye must be cast off forever. (Nephi's writings, 600-592 B.C.) 1 Nephi 10:20-21

Jesus,
quoted by Mormon

And no unclean thing can enter into his kingdom; therefore nothing entereth into his rest save it be those who have washed their garments in my blood, because of their faith, and the repentance of all their sins, and their faithfulness unto the end.
20. Now this is the commandment: Repent, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day. (The resurrected Jesus Christ calls on the Nephites to repent in contemplation of the final judgment, A.D. 34) 3 Nephi 27:19-20

Jesus,
recorded in Matthew

And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. (Christ instructs, empowers, and sends the Twelve Apostles forth to preach, minister, and heal the sick) Matthew 10:28

Related Witnesses:

Jeremiah

[Y]our sins have withholden good things from you. (The prophet Jeremiah foretells judgments to be poured out upon the Jews because of their sins) Jeremiah 5:25

760. We experience joy when we choose the good and reject the evil.

Lehi
John A. Widtsoe
President John Taylor
Joseph Smith
Joseph Smith
Alma, the younger
Nephi, son of Lehi
Alma, the younger

Lehi,
quoted by his son Nephi

And now, behold, if Adam had not transgressed he would not have fallen, but he would have remained in the garden of Eden. And all things which were created must have remained in the same state in which they were after they were created; and they must have remained forever, and had no end.
23. And they would have had no children; wherefore they would have remained in a state of innocence, having no joy, for they knew no misery; doing no good, for they knew no sin.
24. But behold, all things have been done in the wisdom of him who knoweth all things.
25. Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy. (Lehi teaches his sons, between 588-570 B.C.) 2 Nephi 2:22-25

John A. Widtsoe

After their expulsion from Eden into the earth as it is, Adam exults: ". . . . Blessed be the name of God, for because of my transgression my eyes are opened, and in this life I shall have joy, and again in the flesh I shall see God." And Eve seemed almost jubilant: ". . . . Were it not for our transgression we never should have had seed, and never should have known good and evil, and the joy of our redemption, and the eternal life which God giveth unto all the obedient." (Moses 5:10-11)
These were not the words of sinners or of repentant sinners. This was spoken by people who had met and accepted a great challenge, with which, as they imply, God was pleased. . . .
In the joy of Adam and Eve after the "Fall" lies hidden, perhaps, a principle which disputants about this subject have not understood, and which may not as yet be fully comprehended. However, in modern revelation, a clue to understanding of the "Fall" is given, which may be the key to the apparent contradiction.
After Adam had been supplied with a body made "from the dust of the ground," and placed in the garden of Eden, instructions were given him:
"And I, the Lord God, commanded the man, saying: Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat. But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it, nevertheless, thou mayest choose for thyself, for it is given unto thee; but, remember that I forbid it, for in the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die." (Moses 3:16-17; italics added)
Though a command had been given, Adam was permitted to exercise his free agency. "Thou mayest choose for thyself." The eternal power of choice was respected by the Lord himself. That throws a flood of light on the "Fall." It really converts the command into a warning, as much as if to say, if you do this thing, you will bring upon yourself a certain punishment; but do it if you choose.
Such was the problem before our first parents: to remain forever at selfish ease in the Garden of Eden, or to face unselfishly tribulation and death, in bringing to pass the purposes of the Lord for a host of waiting spirit children. They chose the latter.
This they did with open eyes and minds as to consequences. The memory of their former estates may have been dimmed, but the gospel had been taught them during their sojourn in the Garden of Eden. They could not have been left in complete ignorance of the purpose of their creation. Brigham Young frankly said: "Adam was as conversant with his Father who placed him upon this earth as we are conversant with our earthly parents." [DBY:104] The Prophet Joseph taught that "Adam received commandments and instructions from God; this was the order from the beginning." [TPJS:168]
The choice that they made raises Adam and Eve to pre-eminence among all who have come on earth. The Lord's plan was given life by them. They are indeed, as far as this earth is concerned, our loving father and mother. The "Fall" and the consequent redeeming act of Jesus became the most glorious events in the history of mankind.
In the heavens above, as in the earth below, law prevails. No one can escape the consequences of the acceptance or rejection of law. Cause and effect are eternally related. The Lord had warned Adam and Eve of the hard battle with earth conditions if they chose to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. He would not subject his son and daughter to hardship and the death of their bodies unless it be of their own choice. They must choose for themselves. They chose wisely, in accord with the heavenly law of love for others.
In life all must choose at times. Sometimes, two possibilities are good; neither is evil. Usually, however, one is of greater import than the other. When in doubt, each must choose that which concerns the good of others—the greater law—rather than that which chiefly benefits ourselves—the lesser law. The greater must be chosen whether it be law or thing. That was the choice made in Eden. . . .
. . . . It is a thrilling thought that Adam and Eve were not coerced to begin God's work on earth. They chose to do so, by the exercise of their free agency. It is the lesson for all their children: Seek the truth, choose wisely, and carry the responsibility for our acts. (Evidences and Reconciliations, pp. 192-95) TLDP:188

President John Taylor

Thus we find: Firstly, that Adam and Eve both considered that they had gained, instead of suffered loss, through their disobedience to that law; for they made the statement, that if it had not been for their transgression they never would "have known good and evil." And again, they would have been incapable of increase; and without that increase the designs of God in relation to the formation of the earth and man could not have been accomplished; for one great object of the creation of the world was the propagation of the human species, that bodies might be prepared for those spirits who already existed, and who, when they saw the earth formed, shouted for joy. . . .
. . . . God's plan in relation to man was that he should fall, and having fallen and obtained a knowledge of good and evil (which knowledge he could not have obtained without placing himself in that position), then it became necessary that he should know concerning the atonement and redemption which should be brought about through the mediation of Jesus Christ. (The Mediation and Atonement, pp. 130, 187) TLDP:182-83

