GPC39: Comments and Resources

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Gospel Principles
Unit 8: Family Salvation
Chapter 39:  The Law of Chastity
Comments and Resources

"How glorious is he who lives the chaste life.  He walks unfearful in the full glare of the noonday sun, for he is without moral infirmity.  He can be reached by no shafts of base calumny, for his armor is with out flaw.  His virtue cannot be challenged by any just accuser, for he lives above reproach.  His cheek is never blotched with shame, for he is with out hidden sin.  He is honored and respected by all mankind, for he is beyond their censure.  He is loved by the Lord, for he stands without blemish.  The exaltations of eternities await his coming."  (Heber J. Grant, J. Reuben Clark, David O. McKay,  "The Message of the First Presidency to the Church" Improvement Era,  Nov. 1942, p. 759.)

During the study of this topic, we will learn what the law of chastity is and what blessings the Lord has promised those who obey it.

Resources
Gospel Principles, chapter 39.

Scriptures:
Jacob 2:28 For I, the Lord God, delight in the chastity of women. And whoredoms are an abomination before me; thus saith the Lord of Hosts. 

Alma 39:3-11
  3 And this is not all, my son. Thou didst do that which was grievous unto me; for thou didst forsake the ministry, and did go over into the land of Siron among the borders of the Lamanites, after the harlot Isabel. 
  4 Yea, she did steal away the hearts of many; but this was no excuse for thee, my son. Thou shouldst have tended to the ministry wherewith thou wast entrusted. 
  5 Know ye not, my son, that these things are an abomination in the sight of the Lord; yea, most abominable above all sins save it be the shedding of innocent blood or denying the Holy Ghost? 
  6 For behold, if ye deny the Holy Ghost when it once has had place in you, and ye know that ye deny it, behold, this is a sin which is unpardonable; yea, and whosoever murdereth against the light and knowledge of God, it is not easy for him to obtain forgiveness; yea, I say unto you, my son, that it is not easy for him to obtain a forgiveness. 
  7 And now, my son, I would to God that ye had not been guilty of so great a crime. I would not dwell upon your crimes, to harrow up your soul, if it were not for your good. 
  8 But behold, ye cannot hide your crimes from God; and except ye repent they will stand as a testimony against you at the last day. 
  9 Now my son, I would that ye should repent and forsake your sins, and go no more after the lusts of your eyes, but cross yourself in all these things; for except ye do this ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God. Oh, remember, and take it upon you, and cross yourself in these things. 
  10 And I command you to take it upon you to counsel with your elder brothers in your undertakings; for behold, thou art in thy youth, and ye stand in need to be nourished by your brothers. And give heed to their counsel. 
  11 Suffer not yourself to be led away by any vain or foolish thing; suffer not the devil to lead away your heart again after those wicked harlots. Behold, O my son, how great iniquity ye brought upon the Zoramites; for when they saw your conduct they would not believe in my words. 

D&C 42:22-26
  22 Thou shalt love thy wife with all thy heart, and shalt cleave unto her and none else. 
  23 And he that looketh upon a woman to lust after her shall deny the faith, and shall not have the Spirit; and if he repents not he shall be cast out. 
  24 Thou shalt not commit adultery; and he that committeth adultery, and repenteth not, shall be cast out. 
  25 But he that has committed adultery and repents with all his heart, and forsaketh it, and doeth it no more, thou shalt forgive; 
  26 But if he doeth it again, he shall not be forgiven, but shall be cast out. 


Genesis 39:1-12
  1 And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the Ishmeelites, which had brought him down thither. 
  2 And the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. 
  3 And his master saw that the Lord was with him, and that the Lord made all that he did to prosper in his hand. 
  4 And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand. 
  5 And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the Lord blessed the Egyptian s house for Joseph's sake; and the blessing of the Lord was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field. 
  6 And he left all that he had in Joseph s hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was a goodly person, and well favoured. 
  7  And it came to pass after these things, that his master's wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me. 
  8 But he refused, and said unto his master's wife, Behold, my master wotteth not what is with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand; 
  9 There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God? 
  10 And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her. 
  11 And it came to pass about this time, that Joseph went into the house to do his business; and there was none of the men of the house there within. 
  12 And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out. 

