July 15, 2012 – 1 John 5

Here we have a very strong argument in support of the Catholic teaching of mortal and venial sin.  John clearly states that there are levels of sin.  There are sins that are deadly, and sins that are not deadly.  That is pretty much Catholic teaching.  Venial sins are sins that are not deadly, they do not have the effect of completely separating you from God.  Mortal sins are deadly, they separate you from God and if you die with mortal sins unforgiven, Catholic teaching is that you have chosen Hell for eternity.