We are still able to do good while in the state of mortal sin, correct?

[Balaco]

I recently read a post by someone stating that, if we are in a state of mortal sin, we are unable to do good and are cut off from God.

I had thought that, while mortal sin obviously steers us away from God, as long as we feel genuine guilt and have genuine intentions on confessing, we are still with God and need to move on from our sins - even if we are currently in the state of mortal sin. Am I correct?

And being in the state of mortal sin doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy our lives, as long as we have genuine intentions on moving on, correct?

 

[PureChaos]

Being in mortal sin prevents us from meriting anything from our good works/prayers/etc. But yes we can still do good, as long as you are sorry for your sins and ask Gods forgiveness, He forgives you, you just need to be absolved by a priest to get sanctifying grace back.
And yes you can still enjoy yourself.
God is not so much angry with us when we sin through weakness as he is when we sin on purpose, and He is still with you and helping you even if you lose your sanctifying grace.

Hope that helps :> take care.

 

[TK421]

No, you can’t do anything meritorious while in a state of mortal sin, but it’s not as bad as it sounds because a person in mortal sin wouldn’t care about this question in the first place because they don’t desire to be reconciled with God, and moreover, we cannot authoritatively say who is and isn’t in mortal sin. That’s God’s domain. Also, a soul who is in mortal sin doesn’t mean that God isn’t active. God is active with the conversion of a soul every second of their life. If God weren’t active in the soul of a mortal sinner it would be impossible for repentance to happen.

A Catholic who examines their conscience and is perfectly contrite for their sin is immediately put into a state of grace. Reconciliation, like all sacraments, is a public means of receiving grace and that is when we receive absolution with the Church and communion is opened to us. In any sacrament, there are always a minimum of three gathered (you, a priest, and Jesus).

 

[Balaco]

No, you can’t do anything meritorious while in a state of mortal sin

What exactly do you two mean by this statement?

but it’s not as bad as it sounds because a person in mortal sin wouldn’t care about this question in the first place because they don’t desire to be reconciled with God

I’m a bit confused about this. I made this thread as I was doing research after possibly committing mortal sin (I say possibly as I feel like I was overwhelmed by emotion at the time, but I’m not completely positive). Is it not possible to have committed not yet confessed mortal sin and still desire to reconcile with God?

A Catholic who examines their conscience and is perfectly contrite for their sin is immediately put into a state of grace.

I’m assuming this is done by making a perfect act of contrition, aside from obviously going to confession?

 

[dshix]

Balaco,

The important thing here is to understand the difference between “doing good” and “meriting”.

We can always do good, whether in a state or mortal sin or not. We have free will, and can do good things whenever we wish.

However, whether or not we receive “merits” from our good works depends on our state of grace. “Merits” are the spiritual riches which result from our good actions, which can be used to give glory to God and to do restitution for our sins.

When you are NOT in a state of grace, however, your actions are not “meritorious”, meaning, the value of your good actions are lost because you are cut off from God.

This is one of the many reasons why it is so very important to return to the state of grace as soon as possible. When you are cut off from God, you are cut off from His grace, and by extension, you are at high risk for going to Hell.

I can’t emphasize enough that staying in the state of mortal sin is the most dangerous thing a human being can do. That person is at constant risk of Hell: eternal damnation. Eternity is beyond our comprehension, and it means much more than a “very long time”. It is literally “forever”.

 

[z_0101]

This very same question was asked here on EWTN, notice the answer isn’t exactly “cut-n-dried” not simple as many would like (the formatting didn’t make it thru the cut-n-paste ).