Leviticus 18:22-24
  22 Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination. 
  23 Neither shalt thou lie with any beast to defile thyself therewith: neither shall any woman stand before a beast to lie down thereto: it is confusion. 
  24 Defile not ye yourselves in any of these things: for in all these the nations are defiled which I cast out before you: 

Matthew 5:27-28
  27  Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: 
  28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. 

Galatians  5:16-19
  16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 
  17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 
  18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. 
  19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 


Articles of Faith 1:13   We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things. 


Topical Guide: 
               Adulterer,Adultery
               Chastity, chaste
               Clean
               Fornication
               Lust
               Modesty
               Purity, Pure
               Sensuality
               Sexual Immorality
               Virtue, Virtuous

Bible Dictionary: 
                  Adultery		   
 



Concept 1: Introduction

'A Note to Parents

This chapter includes some parts that are beyond the maturity of young children.  It is best to wait until children are old enough to understand sexual relations and procreation before teaching them these parts of the chapter.  Our Church leaders have told us that parents are responsible to teach their children about procreation (the process of conceiving and bearing children).  Parents must also teach them the law of chastity.

Parents can begin teaching children to have proper attitudes toward their bodies when children are very young.  Talking to children frankly but reverently and using the correct names for the parts and functions of their bodies will help them grow up without unnecessary embarrassment about their bodies.

Children are naturally curious.  They want to know how their bodies work.  They want to know where babies come from.  If parents answer all such questions immediately and clearly so children can understand, children will continue to take their questions to their parents.  However, if parents answer questions so that children feel embarrassed, rejected, or dissatisfied, they will probably go to someone else with their questions and perhaps get incorrect ideas and improper attitudes.

It is not wise or necessary, however, to tell children everything at once.  Parents need only give them the information they have asked for and can understand.  While answering these questions, parents can teach children the importance of respecting their bodies and the bodies of others.  Parents should teach children to dress modestly.  They should correct the false ideas and vulgar language that children learn from others.

By the time children reach maturity, parents should have frankly discussed procreation with them.  Children should understand that these powers are good and were given to us by the Lord.  He expects us to use them within the bounds he has given us.

Little children come to earth pure and innocent from Heavenly Father.  As parents pray for guidance, the Lord will inspire them to teach children at the right time and in the right way.'



Concept 2: The Power of Procreation

'After the Creation, God commanded each living thing to reproduce after its own kind (Genesis 1:22 "And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth.").  Reproduction was part of his plan so that all forms of life could continue to exist upon the earth.

Then he placed Adam and Eve on the earth.  They were different from his other creations because they were his spirit children.  God married Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden and commanded them to multiply and replenish the earth (Genesis 1:28 "And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.").  However, their lives were to be governed by moral laws rather than by instinct.

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.

The powers of procreation are sacred.  God has commanded us that only in marriage are we to have sexual relations.  This commandment is called the law of chastity.

Discussion

What are some important purposes of the marriage relationship?'



Concept 3: What Is the Law of Chastity?

'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 put to death (Leviticus 20:10 "And the man that committeth adultery with [another] man's wife, [even he] that committeth adultery with his neighbour's wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death.").  The Lord repeated this commandment to the Prophet Joseph Smith (see D&C 42:24 "Thou shalt not commit adultery; and he that committeth adultery, and repenteth not, shall be cast out.").

We have been taught that the law of chastity encompasses more than sexual intercourse.  Elder Spencer W. Kimball 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).

Discussion

What is the law of chastity?  How can we be chaste?'



