Lists of Sins

During the Savior’s ministry in the Americas, He quoted the prophet Micah describing a future day in which wickedness will be eliminated. In the middle of that quotation, the Savior inserted a list of six sins which would be “done away.” Here is that list:

1. Lyings
2. Deceivings
3. Envyings
4. Strifes
5. Priestcrafts
6. Whoredoms

(See 3 Nephi 21:19.)

He said that when this prophecy is fulfilled and these sins are abolished, the power of heaven will come down, and the work of the Father in gathering Israel will commence. (See 3 Nephi 21:25-29.)

Jesus and Micah were speaking in global terms, but the same principle applies in our individual lives: As we eliminate sins from our thoughts, words, and actions, we invite the power of God into our lives so that we can contribute to His work. Perhaps that’s why Mormon chose to end the entire book of 3 Nephi by pleading with us—his future readers—to turn away from a similar list of sins:

Turn, all ye Gentiles, from your wicked ways; and repent of your evil doings, of your [1] lyings and [2] deceivings, and of your [3] whoredoms, and of your [4] secret abominations, and your [5] idolatries, and of your [6] murders, and your [7] priestcrafts, and your [8] envyings, and your [9] strifes, and from all your wickedness and abominations, and come unto me, and be baptized in my name, that ye may receive a remission of your sins, and be filled with the Holy Ghost, that ye may be numbered with my people who are of the house of Israel.

3 Nephi 30:2

Then in 4 Nephi, Mormon describes the peace and happiness the people enjoyed after the Savior’s ministry. That description includes a list of sins which no longer existed among them:

There were no [1] envyings, nor [2] strifes, nor [3] tumults, nor [4] whoredoms, nor [5] lyings, nor [6] murders, nor any manner of [7] lasciviousness; and surely there could not be a happier people among all the people who had been created by the hand of God.

4 Nephi 1:16

These three lists have a lot in common, and surely all three were supposed to be representative of our sins, not an exhaustive list of them. Some of them, like envying and strifes, are likely very relatable for most of us, while others, like whoredoms, idolatry, and murder, seem more serious and less common. But in the Sermon on the Mount, the Savior explained that even those more serious sins are related to common misdeeds like speaking harsh words or thinking lustful thoughts.

No matter what our sins might be, the Savior’s prophecy and Mormon’s admonition apply to us. As we identify our own sins and turn away from them, Jesus will help us eliminate them from our lives. We will enjoy the companionship of the Holy Ghost and will be welcomed into the fellowship of believers.

Today I will ask God to help me identify my sins, and I will turn intentionally away from them as I turn toward Him. I will trust that the Savior can help me overcome my mistakes and will trust that He has the power to purify me.