I’ve highlighted the last sentence in the answer, IMHO, that’s the “nutshell” answer to the question.

ewtn.com/v/experts/showmessage_print.asp?number=370419&language=enewtn.com/v/experts/showmessage_print.asp?number=370419&language=en
Answer by David Gregson on 07-23-2003:

There are two kinds of merit, in theology called de condigno and de congruo. Merit de condigno (or condign merit) is merit in the strict sense. It is a just claim to a reward for some act beneficial or pleasing to the one for whom it was done. To merit from God in this sense is based not on any real benefit we can offer Him, since He is entirely self-sufficient and needs nothing from us, but on His promise to reward certain acts or kinds of behavior. These acts are always God-centered, being done for love of God and with the ultimate goal of being united with Him. They can only be done in a state of sanctifying grace, because only in this grace-filled state are we able to put God above ourselves. That means we can’t merit de condigno if we’re in mortal sin. Nor can we even keep the merits we’d gained before falling into mortal sin. However, when we’re restored to grace, on confessing our sins and receiving absolution, all the merits we’d lost are returned to us. We start where we left off in our journey to God.

Merit de congruo (or congruous merit), on the other hand, can be gained even if we’re not in a state of grace. This claim to a reward is not based on what we really deserve, but on the graciousness and liberality of the Giver. As it applies to prayer, God may hear it or He may not. He’s under no real obligation to hear it, since a person in mortal sin is technically His enemy, having sided with the devil in whatever choice(s) landed him in sin. But often God does hear the prayers of sinners. In those cases, the impulse or motivation to pray was probably itself a grace from God (i.e., an “actual” grace, which may be given us even when we have lost sanctifying grace.) And where it is in response to a grace from God, prayer has some claim to be heard. It merits de congruo. Other good works done in a state of sin may also be in response to graces from God, and so merit in the same sense.

Congruous merit gained in a state of sin doesn’t contribute directly to our salvation. It doesn’t earn a reward in heaven. But it does dispose us to receive sanctifying grace, without which we’ll never reach heaven. So, to answer your question, prayers and good works done between mortal sin and absolution are not wasted. They make us more receptive to sanctifying grace when it is restored to us, and the more receptive we are, the more we benefit from it.

EWTN’s Catholic Experts (link)
David M. Gregson, Ph.D.
Dr. Gregson is a member of the theology department at EWTN, working primarily with Online Services. He did his undergraduate studies in English at Penn State University, spent four years in the US Navy, and then studied for his doctorate in philosophy at Temple University in Philadelphia. The topic for his dissertation was St. Augustine’s “Trinitarian Metaphysics of Knowledge.”

EWTN
5817 Old Leeds Rd.
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Phone: (205) 271-2900

 

[Balaco]

Balaco,

The important thing here is to understand the difference between “doing good” and “meriting”.

We can always do good, whether in a state or mortal sin or not. We have free will, and can do good things whenever we wish.

However, whether or not we receive “merits” from our good works depends on our state of grace. “Merits” are the spiritual riches which result from our good actions, which can be used to give glory to God and to do restitution for our sins.

When you are NOT in a state of grace, however, your actions are not “meritorious”, meaning, the value of your good actions are lost because you are cut off from God.

Are we still able to give glory to God, make restitution, and pray for others (including the souls in Purgatory) without merits… or are merits the only gateway to doing these things? I’m gathering that we still can, from z_0101’s post.

I understand the necessity to leave the state of mortal sin, though I’m making sure I understand the conditions we may face before going to confession.

 

[mikekle]

Balaco,

The important thing here is to understand the difference between “doing good” and “meriting”.

We can always do good, whether in a state or mortal sin or not. We have free will, and can do good things whenever we wish.

However, whether or not we receive “merits” from our good works depends on our state of grace. “Merits” are the spiritual riches which result from our good actions, which can be used to give glory to God and to do restitution for our sins.

When you are NOT in a state of grace, however, your actions are not “meritorious”, meaning, the value of your good actions are lost because you are cut off from God.

This is one of the many reasons why it is so very important to return to the state of grace as soon as possible. When you are cut off from God, you are cut off from His grace, and by extension, you are at high risk for going to Hell.

I can’t emphasize enough that staying in the state of mortal sin is the most dangerous thing a human being can do. That person is at constant risk of Hell: eternal damnation. Eternity is beyond our comprehension, and it means much more than a “very long time”. It is literally “forever”.