Concept 4: Satan Wants Us to Break the Law of Chastity

'Satan's plan is to deceive as many of us as he can to prevent us from returning to live with our Heavenly Father.  One of the most damaging things he can do is entice us to break the law of chastity.  He is cunning and powerful.  He would like us to believe it is no sin to break this law. Many people have been deceived.  We must guard ourselves against evil influences.

Satan attacks the standards of modesty.  He wants us to believe that because the human body is beautiful, it 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.

Satan not only encourages us to dress immodestly, but he also encourages us to think immoral or improper thoughts.  He does this with pictures, movies, stories, jokes, music, and dances that suggest immoral acts.  The law of chastity requires that our thoughts as well as our actions be pure.  The prophet Alma taught that when we are judged by God, "our thoughts will also condemn us; and in this awful state we shall not dare to look up to our God" (Alma 12:14).

Jesus taught, "Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:

"But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart" (Matthew 5:27-28).

Satan sometimes tempts us through our emotions.  He knows when we are lonely, confused, or depressed.  He chooses this time of weakness to tempt us to break the law of chastity.  Our Heavenly Father can give us the strength to pass through these trials unharmed.

The Scriptures  tell about a righteous young man named Joseph who was greatly trusted by his master, Potiphar.  Potiphar had given Joseph command over everything he had.  Potiphar's wife lusted after Joseph and tempted him to commit adultery with her.  But Joseph resisted her and fled from her. (See Genesis 39:1-18 <http://Scriptures.lds.org/en/gen/39/1-18#1> )

Our Heavenly Father has promised, "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it" (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Discussion

What are some ways Satan tempts us to break the law of chastity?  What promise has the Lord given us to help us overcome Satan's temptations?'



Concept 5: Breaking the Law of Chastity Is Extremely Serious

'The prophet Alma grieved because one of his sons had broken the law of chastity.  Alma said to his son Corianton, "Know ye not, my son, that these things are an abomination in the sight of the Lord; yea, most abominable above all sins save it be the shedding of innocent blood or denying the Holy Ghost?" (Alma 39:5).  Unchastity is next to murder in seriousness.

If a child is conceived by those who break the law of chastity, they may be tempted to commit another abominable sin: abortion.  There is seldom any excuse for abortion.  "The only exceptions are when--

1.Pregnancy has resulted from incest or rape;

2.The life or health of the woman is in jeopardy in the opinion of competent medical authority; or

3.The fetus is known, by competent medical authority, to have severe defects that will not allow the baby to survive beyond birth.

"Even in these cases the couple should consider an abortion only after consulting with each other and their bishop [or branch president] and receiving divine confirmation through prayer" (General Handbook of Instructions [30943], p. 11-4).

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 (D&C 42:22-26.
"22. Thou shalt love thy wife with all thy heart, and shalt cleave unto her and none else.
 23. And he that looketh upon a woman to lust after her shall deny the faith, and shall not have the Spirit; and if he repents not he shall be cast out.
 24. Thou shalt not commit adultery; and he that committeth adultery, and repenteth not, shall be cast out.
 25. But he that has committed adultery and repents with all his heart, and forsaketh it, and doeth it no more, thou shalt forgive;
 26. But if he doeth it again, he shall not be forgiven, but shall be cast out."
 D&C 42:80-81
"80. And if any man or woman shall commit adultery, he or she shall be tried before two elders of the church, or more, and every word shall be established against him or her by two witnesses of the church, and not of the enemy; but if there are more than two witnesses it is better.
 81. But he or she shall be condemned by the mouth of two witnesses; and the elders shall lay the case before the church, and the church shall lift up their hands against him or her, that they may be dealt with according to the law of God."). 

