Copyright © 2006 By Doug Lawrence. All Rights Reserved.
Catechism Of The Catholic Church Reprinted With Permission.
- 11 -
Living In Sin
(Volume 1 - Part 2) - Commentary By: Doug Lawrence
From Adam's "fall" to Jesus' death, all of mankind (except for
John the Baptist, and the Blessed Virgin Mary) "lived in sin".
Today, ignoring the dire consequences, untold millions continue to choose
sinful life styles, never stopping to consider how that choice might affect
their death style.
One only needs to look around to see that
every evil in the world is the result of sin.
Despite 21st century advances in science,
medicine and technology, sin remains as
mankind's "public enemy number one".
So that you, through Christ, may
truly overcome evil and so doing,
overcome the world, here's the
"straight dope" on sin.
Most people would agree that the term,
"living in sin" has always referred to
heterosexual (male/female) couples living
together (and being sexually active with
each other) without benefit of the
Sacrament of Matrimony.
Homosexual couples that live together (and routinely have sex with each other)
are also "living in sin". But sacramental Marriage can never be any part of the
equation, in this case.
Broadening the definition somewhat, anyone guilty of a serious,
intentional, unconfessed, unrepented and unforgiven offense
against God or man is also likely to be "living in sin".
Specifically …
Anyone who freely chooses a course of action that is gravely sinful, with full
knowledge that it is gravely sinful, commits a "mortal" sin that is serious
enough to result in spiritual death, effectively cutting that person off from
the grace of God.
Based on everything we know, if an individual were to die in such a decrepit
spiritual state, or if Christ decided to suddenly return and bring the present
world age to an end, eternity in hell might be the most likely outcome.
Jesus Christ is the final judge in these matters, but each of us is charged
with the duty of educating our personal conscience as to the nature and
types of sin, based on the Magisterial teachings of the Church and the
revelation of both Scripture and Tradition.
Those Who Built The Tower of Babel
Offended God
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