If you were cut off from God or his grace, why would the person even be doing any good works or acts, or even desire to?

 

[Techno2000]

I recently read a post by someone stating that, if we are in a state of mortal sin, we are unable to do good and are cut off from God.

I had thought that, while mortal sin obviously steers us away from God, as long as we feel genuine guilt and have genuine intentions on confessing, we are still with God and need to move on from our sins - even if we are currently in the state of mortal sin. Am I correct?

And being in the state of mortal sin doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy our lives, as long as we have genuine intentions on moving on, correct?

And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

1 Peter 4:8

Alms for the Poor
As water extinguishes a blazing fire, so almsgiving atones for sin.

Sirach 3:30

For charity delivers from death and keeps you from entering the darkness;

Tobit 4:1

 

[dshix]

Are we still able to give glory to God, make restitution, and pray for others (including the souls in Purgatory) without merits… or are merits the only gateway to doing these things? I’m gathering that we still can, from z_0101’s post.

I understand the necessity to leave the state of mortal sin, though I’m making sure I understand the conditions we may face before going to confession.

You are actually unable to make restitution for sins or offer prayers for others while in a state of mortal sin. Both of those things require merits.

I think you can still give glory to God, but you don’t receive any merits for doing so until you’re back in the state of grace.

If you were cut off from God or his grace, why would the person even be doing any good works or acts, or even desire to?

It happens. Can you think of a reason why it would not? One can falter, and commit mortal sin, while still desiring to be a good person.

 

[mikekle]

It happens. Can you think of a reason why it would not? One can falter, and commit mortal sin, while still desiring to be a good person.

Well, if a person is living in mortal sin and has not confessed, whether due to them not being sorry or trying to justify the act, doesnt seem possible they would seek to do good. Scripture implies there is no middle ground, you are either hot or cold. Sin is also progressive by nature, someone trying to justify little sins WILL eventually try to justify big sins.

If its possible for someone to be truly happy and content without Gods grace or while in mortal sin, that is a big problem.

 

[Balaco]

You are actually unable to make restitution for sins or offer prayers for others while in a state of mortal sin. Both of those things require merits.

I’m in a situation where I’m not 100% sure if I’m in a state of mortal sin, and due to family circumstances I may not be able to go to confession for a while (though I genuinely attend to do so) but I still want to be able to pray for others. What am I to do here…am I only able to pray for myself and give thanks to God until I can make it to confession?

 

[z_0101]

I’m in a situation where I’m not 100% sure if I’m in a state of mortal sin, and due to family circumstances I may not be able to go to confession for a while (though I genuinely attend to do so) but I still want to be able to pray for others. What am I to do here…am I only able to pray for myself and give thanks to God until I can make it to confession?

Please take a look again at my Post #6. While your prayers may not merit yourself Sanctifying Grace they may certainly be heard by God, especially if these are motivated by the direct grace of God (see below) and as such may help to strengthen your resolve to obtain absolution for your current state, help prevent you from committing further offense, and may be of help to both the living and the dead.

While you are making arrangements to receive reconciliation, if you are not already, may I suggest that you take up the Divine Mercy Chaplet as a personal devotion. There are couple of links in my signature, Divine Mercy which links to (IMHO) one if the best sung versions, and the second to Fr. Chris Alar, MIC: Divine Mercy Conference. I attended one of his presentations on the Divine Mercy and it’s … profound, for the lack of a better word.

If you were cut off from God or his grace, why would the person even be doing any good works or acts, or even desire to?

You might want to re-read my post ( #6 )

(…) But often God does hear the prayers of sinners. In those cases, **the impulse or motivation to pray was probably itself a grace from God **(i.e., an “actual” grace, which may be given us even when we have lost sanctifying grace.) And where it is in response to a grace from God, prayer has some claim to be heard. It merits de congruo. Other good works done in a state of sin may also be in response to graces from God, and so merit in the same sense. (…)

 

[Balaco]

I see, so perhaps I misunderstood what dshix meant by not being able to pray for others. We can pray for others, and can still see these prayers answered…they simply won’t grant me sanctifying grace.