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 (D&C 76:81-86
"81. And again, we saw the glory of the telestial, which glory is that of the lesser, even as the glory of the stars differs from that of the glory of the moon in the firmament.
 82. These are they who received not the gospel of Christ, neither the testimony of Jesus.
 83. These are they who deny not the Holy Spirit.
 84. These are they who are thrust down to hell.
 85. These are they who shall not be redeemed from the devil until the last resurrection, until the Lord, even Christ the Lamb, shall have finished his work.
 86. These are they who receive not of his fulness in the eternal world, but of the Holy Spirit through the ministration of the terrestrial;"

D&C 76:103-105; 
"103. These are they who are liars, and sorcerers, and adulterers, and whoremongers, and whosoever loves and makes a lie.
 104. These are they who suffer the wrath of God on earth.
 105. These are they who suffer the vengeance of eternal fire."

also see chapter 46, "The Last Judgment"  <http://www.lds.org/library/display/0,4945,11-1-13-58,00.html> ).

Discussion

Why is breaking the law of chastity such a serious transgression?  What blessings do people lose if they break the law of chastity?'




Concept 6: Those Who Break the Law of Chastity Can Be Forgiven

'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 "21. But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die.  22. All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live.").  Peace comes only through forgiveness. But forgiveness has a high price.

Elder Kimball said: "To every forgiveness there is a condition. . . . The fasting, the prayers, the humility must be equal to or greater than the sin.  There must be a broken heart and a contrite spirit. . . . There must be tears and genuine change of heart.  There must be conviction of the sin, abandonment of the evil, confession of the error to properly constituted authorities of the Lord" (The Miracle of Forgiveness, p. 353).

For many people, confession is the most difficult part of repentance.  We must confess not only to the Lord but also to the person we have offended, such as a husband or wife, and to the proper priesthood authority.  The priesthood leader (bishop or stake president) will judge our standing in the Church.  The Lord told Alma, "Whosoever transgresseth against me . . . if he confess his sins before thee and me, and repenteth in the sincerity of his heart, him ye shall forgive, and I will forgive him also" (Mosiah 26:29).

But Elder Kimball warns: "Even though forgiveness is so abundantly promised, there is no promise nor indication of forgiveness to any soul who does not totally repent. . . .  We can hardly be too forceful in reminding people that they cannot sin and be forgiven and then sin again and again and expect forgiveness" (The Miracle of Forgiveness, pp. 353, 360).  Those who receive forgiveness and then repeat the sin are held accountable for their former sins (D&C 82:7 "And now, verily I say unto you, I, the Lord, will not lay any sin to your charge; go your ways and sin no more; but unto that soul who sinneth shall the former sins return, saith the Lord your God.";  Ether 2:15 "And the brother of Jared repented of the evil which he had done, and did call upon the name of the Lord for his brethren who were with him.  And the Lord said unto him: I will forgive thee and thy brethren of their sins; but thou shalt not sin any more, for ye shall remember that my Spirit will not always strive with man; wherefore, if ye will sin until ye are fully ripe ye shall be cut off from the presence of the Lord.  And these are my thoughts upon the land which I shall give you for your inheritance; for it shall be a land choice above all other lands.").


Those Who Keep the Law of Chastity Are Greatly Blessed

When we obey the law of chastity, we can live without guilt or shame.  Our lives and our children's lives are blessed when we keep ourselves pure and spotless before the Lord.  Children can look to our example and follow in our footsteps.

Discussion

Doctrine and Covenants 76:58-60.
"58. Wherefore, as it is written, they are gods, even the sons of God--
 59. Wherefore, all things are theirs, whether life or death, or things present, or things to come, all are theirs and they are Christ's, and Christ is God's."

 How will those who keep all of God's commandments, including the law of chastity, be blessed?

Additional Scriptures 

Matthew 19:5-9; Genesis 2:24 (marriage relationship is sacred)

Titus 2:4-12 (instructions for chastity)

Proverbs 6:25-32; Leviticus 19:29; 20:13, 15-16  (perversion condemned)

1 Corinthians 7:2-5; Ephesians 5:28 (loyalty to spouse)


Revelation 14:4-5 (blessings for obedience to the law of chastity)


Proverbs 31:10 (virtue praised)'



-----------------
Moroni 10:4-5
"4. And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. 
5. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things."

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