Does the Bible Teach Mortal and Venial Sin? The concept of mortal and venial sin has been a topic of debate among Christians, particularly between Roman Catholics and Protestants. While Roman Catholicism distinguishes between mortal and venial sins, Protestant denominations generally reject this distinction. The question arises: Does the Bible teach mortal and venial sin? In this article, we will explore various perspectives on this issue, examining relevant passages from Scripture and theological arguments from both sides.
Understanding Mortal and Venial Sin
Definitions and Meanings from a Catholic Perspective
Before delving into the biblical perspective, it is essential to understand the definitions of mortal and venial sin. According to Roman Catholic teaching, mortal sin is a grave offense against God that results in the loss of sanctifying grace and eternal separation from Him. Venial sin, on the other hand, is viewed as a less serious sin that does not sever one’s relationship with God but still offends Him.
In a nutshell, a mortal sin also referred to as a cardinal sin is an act of serious offense that cuts us off from God’s sanctifying grace. Mortal sins are considered to be the gravest of sins and represent a deliberate turning away from God and His commands.
Mortal Sin Vs Venial Sin
Mortal and venial sins are two types of sins in the Catholic faith. Mortal sin is considered a more serious offense than venial sin because it cuts off one’s relationship with God and must be resolved through confession. For example, breaking a commandment out of ignorance or weakness is considered a venial sin while deliberately disobeying the will of God through malice or pride is considered a mortal sin. According to the Catholic doctrine, both sins can cause spiritual harm and must be repented, but only mortal sins require confession in order to absolve them.
What Makes an Act a Mortal Sin?
For an action to be considered a mortal sin, these three conditions must be present: grave matter, full knowledge, and deliberate consent. One of the conditions that make a sin a mortal one is its graveness. As such, actions that are inherently immoral, inhumane, and evil are considered mortal sins. Also, for an action to be classified as a mortal sin, the one who carries it out should have full knowledge about it. As such, if a person plans to do something and knows that it is impure and evil, it’s considered a mortal sin. And finally if you choose to commit a grave act without someone forcing you, then it’s a mortal sin. Pushing people to sin is considered a venial sin.
Examples of Mortal and Venial Sins
The Catholic Church does not have an exhaustive list of mortal and venial sins. Based on the conditions previously discussed, here are the most common examples of mortal sins: worshipping false gods (idolatry, sacrilege, and atheism), taking a life (abortion, euthanasia, suicide, and murder/manslaughter), marital infidelity (pornography, fornication, prostitution, and rape), stealing (theft, and robbery), deadly sins (pride, anger, lust, envy, gluttony, avarice, and sloth), taking advantage of the poor, and blasphemy.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church describes two main types of venial sin. First, one commits venial sin when “in a less serious matter [than mortal sin], he does not observe the standard prescribed by the moral law” (CCC 1862). In other words, if a person does something immoral but the matter is not serious enough to be gravely immoral, he/she commits only venial sin. As such and for example, deliberate hatred can be venial sin or mortal sin depending on the seriousness of the hatred. The Catechism explains, “Hatred of the neighbor is a sin when one deliberately wishes him evil. Hatred of the neighbor is a grave sin when one deliberately desires him grave harm” (CCC 2303).
Another example is abusive language. “Abusive language is forbidden by the fifth commandment but would be a grave offense only as a result of circumstances or the offender’s intention” (CCC 2073).
The second type of venial sin involves situations in which the matter is serious enough to be gravely immoral, but the offense lacks at least one of the other essential elements required for mortal sin as previously discussed. The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains that one commits only venial sin “when he disobeys the moral law in a grave matter but without full knowledge or without complete consent” (CCC 1862).
An example of this could be masturbation. The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains: To form an equitable judgment about the subjects’ moral responsibility [for masturbation] . . . one must take into account the affective immaturity, force of acquired habit, conditions of anxiety, or other psychological or social factors that can lessen, if not even reduce to a minimum, moral culpability. (CCC 2352)
The Biblical Perspective on Sin
In examining the Bible’s teachings on sin, it becomes apparent that Scripture does not explicitly use the terms “mortal” and “venial” sin. However, it does acknowledge differences in the severity and consequences of sins. The Apostle John addresses this in 1 John 5:16-17, stating that there is sin that leads to death (mortal sin) and sin that does not lead to death (venial sin). This passage suggests that not all sins have the same eternal consequences.
