What Are God's Rules About Sexual Relations?

I was given this question: Why don't we talk about sexuality more openly in the LDS church?
 I took this question and have come with my understanding and my feelings, and I want to work on another question as well. What are God's rules about sexual relations?

 In the LDS Church, from my experience, there is always a sense of reluctance to talk about the law of chastity and our sexuality. Why? I am sure there are many reasons. It could be that we feel that if we talk too much about it, it will be embarrassing, people feel it is inappropriate. There is a time and a place for these talks and in many cases, it is only discussed once a year, if that. The more advanced classes do not talk about the law of chastity in a way of whats ok and whats not because that would be talked about in the lower classes. Then in the lower classes such as the Young Men and Young Women classes, it is an awkward subject that people don't feel comfortable talking about. It is definitely a subject that should be established with all people, but in many cases, people feel like they can't be open and ask questions about it. This is why the brethren have given us the law of chastity pamphlets, etc. It is not a secret subject, and it should be discussed occasionally just to answer questions or as a refresher. That's what I hope to do here.
This is what I have seen, but as I said, there are many reasons why people may not talk about it. But the best way to discuss this is to lay it down on the table and say what it is.

The world today is under the impression that sex before marriage is ok, and that as long as you love someone, it is no different than if you were married to them. This is wrong. The lord said through His prophet Alma that sexual sin is more serious than any other sin except murder denying the Holy Ghost. (Alma 39:3-5)


There are a few scriptures where God dictates the guidelines of sexual interaction.

Exodus 20:14 He clearly states "Thou shalt not commit adultery" and the bible does not distinguish between adultery and fornication. They are both included in this law. This means no sexual relations before marriage, and complete fidelity to your spouse within marriage.


Matthew 5:28 "But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." This adds controlling your thoughts to the law. Thinking about doing one of the included acts above with someone is breaking this law. 

Also in 3 Nephi 12:29-30 He adds "Behold, I give unto you a commandment, that ye suffer none of these things to enter into your heart; For it is better that ye should deny yourselves of these things, wherein ye will take up your cross, than that ye should be cast into hell." This scripture helps more as we think what else may fall into this category of lusting. two more things I can think of is pornography and masturbation. Both of which are things that if not caused by lust, they certainly will cause us to lust. To clarify what pornography is, it is anything we view, read, or listen to that depicts or describes the human body or sexual conduct in a way that can arouse sexual feelings. This is spiritually killing and highly addictive to both men and women. STAY AWAY FROM IT.

Ephesians 5:3-5 "But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God." This scripture clearly states that fornication is wrong, coveting is wrong(lusting after another). Don't joke about these kind of things, and don't tell other people that breaking this law is ok in any form.

Genesis 3:7 "And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons." Simply stated. Be modest, don't wear clothing that is revealing or sexually suggestive. This includes short shorts and skirts, clothing that is too tight or doesn't cover the stomach. "In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;" (1Timothy 2:9)

Of course this does include men. Wear your shirt, don't be sloppy, look nice. 

Leviticus 18:22-23 "Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination. 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." Clearly stated that sexual relations are between a man and a women. Anything else is not of God.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20  " What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s." Remember that your body is a gift from God. Treat it with respect. Don't defile your body for self pleasure or even for others pleasure. Cloth your body to show your respect and love for God and do what He asks. Also, respect others peoples body in the same way you want yours respected. And if you are unsure if an action or thought is not in line with this commandment, ask God.

To sum up the law of chastity, we do this... Draw a Ginger Bread Man.... Now draw cloths on him.

This is my Ginger Bread Man

 The Law of Chastity is do not:
1. Think about
2. Talk about
3. Touch
4. Look at
5. or Uncover
...what is under the clothing. This includes yourself and other people, men or women.
Simple.


I know that in this world, this is something few people understand or care about. It is something that many people feel is an old law that doesn't apply anymore. God still cares, God still loves us, God still wants us to use His gift in the boundaries He has set. As usual, I invite you to pray to know if this is true and to learn for yourself if this really is a commandment of God.

I personally know it is and I gave seen the fruit. I have felt the spirit more, I have felt better about myself, I respect others more, I feel closer to God, I feel more love for others. There are many more blessings and I know that God will give you if you live the law of chastity.
I say this in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Questions?

Does anyone have questions they would like to ask? Comment on the Q&A tab :)