Sin

The Lord has said that He "cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance" (D&C 1:31). Sin results in the withdrawal of the Holy Ghost. It makes the one who sins unable to dwell in the presence of Heavenly Father, for "no unclean thing can dwell with God" (1 Nephi 10:21).

Other than Jesus Christ, each person who has ever lived on earth has broken commandments or failed to act according to knowledge of the truth. The Apostle John taught: "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, [Jesus Christ] is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:8–9). Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, each person can repent and be forgiven of these sins.

See also Atonement of Jesus Christ; Death, Spiritual; Forgiveness; Justice; Mercy; Obedience; Repentance; Temptation

—See True to the Faith (2004), 163–64

• "The Atonement, Repentance, and Dirty Linen"

  Lynn A. Mickelsen, Liahona, Nov. 2003, 10–13; or Ensign, Nov. 2003, 10–13
  Sin brings an uncleanliness before the Lord that must be reconciled. There is, however, a time and a place for confession and asking forgiveness.

• "Overcoming the Stench of Sin"

  Spencer V. Jones, Liahona, May 2003, 88–89; or Ensign, May 2003, 88–89
  Every decision we make, good or bad, carries an accompanying consequence.

• "Retaining a Remission of Sin"

  Keith Crockett, Liahona, Jan. 2001, 91–93; or Ensign, Nov. 2000, 77–78
  King Benjamin taught his people three basic principles that would help them retain a remission of their sins: first, to remain humble; second, to call upon the Lord daily; and third, to stand steadfast in the faith of that which was to come.

• "Sins and Mistakes"

  Dallin H. Oaks, Ensign, Oct. 1996, 62–67
  The scriptures teach repentance from sins and the correction of mistakes.

• "Sin and Suffering"

  Dallin H. Oaks, Tambuli, Apr. 1994, 26–32; or Ensign, July 1992, 70–74
  Forsaking sins is more than resolving not to repeat them. Forsaking involves a fundamental change in the individual.

• "God Will Forgive"

  Spencer W. Kimball, Tambuli, Sept. 1982, 1–8; or Ensign, Mar. 1982, 2–7
  The purging out of sin would be impossible but for the total repentance of the individual and the kind mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ in His atoning sacrifice.

• " 'Successful' Sinners"

  Harold B. Lee, Ensign, July 1971, 2–3
  There are no successful sinners. All must one day stand before God and be judged, each according to the deeds done in the flesh.

• "Sin"

  Guide to the Scriptures