The Severity of Sin in Scripture
Throughout the Bible, we find passages that indicate varying degrees of sin and their corresponding consequences. In Matthew 5:22, Jesus warns against the severity of anger, equating it with the judgment of hell. This suggests that some sins may carry more significant weight than others. Similarly, Luke 12:47-48 speaks of different levels of punishment based on one’s knowledge and actions, indicating varying degrees of guilt and responsibility.
Biblical Lists of Sins
Several biblical lists highlight specific sins that are said to prohibit individuals from inheriting the kingdom of God. For example, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 and Galatians 5:19-21 provide catalogs of sinful behaviors that exclude individuals from God’s kingdom. These lists suggest that certain sins carry more significant consequences than others.
God’s Forgiveness and Repentance
Catholic tradition dictates that those who die with mortal sins are doomed to suffer in hell. But the good news is that our God is a very merciful God. Of course, sin separates us from God. But it doesn’t have to remain that way forever. God sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, because He doesn’t want us to be bound in sin forever. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.“
While there may be differences in the severity of sins, the Bible consistently emphasizes God’s willingness to forgive those who repent and turn to Him. 1 John 1:9 assures believers that if they confess their sins, God is faithful and just to forgive them. This offers hope that no matter the severity of the sin, God’s mercy is available to those who sincerely seek forgiveness.
The Role of Purgatory
The concept of purgatory, often associated with the Roman Catholic understanding of venial sin, is not explicitly taught in Scripture. Purgatory is believed to be a temporary state of purification where individuals undergo cleansing from venial sins before entering heaven. However, Protestant denominations reject this doctrine, as they find no biblical basis for it.
The Role of God’s Grace
Protestant theology emphasizes the sufficiency of God’s grace and the finished work of Christ on the cross for the forgiveness of sins. According to this perspective, all sins, regardless of their severity, can be forgiven through faith in Jesus Christ. This does not diminish the seriousness of sin but rather emphasizes the power of God’s grace to redeem and cleanse.
The Importance of Repentance
Both Roman Catholic and Protestant traditions agree on the importance of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Repentance involves a sincere turning away from sin and a desire to live in obedience to God. Regardless of whether one believes in mortal or venial sins, repentance remains a vital aspect of the Christian faith.
The Final Judgment
The concept of final judgment plays a significant role in understanding the eternal consequences of sin. While the Bible does not explicitly address the fate of individuals who die while committing a mortal sin, it teaches that God, who is just and merciful, will judge each person according to their actions. Ultimately, it is God’s prerogative to determine the eternal destiny of individuals based on His perfect justice and mercy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the question of whether the Bible teaches mortal and venial sin is a complex one. While the terms “mortal” and “venial” are not explicitly used, the Bible does acknowledge varying degrees of sin and their consequences. It emphasizes the need for repentance and the availability of God’s forgiveness through faith in Jesus Christ. Regardless of one’s theological perspective, the central message remains the same: all individuals are in need of God’s grace and forgiveness, and it is through Christ alone that true reconciliation with God is possible.
Does the Bible Teach Mortal and Venial Sin?
1 John 5:16-17 If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and God will give him life—to those who commit sins that do not lead to death. There is sin that leads to death; I do not say that one should pray for that. All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that does not lead to death.
1 John 5:16 If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and God will give him life—to those who commit sins that do not lead to death. There is sin that leads to death; I do not say that one should pray for that.
Matthew 12:31 Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven.
Ephesians 5:3-5 But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.
Group 1 – Does the Bible Teach Mortal and Venial Sin
1 John 5:17 All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that does not lead to death.
Mark 3:29 But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin”—
Luke 12:10 And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but the one who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.
John 8:1-12 But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. Early in the morning he came again to the temple. All the people came to him, and he sat down and taught them. The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery, and placing her in the midst they said to him, “Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery. Now in the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?” …
1 Corinthians 6:9-10 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.
Group 2 – Does the Bible Teach Mortal and Venial Sin
John 20:21-23 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending 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 them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”
Colossians 3:5-8 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming. In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.
Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Galatians 5:19-21 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Group 3 – Does the Bible Teach Mortal and Venial Sin
1 Corinthians 3:11 For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
Matthew 7:7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
Matthew 7:1-2 “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.