 

[z_0101]

I see, so perhaps I misunderstood what dshix meant by not being able to pray for others. We can pray for others, and can still see these prayers answered…they simply won’t grant me sanctifying grace.

I do want to mention one thing here, some people are very hard on themselves when it comes to “Mortal Sin.” I don’t know you nor what it is that you believe has placed you in a state of Mortal sin; however, I feel compelled to caution you about being overly scrupulous.

Reading thru many of your other posts/threads it sounds like you are at a difficult point in your faith journey. I usually advise finding a good spiritual director, and as many have pointed out to me, this is not always easy and may be more difficult in your situation; however, I think you would find such guidance to be most beneficial.

Ok, let’s hit the nail on the head:

If you will take careful note of the last sentence of Dr. Gregson’s answer in my post, IMHO, that should support what you are saying. This is also how I interpreted Dr. Gregson’s answer and I have seen this same type of answer, if not in as many words, from other Apologists that I would trust as being true to the faith and the Magisterium.

DSHIX answer, while good, is not as clear as I think intended, and appears to be primarily referring to the merits that one receives while in a state of Sanctifying Grace, Merit de condigno, and down plays Merit de congruo that one receives as a Mercy from God, IMHO, both are received by the Mercy of God - I’ve heard it said many times by Apologists, Deacons, Priests, and Bishops - No prayer or good act is lost, God can and will use it for the salvation of Mankind.

I do however, agree in principle, with DSHIX last statement - that staying in the state of mortal sin is the most dangerous thing a human being can do for our eternal soul.

With that said, God has mercy, he doesn’t want us to chose the dark path. Even in your case there may be salvation for a truly contrite heart which is why I suggested the devotion to the Divine Mercy. In the private revelation to St. Faustina (taken from thedivinemercy.org/library/article.php?NID=3987)
Repeatedly, in His conversations with Sister Faustina, the Lord spoke of His merciful response to souls that trust in Him: I desire to grant unimaginable graces, He told her, to those souls who trust in My mercy. … Sooner would heaven and earth turn into nothingness than would My mercy not embrace a trusting soul (Diary 687, 1777).

Over and over again, He stressed that He could never reject a repentant heart, never refuse an appeal to His mercy:

I am Mercy itself for the contrite soul. … Souls that make an appeal to My mercy delight me. To such souls, I grant even more graces than they ask. I cannot punish even the greatest sinner if he makes an appeal to My compassion (Diary 1739, 1146).

further, from the Oblates of Divine Mercy (saint-faustina.com/drp/?q=chaplet),
Jesus told St. Faustina that He would rather be merciful than just towards sinners. In order to spread devotion to His mercy, He has given us many tools and gifts. One of the most important messages and powerful gifts Jesus gave to St. Faustina was a very special prayer: The Divine Mercy Chaplet. He calls it the last refuge for hardened sinners and it is a powerful tool in the fight for souls.

Trust in our Lord, pray the Divine Mercy chaplet daily, and arrange to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation as soon as you can - you may have to call the parish office and make arrangements, talk with a priest and explain your situation.

 

[z_0101]

You are actually unable to make restitution for sins

While in Mortal Sin, this I would agree with, in principle. However, this doesn’t mean that one shouldn’t still make the attempt at reasonable restitution.

or offer prayers for others while in a state of mortal sin.

This however, is not so clear, I think perhaps if you could point out something in the Magisterium that would support your position?

Dr. Gregson, appears to disagree with your position as does Fr. Schmitz
( YouTube: Ascension Presents - Praying in a State of Mortal Sin (link) )

Both of those things require merits.

in regards to Sanctifying Grace I would agree; however, God is ALWAYS giving us grace and there are merits from prayer and good acts that, while may not be applicable for our Sanctifying Grace, are still effective for the good and salvation of the world that God, thru His Mercy, truly desires.

