Search This Blog

What is Sin According to the Catholic Catechism? Do Different Sins Need Different Sacrifices?


WHAT IS SIN?
DO DIFFERENT SINS NEED DIFFERENT SACRIFICES?

The Catholic Blog - Helping people find answers to the most common questions about Catholicism with answers from the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the Bible. (www.catholic.blog )


“Do different sins need different sacrifices?” - Important Passages of The Catechism of the Catholic Church to Consider:

  • “The distinction between mortal and venial sin, already evident in Scripture, became part of the tradition of the Church.  It is corroborated by human experience” (CCC 1854)
  • “Mortal sin destroys charity in the heart of man by a grave violation of God’s law; it turns man away from God, who is his ultimate end and his beatitude by preferring and inferior good to him” (CCC 1855)
  • “Venial sin allows charity to subsist, even though it offends and wounds it” (CCC 1855)
  • “Mortal sin…necessitates a new initiative of God’s mercy and a conversion of the heart which is normally accomplished within the sacrament of reconciliation” (CCC 1856)
  • “Mortal sin is sin whose object is grave matter and which is also committed with full knowledge and deliberate consent” (CCC 1857)
  • “Grave matter is specified by the Ten Commandments” (CCC 1858)
  • “Grave sin deprives us of communion with God and therefore makes us incapable of eternal life” (CCC 1472)
  • “every sin, even venial, entails an unhealthy attachment to creatures, which must be purified here on earth, or after death in a state called Purgatory” (CCC 1472)
  • “this purification frees one from what is called the ‘temporal punishment’ of sin” (CCC 1472)


“Do different sins need different sacrifices?” - Important Scriptures to Consider:

  • 1 John 2:16–17 “For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. [17] And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever." (ESV)
  • Galatians 2:16 “yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.” (ESV)
  • Romans 3:19–20 “Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. [20] For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.” (ESV)
  • Matthew 5:20 "For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (ESV)
  • Galatians 2:20–21 "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. [21] I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.” (ESV)
  • Mark 10:26–27 “And they were exceedingly astonished, and said to him, “Then who can be saved?” [27] Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.” (ESV)
  • James 2:10 “For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it.” (ESV)
  • James 4:17 "So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” (ESV)
  • 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.” (ESV)
  • Hebrews 7:27 “He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself.” (ESV)
  • Romans 8:1–2 “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. [2] For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.” (ESV)


“Do different sins need different sacrifices?” - Important Questions to Consider:

  • Is 1 John 2:16-17 distinguishing between different levels of sin or different ways in which we are tempted to sin?  
  • Is tradition alone such a valid tool to determine whether someone goes to Heaven, Hell or Purgatory?
  • Where does the Bible rank, compare, and evaluate the seriousness of sin?
  • What does James 2:10 mean?  What does James 4:17 mean?
  • What is the purpose of the law according to Romans 3:19–20?  Can fulfilling the law save us?
  • Is it possible to fulfill the Ten Commandments?  Who is the only one who has fulfilled the law?
  • How can we obtain a righteousness that “exceeds the scribes and the Pharisees”?
  • In the story of the rich young man (Mark 10:17-27), how did Jesus answer his question?  Is it possible for man to save himself by fulfilling the Ten Commandments?
  • Does 1 John 1:9 say anything about different kinds of sins or different ways of obtaining forgiveness?  How do we receive forgiveness? Who do we confess to according to this verse?
  • Where does the Bible speak about purgatory?  If purgatory exists, why would it exist if we are already forgiven “from all unrighteousness”?
  • What does Romans 8:1-2 mean?


Subscribe to “The Catholic Blog” on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC03uZywULBplunOmh4nCB2A    
Free Books for Catholics: www.catholic.blog/books 
Free Videos for Catholics: www.catholic.blog/videos 
Frequently Asked Catholic Questions: www.catholic.blog

You can download the free eBook "A Biblical Study of The Catechism of the Catholic Church" at www.catholic.blog or purchase a Kindle, paperback, or hardback version at Amazon (www.amazon.com/gp/product/B098L1MRLK).

WHAT IS A VALID CHURCH? IS THE CATHOLIC CHURCH THE ONLY TRUE CHURCH?




WHAT IS A VALID CHURCH?
IS THE CATHOLIC CHURCH THE ONLY TRUE CHURCH?


