Biblical teachings on mortal sin

[joclucsylv]

The Catholic church teaches that if a person dies with one mortal sin they are destined for hell. Where in scripture is this teaching? Also, does scripture teach that one sin is worse than another. Thank you for bearing with me with all my questions. I am truly trying to learn!!

 

[kepha1]

The Catholic church teaches that if a person dies with one mortal sin they are destined for hell.

This is a trick statement.

The Catholic Church does not know who is in hell and who isn’t. But she does know what a mortal sin is. The Church has no way of knowing all the facts that God does regarding a persons culpability. Aside from that, God sends no one to hell. People send themselves.

Where in scripture is this teaching?

St. Paul’s letter to the Straw Man.

Also, does scripture teach that one sin is worse than another.

Yes.
1 John 5:16-17; Luke 12:47-48 - there is a distinction between mortal and venial sins. This has been the teaching of the Catholic Church for 2,000 years, but, today, most Protestants no longer agree that there is such a distinction. Mortal sins lead to death and must be absolved in the sacrament of reconciliation. Venial sins do not have to be confessed to a priest, but the pious Catholic practice is to do so in order to advance in our journey to holiness.

Thank you for bearing with me with all my questions. I am truly trying to learn!!

We are all learners; the Church is the teacher, not the other way around.

 

[PiousTemplar]

The Catholic Church isn’t a “We must use terminology and words only if they are located in the Bible” type church. Example: The Word Trinity isn’t found in the Bible, if I can remember correctly. The nature of the Trinity was revealed to the Christians. This thread will be fun.

 

[TimothyH]

I don’t think joclucsylv is trying to trick anyone. Relax. Not every question is a trap.

joclucsylv, mortal and venial sin are directly addressed by John.

If anyone sees his brother sinning, if the sin is not deadly, he should pray to God and he will give him life. This is only for those whose sin is not deadly. There is such a thing as deadly sin, about which I do not say that you should pray. All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that is not deadly. (1 John 5:16-17)

Some will argue that John is speaking about sin which results in the death of a person but that doesn’t make sense in light of Jesus’ own teaching that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.

St. John states that there are two types of sin; that which leads to death and that which does not lead to death. St. John clearly states that sin which does not lead to death (venial) can be repaired (give him life) through prayer. Deadly sin however, leads to spiritual death. In other words, what we now call mortal sin leads to loss of friendship with God. Deadly sin is that which breaks God’s covenant and so it is deadly to our soul. The break in the covenant is not repairable through our own actions. Only through God’s mercy can we be forgiven of our transgression and the ordinary and normal way to access that forgiveness is through confession to a priest and pennance in the sacrament of reconciliation.

All Christians should pause here for the sake of clarity. Mortal sin, as St. John put it, is “Deadly” in every sense of the word. Those who die in a state of unrepentant mortal sin have opened themselves up to the possibility of eternal damnation in Hell. Remember that John was Jesus’ best friend and he learned this directly from Jesus.

But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother shall be liable to the council, and whoever says, “You fool!” shall be liable to the Hell of fire. (Matthew 5:22, NRSV-CE)

Jesus himself teaches us about what appears to be a relative gradation of sin. Note that only the third sort of offense is punished with Hell. Sins of lesser gravity do not expose the sinner to the immediate possibility of hell yet they do leave the sinner open to God’s judgment.

The doctrine of mortal and venial sin is one of the basis’ for Catholic teaching on the beautiful doctrine of purgatory. I wrote about how they fit together here.

-Tim-

 

[dcdurel]

Some examples of mortal sins in the bible:

Galatians 5:19-20
19Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

Notice that St. Paul had to warn them twice, that if they continued to do such things they would not end up in heaven.

 

[steve_b]

The Catholic church teaches that if a person dies with one mortal sin they are destined for hell. Where in scripture is this teaching? Also, does scripture teach that one sin is worse than another. Thank you for bearing with me with all my questions. I am truly trying to learn!!

others have shown where mortal and venial sin is in the bible. Your question remains, will 1 mortal sin send a soul to hell. And where is THAT in the bible?

Didn’t Adam and Eve get thrown out of paradise for committing 1 sin? Yes. We have no idea if they EVER committed another sin after that. Scripture is silent on that. All we know is that 1 sin was all that was necessary to end their stay in paradise. Not an accumulation of sins, just 1 sin committed once.

Fast forward to the NT. dcdural, showed mortal sins mentioned in [Gal 5:19…]. A sin that can land one in hell if one dies with that sin on their soul, by definition is a mortal sin. Therefore, if one committed one of those mortal sins once, and died that day without getting rid of that sin on their soul, they would have continued in that sin until their death. Could they inherit heaven in that condition? Scripture says NO! And so does the Church

***1035 ***The teaching of the Church affirms the existence of hell and its eternity. Immediately after death the souls of those who die in a state of mortal sin descend into hell, where they suffer the punishments of hell, “eternal fire.” The chief punishment of hell is eternal separation from God, in whom alone man can possess the life and happiness for which he was created and for which he longs.

 

[PJM]

=joclucsylv;7871038]The Catholic church teaches that if a person dies with one mortal sin they are destined for hell. Where in scripture is this teaching? Also, does scripture teach that one sin is worse than another. Thank you for bearing with me with all my questions. I am truly trying to learn!!

Let’s do this in two parts: PM me when you have read this, and added your comments; and then I’ll share the REASONS.

