The Power of Procreation
After the Creation, God commanded each living thing to reproduce
after its own kind (see Genesis 1:22). Reproduction was part of his plan
so that all forms of life could continue to exist upon the earth.
God wanted his spirit children to be born into families so they could be
properly cared for and taught. We, like Adam and Eve, are to provide
physical bodies for these spirit children through
sexual reproduction.
We are to have sexual relations only with our spouse to whom we are
legally married. No one, male or female, is to have sexual relations
before marriage. After marriage, sexual relations are permitted only
with our spouse.
To the Israelites the Lord said, "Thou shalt not commit
adultery" (Exodus 20:14). Those Israelites who broke this
commandment were subject to severe penalties put
to death (see Leviticus 20:10). The Lord repeated
this commandment in the latter days to the Prophet Joseph Smith (see D&C 42:24).
We have been taught that the law of chastity encompasses more than
sexual intercourse. Elder Spencer W.
Kimball The First Presidency warned young people of
other sexual sins:
"Among the most common sexual sins our young people commit are
necking and petting. Not only do these improper relations often lead to
fornication, [unwed] pregnancy, and abortions--all ugly sins--but in and
of themselves they are pernicious evils, and it is often difficult for
youth to distinguish where one ends and another begins. They awaken lust
and stir evil thoughts and sex desires. They are but parts of the whole
family of related sins and indiscretions" (The Miracle of
Forgiveness, p. 65).
"Before marriage, do not do anything to arouse the powerful
emotions that must be expressed only in marriage. Do not participate in
passionate kissing, lie on top of another person, or touch the private,
sacred parts of another person's body, with or without clothing. Do not
allow anyone to do that with you. Do not arouse those emotions in your
own body" (For the Strength of Youth [pamphlet , 2001], 27).
Like other violations of the law of chastity, homosexual behavior is
a serious sin. Latter-day Prophets have spoken about the dangers of
homosexual behavior and about the Church's concern for people who may
have such inclination. President Gordon B. Hinckley said:
"In the first place, we believe that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God. We believe that marriage may be eternal through exercise of the power of the everlasting priesthood in the house of the Lord.
"People inquire about our position on those who consider themselves so-called gays and lesbians. My response is that we love them as sons and daughters of God. They may have certain inclinations which are powerful and which may be difficult to control. Most people have inclinations of one kind or another at various times. If they do not act upon these inclinations, then they can go forward as do all other members of the Church. If they violate the law of chastity and the moral standards of the Church, then they are subject to the discipline of the Church, just as others are.
"We want to help these people, to strengthen them, to assist them with their problems and to help them with their difficulties. But we cannot stand idle if they indulge in immoral activity, if they try to uphold and defend and live in a so-called same-sex marriage situation. To permit such would be to make light of the very serious and sacred foundation of God-sanctioned marriage and its very purpose, the rearing of families" (in Conference Report, Oct. 1998, 91; or Ensign, Nov. 1998, 71).
Satan Wants Us to Break the Law of
Chastity
Satan attacks the standards of modesty. He wants us to believe that
because the human body is beautiful, it is something to flaunt and
expose.should be seen and appreciated.
Our Heavenly Father wants us to keep our bodies covered so that we do
not put improper thoughts into the minds of others.
[major part about church's warning about pornography]
Breaking the Law of Chastity Is Extremely
Serious
It is extremely important to our Heavenly Father that his children obey
the law of chastity. Members of the Church who break this law may be
disfellowshipped or excommunicated (see D&C 42:22-26, 80-81). All
those who do not repent after committing adultery will not be able to
live with our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ but will live in the
telestial kingdom (see D&C 76:81-86, 103-5; see also chapter 46,
"The Last Judgment").
Members of the Church who break this law or influence others to do so
are subject to Church discipline.
Discussion
Peace can come to those who have broken the law of chastity. The Lord
tells us, "If the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath
committed, and keep all my statutes, . . . all his
transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto
him" (Ezekiel 18:21-22). Peace comes only through forgiveness. But
forgiveness has a high price.
Additional Scriptures