Mortal Sin
Mortal sins ((Latin) peccata mortalia) are in the theology of some, but not all, Christian denominations wrongful acts that condemn a person to Hell after death if unforgiven. These sins are considered "mortal" because they constitute a rupture in a person's link to God's saving grace: the person's soul becomes "dead", not merely weakened. A mortal sin does not usually mean a sin that cannot be repented; even after a mortal sin there is a chance for repentance. To Catholics repentance and a firm resolution to sin no more or to avoid occasions where one would be likely to give into sin restores the link to God's saving grace in the sacrament of penance and outside it if the contrition is perfect. Perfect contrition rises from the love of God who has been grievously offended. There also must be a resolve to confess the sins in confession when possible. A firm resolution to sin no more or to avoid occasions where one would be likely to give into sin and to satisfy for our sins is needed inside and outside of confession for forgiveness of mortal sins.
The phrase is used in First John 5.16-17:
- If you see your brother or sister committing what is not a mortal sin, you will ask, and God will give life to such a one - to those whose sin is not mortal. There is sin that is mortal; I do not say you should pray about that. All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that is not mortal. (NRSV)
Read more about Mortal Sin: Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, Jehovah's Witnesses
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