 

[Balaco]

I do want to mention one thing here, some people are very hard on themselves when it comes to “Mortal Sin.” I don’t know you nor what it is that you believe has placed you in a state of Mortal sin; however, I feel compelled to caution you about being overly scrupulous.

Reading thru many of your other posts/threads it sounds like you are at a difficult point in your faith journey. I usually advise finding a good spiritual director, and as many have pointed out to me, this is not always easy and may be more difficult in your situation; however, I think you would find such guidance to be most beneficial.

Yep, recently I’ve felt more inclined to make sure I’m understanding/growing in my faith. Through this I’ve found that my understanding of prayer was much more limited than I thought. For years I had thought my only prayers were when I took some time at night to pray the Our Father and Hail Mary, then discussing my day/asking for help/thanking God for various aspects of the world through sentences. I now recognize that our actions and thoughts, and simply recognizing God in our minds, almost as a form of breathing, are also prayerful. It’s a bit hard adjusting

As for mortal sin, as I’ve said I’m not completely sure I’m in a state of mortal sin, but I’d like to think I have genuine intentions of confessing. This is all made a bit harder due to my challenge of talking to my family about the faith, and going to Mass and confession. Until I can get to confession (if in the state of mortal sin), I feel I need to simply (yet genuinely) accept I’ve offended God, and not necessarily let it negatively impact me or my day. Obviously, I still need to recognize the sincerity of the situation, and God knows whether I truly do.

I’m trying to avoid being scrupulous or obsessive, and I think most of the time it’s just that I’m worried about being worried. Lately praying the Hail Mary or even making the Sign of the Cross, for example, I’ve felt like I’m overthinking the words and not recognizing their meaning. Overall I feel like I need to maintain confidence in my knowledge, and even when I end up being wrong about something, God focuses on our intentions. I need to remember that God literally knows all.

Thanks to all of you for your patience and answers.

 

[Techno2000]

Yep, recently I’ve felt more inclined to make sure I’m understanding/growing in my faith. Through this I’ve found that my understanding of prayer was much more limited than I thought. For years I had thought my only prayers were when I took some time at night to pray the Our Father and Hail Mary, then discussing my day/asking for help/thanking God for various aspects of the world through sentences. I now recognize that our actions and thoughts, and simply recognizing God in our minds, almost as a form of breathing, are also prayerful. It’s a bit hard adjusting

As for mortal sin, as I’ve said I’m not completely sure I’m in a state of mortal sin, but I’d like to think I have genuine intentions of confessing. This is all made a bit harder due to my challenge of talking to my family about the faith, and going to Mass and confession. Until I can get to confession (if in the state of mortal sin), I feel I need to simply (yet genuinely) accept I’ve offended God, and not necessarily let it negatively impact me or my day. Obviously, I still need to recognize the sincerity of the situation, and God knows whether I truly do.

I’m trying to avoid being scrupulous or obsessive, and I think most of the time it’s just that I’m worried about being worried. Lately praying the Hail Mary or even making the Sign of the Cross, for example, I’ve felt like I’m overthinking the words and not recognizing their meaning. Overall I feel like I need to maintain confidence in my knowledge, and even when I end up being wrong about something, God focuses on our intentions. I need to remember that God literally knows all.

Thanks to all of you for your patience and answers.

“It is My intention also, to show souls that I never refuse grace, even to those who are guilty of grave sin; nor do I separate them from the good souls whom I love with predilection. I keep them all in My Heart, that all may receive the help needed for their state of soul.” -Jesus to Sr. Josefa Menendez

mysticsofthechurch.com/2009/12/sister-josefa-menendez-way-of-divine.html

 

[Balaco]

Thinking about it, is it impossible to love God and praise Mary with all our hearts without sanctifying grace, then? Would we be still able to be able to pray phrases like “With all my heart I praise thee, Most Holy Virgin…”? And can we still consecrate ourselves while in a state of mortal sin?

 

[dshix]

Thank you to z_0101 for explaining better than I could have. He correctly reflects what I was attempting to say.