Confession Dilema

[Cbus]

If someone commits a mortal sin with the preconceived notion that they can go to confession to make up for it, can that confession ever be sincere and thus could the sin be forgiven?

For example, a man is tempted to commit adultery with his neighbor, but before he does, he thinks, “Why not? I can just go to confession later.” Would that confession be valid?

What if after all, he does feel contrite and also confesses to abusing the sacrament? Would that make the confession of adultery valid?

 

[Bookcat]

Yes…with authentic repentance and confession…yes.

Note too that going into such (in addition to the mortal sins of the persons)…is a great danger too…for they may not later repent.

 

[Pat_Payne]

I have a similar question – (sorry about piggybacking on the thread):

What if someone falls into mortal sin, is contrite, but is tempted again before he goes to confession and falls again with the thought “I’m already in mortal sin, how much worse trouble could I be in?”

Is that also presumption, or just the ultimate in bad choices?

 

[Cbus]

Hi Pat…Geeze. I’m guilty of that. Usually it involves not going to Mass after committing a mortal sin. I figure that since I’m already in mortal sin, I might as well skip Mass until I can get to confession. Awful, I know.

I’d be interested in hearing what others have to say on both questions.

 

[TheRealJuliane]

Hi Pat…Geeze. I’m guilty of that. Usually it involves not going to Mass after committing a mortal sin. I figure that since I’m already in mortal sin, I might as well skip Mass until I can get to confession. Awful, I know.

I’d be interested in hearing what others have to say on both questions.

You should not skip Mass, but you should not take the Eucharist. You know you still have the obligation but if you know you are in mortal sin, you should not defile Jesus in that condition.

 

[nonanon]

I have a similar question – (sorry about piggybacking on the thread):

What if someone falls into mortal sin, is contrite, but is tempted again before he goes to confession and falls again with the thought “I’m already in mortal sin, how much worse trouble could I be in?”

Is that also presumption, or just the ultimate in bad choices?

It’s both.

I’ve found myself there in the past, and felt all the worse afterword. I’ve learned that the answer to “…how much worse could it be”? is “a LOT worse”. And learned to recognize that my thoughts turning in that direction means I’ve gotten to a really dark place, and it’s time to turn it around. Those times are when its most important to stand up to the temptation–just say no.

 

[Regina_Love]

The Church recommends immediate repentance to God, and Confession to a Priest ASAP. The GRACE of Confession strengthens you & helps you to avoid the “near occasion of sin” Developing the habit of a particular sin.

That’s why the Priest asks “How many times a sin was committed” It reflects your level of SLAVERY to that sin! All those excuses…That’s satan whispering in your ear giving you the justification to sin again, & join his team of death…cause he HATES you with a passion! You have the opportunity to live in happiness in Heaven for ever! satan lost that, he can’t touch God EXCEPT through those GOD loves. satan goes after God’s children, and tries to seduce us away from our only True Love-GOD. satan wants to steal you away from GOD, and your true destiny. To be in a happy, true, loving unity with GOD and his people, forever!
The battlefield is TODAY! You must choose. WHOM DO YOU SEEK?

 

[Joe_5859]

There is no unforgivable sin besides unrepentance. Therefore, such a person could certainly be forgiven if they are contrite. Their actions would constitute the additional sin of presumption, but so long as they are repentant, they could be forgiven of both sins.

As to the second question, I always recall the illustration some chastity speaker gave when I was in high school. If you drive your car into a tree, you don’t toss up your hands and say, “Well the car is already damaged” and then proceed to back up the car and drive into the tree again and again. That would only make the damage more extensive and the repairs more costly. Rather, you bring the car in to get it fixed taking care not to damage it further. We should have the same attitude with regards to sin. Don’t keep driving into that tree.

I know that’s easier said than done, but it’s something to work towards. Talking it through with the priest in Confession may help, too.

 

[The_Reginator]

The Church recommends immediate repentance to God, and Confession to a Priest ASAP. The GRACE of Confession strengthens you & helps you to avoid the “near occasion of sin” Developing the habit of a particular sin.

That’s why the Priest asks “How many times a sin was committed” It reflects your level of SLAVERY to that sin! All those excuses…That’s satan whispering in your ear giving you the justification to sin again, & join his team of death…cause he HATES you with a passion! You have the opportunity to live in happiness in Heaven for ever! satan lost that, he can’t touch God EXCEPT through those GOD loves. satan goes after God’s children, and tries to seduce us away from our only True Love-GOD. satan wants to steal you away from GOD, and your true destiny. To be in a happy, true, loving unity with GOD and his people, forever!

    The battlefield is TODAY!  You must choose.  WHOM DO YOU SEEK?

There is no unforgivable sin besides unrepentance. Therefore, such a person could certainly be forgiven if they are contrite. Their actions would constitute the additional sin of presumption, but so long as they are repentant, they could be forgiven of both sins.

As to the second question, I always recall the illustration some chastity speaker gave when I was in high school. If you drive your car into a tree, you don’t toss up your hands and say, “Well the car is already damaged” and then proceed to back up the car and drive into the tree again and again. That would only make the damage more extensive and the repairs more costly. Rather, you bring the car in to get it fixed taking care not to damage it further. We should have the same attitude with regards to sin. Don’t keep driving into that tree.

I know that’s easier said than done, but it’s something to work towards. Talking it through with the priest in Confession may help, too.

Two excellent posts!