** 1John.1 Verses 8 to 10:** "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us."

** 1John.5 Verses 16 to 17**"If any one sees his brother committing what is not a mortal sin, he will ask, and God will give him life for those whose sin is not mortal. ** There is sin which is mortal**; I do not say that one is to pray for that. All wrongdoing is sin, ** but there is sin which is not mortal. **

** John.20 Verses 20 to 23**]" When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. ** Jesus said to them ** again, “Peace be with you. ** As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.” ** And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”

**Lev. 5:5 **“When a man is guilty in any of these [sins] , he shall confess the sin he has committed,”

**Acts.8:22 **Repent therefore of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you.

**2 Cor. 7: 10 **“For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation and brings no regret, but worldly grief produces death.”

Matt.9 [6] But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins" – he then said to the paralytic – “Rise, take up your bed and go home.” [8] When the crowds saw it, they were afraid, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to men.

Matt.10: [1] And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every infirmity

Matt.28: [18] And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. This authority was given by the Father to the HUMAN NATURE of Jesus. Christ as God always possessed it. It was given in conjunction to the merits of Christ earned by His passion and death.

Jn. 20:20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”** Mt. 28:18 shows that Christ has the authority both in His human nature and as God to grant this authority**.

God Bless you my friend,

Pat**

 

[joclucsylv]

This is a trick statement.

The Catholic Church does not know who is in hell and who isn’t. But she does know what a mortal sin is. The Church has no way of knowing all the facts that God does regarding a persons culpability. Aside from that, God sends no one to hell. People send themselves.

St. Paul’s letter to the Straw Man.

Yes.
1 John 5:16-17; Luke 12:47-48 - there is a distinction between mortal and venial sins. This has been the teaching of the Catholic Church for 2,000 years, but, today, most Protestants no longer agree that there is such a distinction. Mortal sins lead to death and must be absolved in the sacrament of reconciliation. Venial sins do not have to be confessed to a priest, but the pious Catholic practice is to do so in order to advance in our journey to holiness.

We are all learners; the Church is the teacher, not the other way around.

It’s not a trick question. I don’t understand the sarcasm of some in this forum, and truly it is not Christian I don’t believe. It is hurtful. I am a 38 year old cradle Catholic who loves the Church and carries alot of Catholic guilt. I truly feel that I will never be good enough for heaven. Currently, I am not receiving communion for being in a state of mortal sin and when I am ready for confession I will go. I am wondering if I would die right now where my soul would go. I do not believe my question is a TRICK question like you imply.
I truly wish this was like facebook and I could block people from commenting on my questions if they come back with a sarcastic comment.

I appreciate all heartful answers.

 

[PJM]

=joclucsylv;7873368]It’s not a trick question. I don’t understand the sarcasm of some in this forum, and truly it is not Christian I don’t believe. It is hurtful. I am a 38 year old cradle Catholic who loves the Church and carries alot of Catholic guilt. I truly feel that I will never be good enough for heaven. Currently, I am not receiving communion for being in a state of mortal sin and when I am ready for confession I will go. I am wondering if I would die right now where my soul would go. I do not believe my question is a TRICK question like you imply.
I truly wish this was like facebook and I could block people from commenting on my questions if they come back with a sarcastic comment.

I appreciate all heartful answers.

My dear friend in Christ,

Know that your NOT ALONE. Many if not most informed, practicing catholics also feel inadiquate; and darn near every Priest, Bishop and Saint feels or felt the same way.

WHY?

Because we are NOT worthy. BUT God knew that when he Created us; and by making us “in His Image” [Gen.1:26-27] part physical and part Spiritual [our minds, intellects, FREEWILL, and souls can be shown, but not quantifid; thus we know; like God, they are Spiritual THINGS.

In creating HUMANITY ALONE with these extrodinary gifts WE; you and Me can FREELY choose to Know, Love, SERVE, Obey and THANK GOD. Those of us who pay the price now in HUMBLE gratitude; WILL REAP the rewards of Eternal Life.

To God it not a matter of who’s worthy [only Mary His Mother was TRULLY AND FULLY worthy], but God accepts our sincere efforts to know, live, and share in COMPLETE obedience to His Church; His Church Authority; His Commandments, His mdte of Love of One another, and to the degree that we make a sincere effort; ask God to guide and guard us daily; give thanks to God daily [Isaiah 43: 7 and 21]; God will bebause it is the feverant desire of His heart and His Will; that we join Him for eternity.

God will, my friend Judge out HEARTS and our efforts FAR more closely than our results.

Develope a Strong Prayer life; attend MASS as often as you can and GET TO COMMUNION [Confession first if Mortal sin is an issue], because that is the SINGLE GREATEST source available to humanit on Planet earth:thumbsup:

ALL of us are sinners. READ 1 Jn.1:8-10; 1 Jn.5: 16-17 and then John 20: 19-23 IN THAT ORDER PLEASE.

It’s TRUE: God does NOT make “junk.” We are in His image; and we are able to follow the example of Jesus and the saints; most notabbly Mary OUR MOTHER TOO!

God NEVER gives Up; Never GAVE UP, nor should we…

Phil.1: 29 “For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, “

Take Up your Cross and Follow Me

Phil.2: 8 “And being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross Luke.9 :23 And he said to all, "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.** Mark.8: 34 **And he called to him the multitude with his disciples, and said to them, "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. **Luke.9: 23 **And he said to all, "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. **Luke.14: 7 **Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me, cannot be my disciple.” **Matt.5: 19 “**Whoever then relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but he who does them and teaches them shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. “ Matt.19: 17 “And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? One there is who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.”

Let us Pray

Love and prayers,

Pat

PM me if you waht to discuss anything