Related Witnesses:

Joseph Smith,

translating the Book of Moses
Blessed be the name of God, for because of my transgression my eyes are opened, and in this life I shall have joy, and again in the flesh I shall see God.
11. And Eve, his wife, heard all these things and was glad, saying: Were it not for our transgression we never should have had seed, and never should have known good and evil, and the joy of our redemption, and the eternal life which God giveth unto all the obedient. (The record of Moses : Adam prophesies concerning all the families of the earth) Moses 5:10-11

Joseph Smith,

translating the Book of Moses
And I, the Lord God, commanded the man, saying: Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat,
17. But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it, nevertheless, thou mayest choose for thyself, for it is given unto thee; but, remember that I forbid it, for in the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. (The Lord reveals to Moses the placing of man in the Garden of Eden) Moses 3:16-17

Alma, the younger,
quoted by Mormon

Now behold, my son, I will explain this thing unto thee. For behold, after the Lord God sent our first parents forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground, from whence they were taken—yea, he drew out the man, and he placed at the east end of the garden of Eden, cherubim, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the tree of life—
3. Now, we see that the man had become as God, knowing good and evil; and lest he should put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat and live forever, the Lord God placed cherubim and the flaming sword, that he should not partake of the fruit—
4. And thus we see, that there was a time granted unto man to repent, yea, a probationary time, a time to repent and serve God. (Alma speaks to his son Corianton; mortality is a probationary time to enable man to repent and serve God, about 73 B.C.) Alma 42:2-4

Nephi, son of Lehi

Alma, the younger,
quoted by Mormon

Behold, I say unto you, wickedness never was happiness. (Alma speaks to his son Corianton, concerning the resurrection of the dead, about 73 B.C.) Alma 41:10

761. Because no unclean thing can inherit the celestial kingdom, we cannot enter that kingdom unless we have repented of our sins.

Marion G. Romney
Amulek
Alma, the younger
Joseph Smith
Elder Joseph Fielding Smith
Recorded in Psalms

Marion G. Romney

Amulek,
quoted by Mormon

Alma, the younger,
quoted by Mormon

For I perceive that ye are in the paths of righteousness; I perceive that ye are in the path which leads to the kingdom of God; yea, I perceive that ye are making his paths straight.
20. I perceive that it has been made known unto you, by the testimony of his word, that he cannot walk in crooked paths; neither doth he vary from that which he hath said; neither hath he a shadow of turning from the right to the left, or from that which is right to that which is wrong; therefore, his course is one eternal round.
21. And he doth not dwell in unholy temples; neither can filthiness or anything which is unclean be received into the kingdom of God; therefore I say unto you the time shall come, yea, and it shall be at the last day, that he who is filthy shall remain in his filthiness. (Alma preaches to the people in Gideon, about 83 B.C.) Alma 7:19-21

Joseph Smith

But no man is possessor of all things except he be purified and cleansed from all sin. (Revelation received for the elders of the Church, May 1831) D&C 50:28

Related Witnesses:

Elder Joseph Fielding Smith

Cleanliness of life will bring the reward of exaltation and an eternal existence in the kingdom of God. If we choose the evil, the reward will be in punishment. Eventually every sin will have to be righted. Our Savior paid the price of our transgressions if we do not sin a sin worthy of eternal death and humbly keep his commandments; otherwise he has said, we must suffer even as did he. CR1964Apr:108

Recorded in Psalms

762. The person who persists in sin cannot have joy, for wickedness never was happiness.

Alma, the younger
Delbert L. Stapley
James E. Talmage

Alma, the younger,
quoted by Mormon

Behold, I say unto you, wickedness never was happiness. (Alma speaks to his son Corianton, concerning the resurrection of the dead, about 73 B.C.) Alma 41:10

Delbert L. Stapley

We learn from this revelation [D&C 93:38] that in the beginning of mortal life all mankind is innocent before God and, therefore, is like the beginning river of water, pure and undefiled. As the polluted tributaries of water enter the main stream, our lives too become polluted when we allow tributaries of evil and wickedness to enter. It is these tributaries of evil we must be concerned about and fortify ourselves against. Wickedness never was happiness, but to the contrary, it is depressing; it destroys conscience and ultimately the spiritual life of the constant, erring individual. CR1971Oct:105

James E. Talmage

Happiness leaves no bad after-taste, it is followed by no depressing reaction; it calls for no repentance, brings no regret, entails no remorse; pleasure too often makes necessary repentance, contrition, and suffering; and, if indulged to the extreme, it brings degradation and destruction.
True happiness is lived over and over again in memory, always with a renewal of the original good; a moment of unholy pleasure may leave a barbed sting, which, like a thorn in the flesh, is an ever-present source of anguish. ("A Greeting to the Missionaries," IE1913Dec:173) TLDP:318-19

We Believe: Doctrines and Principles

Monday, December 9, 2013

Sin in General

751. Sin is the willful breaking of divine law.

752. There is no sin without knowledge of good and evil.

Related Witnesses:

753. We are to shun all evil.

Related Witnesses:

754. Sin makes a person spiritually unclean.

755. The Lord cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance.

Related Witnesses:

756. There is sin in omission: to know the will of God and fail to act is sin.

757. All people sin.

Related Witnesses:

758. When we commit sins we must suffer the penalties.

759. The final consequence of unrepented sin is spiritual death.

Related Witnesses:

760. We experience joy when we choose the good and reject the evil.

Related Witnesses:

761. Because no unclean thing can inherit the celestial kingdom, we cannot enter that kingdom unless we have repented of our sins.

Related Witnesses:

762. The person who persists in sin cannot have joy, for wickedness never was happiness.