“They Were Left in Their Own Strength Therefore They Did Not Prosper Lest They Did Repent”

Ed J. Pinegar, Richard J. Allen

King Benjamin taught that he couldn’t number the different ways one could commit sin (see Mosiah 4:29). Wickedness results in the loss of the Spirit (see Mormon 1:13–14; Helaman 6:35). Sin literally separates us from God. A sin is an unrighteous thought or action committed by an accountable person. Similarly, not doing good works that might be called for in keeping with righteous principles is often referred to as a sin of omission. Sinning entails transgressing the law of God (see 1 John 3:4) and following after ideas and actions that lead us away from the Lord. This is why the adversary “inviteth” and “enticeth” us to sin (see Moroni 7:12). He knows that when we sin, we withdraw ourselves from the Spirit of God (see Mosiah 2:36). If Satan can get us away from the Spirit, we are likely to sin more. Sin perpetuates sin; when we sin we become more easily influenced by the further temptations of Satan (see D&C 29:40) and are less aware of our sins. We all have sinned (see 1 John 1:8–10), and we need to repent daily of whatever it is that has drawn us away from the Spirit. Fortunately, we are free to choose righteousness rather than sin (see 2 Nephi 2:27). The test of life is to make good choices and to repent of our sins. The Lord cannot make allowance for sin, but He is compassionate and merciful to the repentant sinner (see D&C 1:31–32). When we confess and forsake our sins, the Lord remembers them no more (see D&C 58:42–43). If we do not repent we must suffer even as the Lord (see D&C 19:15–19).

Commentaries and Insights on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 2

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