1 John 5:1-21 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? …
Group 4 – Does the Bible Teach Mortal and Venial Sin
John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
Genesis 18:20 Then the Lord said, “Because the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great and their sin is very grave,
1 Corinthians 6:18 Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.
Romans 12:17-21 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Group 5 – Does the Bible Teach Mortal and Venial Sin
1 Corinthians 5:1 It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is not tolerated even among pagans, for a man has his father’s wife.
1 Timothy 3:15 If I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth.
1 Corinthians 3:10-15 According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it. For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. …
Group 6 – Does the Bible Teach Mortal and Venial Sin
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 5:17 All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that does not lead to death.
1 John 5:16-17 If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and God will give him life—to those who commit sins that do not lead to death. There is sin that leads to death; I do not say that one should pray for that. All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that does not lead to death.
1 John 3:4 Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness.
1 John 5:16 If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and God will give him life—to those who commit sins that do not lead to death. There is sin that leads to death; I do not say that one should pray for that.
1 Timothy 5:8 But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
Group 7 – Does the Bible Teach Mortal and Venial Sin
1 Timothy 3:15 If I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth.
Luke 12:47-48 And that servant who knew his master’s will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating. But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.
1 John 5:1-21 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? …
Group 8 – Does the Bible Teach Mortal and Venial Sin
1 Timothy 1:13 Though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief,
Ephesians 2:1-3 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.
Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
John 19:11 Jesus answered him, “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin.”
Group 9 – Does the Bible Teach Mortal and Venial Sin
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
Matthew 19:7-9 They said to him, “Why then did Moses command one to give a certificate of divorce and to send her away?” He said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. And I say to you: whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery.”
Matthew 16:18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
1 John 3:9 No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God.
1 John 3:5 You know that he appeared in order to take away sins, and in him there is no sin.
1 John 1:8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
Group 10 – Does the Bible Teach Mortal and Venial Sin
James 2:24 You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.
2 Peter 1:4 By which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.
James 1:14-15 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
Hebrews 12:23 And to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect,
Hebrews 4:15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.
2 Timothy 1:9 Who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began,
Group 11 – Does the Bible Teach Mortal and Venial Sin
Ephesians 2:20 Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone,
Philippians 2:12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,
Ephesians 5:5 For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.
Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,
Galatians 5:1 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.
1 Corinthians 10:31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
Group 12 – Does the Bible Teach Mortal and Venial Sin
1 Corinthians 3:15 If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.
1 Corinthians 9:27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.
1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
Romans 8:4 In order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
1 Corinthians 6:9-10 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.
Group 13 – Does the Bible Teach Mortal and Venial Sin
Romans 7:18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out.
1 Corinthians 4:4-5 For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God.
Romans 7:1-25 Or do you not know, brothers—for I am speaking to those who know the law—that the law is binding on a person only as long as he lives? For a married woman is bound by law to her husband while he lives, but if her husband dies she is released from the law of marriage. Accordingly, she will be called an adulteress if she lives with another man while her husband is alive. But if her husband dies, she is free from that law, and if she marries another man she is not an adulteress. Likewise, my brothers, you also have died to the law through the body of Christ, so that you may belong to another, to him who has been raised from the dead, in order that we may bear fruit for God. …
Group 14 – Does the Bible Teach Mortal and Venial Sin
Romans 3:11 No one understands; no one seeks for God.
Romans 6:12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions.
Romans 5:20 Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more,
Romans 3:20 For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.
Romans 2:1-29 Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things. Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. …
Group 15 – Does the Bible Teach Mortal and Venial Sin
Romans 3:10 As it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one;
Acts 17:30 The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent,
John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
John 9:41 Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no guilt; but now that you say, ‘We see,’ your guilt remains.
John 8:24 I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that I am he you will die in your sins.”
Luke 22:37 For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in me: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors.’ For what is written about me has its fulfillment.”
Luke 6:46 “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?
Matthew 12:31 Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven.
Group 16 – Does the Bible Teach Mortal and Venial Sin
Matthew 7:1-29 “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye. …
1 Samuel 15:22 And Samuel said, “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.
Judges 20:16 Among all these were 700 chosen men who were left-handed; every one could sling a stone at a hair and not miss.
Matthew 5:28 But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
2 Kings 17:13 Yet the Lord warned Israel and Judah by every prophet and every seer, saying, “Turn from your evil ways and keep my commandments and my statutes, in accordance with all the Law that I commanded your fathers, and that I sent to you by my servants the prophets.”
