Sin

When we willfully disobey God’s commandments, we
commit sin. We also commit sin when we fail to act righteously
despite our knowledge of the truth (see James 4:17).

The Lord has said that He “cannot look upon sin with the
least degree of allowance” (D&C 1:31). The result of sin is the
withdrawal of the Holy Ghost and, in eternity, being unable
to dwell in the presence of our Heavenly Father, for “no
unclean thing can dwell with God” (1 Nephi 10:21).

Each of us has broken commandments or failed to act
according to our 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, we can repent and be forgiven of our sins.

Additional references: Romans 3:23; 6:23; Alma 5:41–42; 11:37; Helaman
5:10–11; D&C 82:1–3; 88:34–35
See also Atonement of Jesus Christ; Death, Spiritual; Forgiveness; Justice;
Mercy; Obedience; Repentance; Temptation