The Catholic Blog - Helping people find answers to the most common questions about Catholicism with answers from the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the Bible. (www.catholic.blog )



“Is the Catholic Church the Only True Church?” - Important Passages of The Catechism of the Catholic Church to Consider:

  • “The Church is the Temple of the Holy Spirit” (CCC 809)
  • “This is the sole Church of Christ” (CCC 811)
  • “The sole Church of Christ [is that] which our Savior, after his Resurrection, entrusted to Peter’s pastoral care, commissioning him and the other apostles to extend and rule it. … This Church, constituted and organized as a society in the present world, subsists in (subsistit in) the Catholic Church, which is governed by the successor of Peter and by the bishops in communion with him.” (CCC 816)
  • “For it is through Christ’s Catholic Church alone, which is the universal hope toward salvation, that the fullness of the means of salvation can be obtained” (CCC 816)


“Is the Catholic Church the Only True Church?” - Important Scriptures to Consider:

  • 1 Corinthians 6:19–20 “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, [20] for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” (ESV)
  • 1 Corinthians 3:16–17 “Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? [17] If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple.” (ESV)
  • 2 Timothy 3:15 “the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” (ESV)
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:9–10 “For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, [10] who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him.” (ESV)
  • Hebrews 10:24-25 “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near”
  • Ephesians 1:22-23 “the church, which is his body
  • 1 Corinthians 12:20 “As it is, there are many parts, yet one body.”
  • 1 Corinthians 12:27-31 “Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.28 And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But earnestly desire the higher gifts.  And I will show you a still more excellent way.”


“Is the Catholic Church the Only True Church?” - Important Questions to Consider:

  • Is God’s Spirit constrained to a building or a denomination?
  • What is a church?  What is the purpose of a church?
  • Are all churches valid?  What constitutes a true church?
  • Does salvation come through a church or through Jesus?
  • How do we most accurately learn about Jesus?
  • How do we ensure our faith is true?


Subscribe to “The Catholic Blog” on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC03uZywULBplunOmh4nCB2A    
Free Books for Catholics: www.catholic.blog/books 
Free Videos for Catholics: www.catholic.blog/videos 
Frequently Asked Catholic Questions: www.catholic.blog  


You can download the free eBook "A Biblical Study of The Catechism of the Catholic Church" at www.catholic.blog or purchase a Kindle or paperback version at Amazon (www.amazon.com/gp/product/B098L1MRLK )

Who Can Teach Authoritatively? Can Only Catholic Priests, Bishops, & Popes Interpret the Bible?

 


WHO CAN TEACH AUTHORITATIVELY?

CAN ONLY CATHOLIC PRIESTS, BISHOPS, & POPES INTERPRET THE BIBLE?


“Can only Catholic Priests Interpret the Bible Authentically?” - Important Passages of The Catechism of the Catholic Church to Consider:

  • “It is clear therefore that, in the supremely wise arrangement of God, sacred Tradition, Sacred Scripture, and the Magisterium of the Church are so connected and associated  that one of them cannot stand without the others.  Working together each in its own way, under the action of the one Holy Spirit, they all contribute effectively to the salvation of souls.” (CCC 95)
  • “The task of giving an authentic interpretation of the Word of God, whether in its written form or the form of Tradition, has been entrusted to the living, teaching office of the Church alone” (CCC 85)
  • “The task of interpreting the Word of God authentically has been entrusted solely to the Magesterium of the Church, that is, to the Pope and to the bishops in communion with him.” (CCC 100)
  • “It was by the apostolic Tradition that the Church discerned which writings are to be included in the list of the sacred books.” (CCC 120)
  • “Tobit, Judith…1 and 2 Maccabees…Wisdom, Sirach (Ecclesiasticus)…Baruch” (CCC 120)
  • “Sacred Scripture is written principally in the Church’s heart rather than in documents and records.” (CCC 113)


“Can only Catholic Priests Interpret the Bible Authentically?” - Important Scriptures to Consider:

  • 2 Timothy 3:16–17 “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, [17] that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (ESV)
  • 2 Timothy 3:15 “how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”
  • Psalm 19:7–14 “The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; [8] the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes”
  • John 10:27–30 “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. [28] I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. [29] My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. [30] I and the Father are one.” (ESV)
  • 1 Peter 2:5–9 “you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. [6] For it stands in Scripture: ‘Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.” [7] So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” [8] and “A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. [9] But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." (ESV)
  • 1 Timothy 2:5 “For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus”
  • Hebrews 10:12 "But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God,”
  • Hebrews 4:14–16 “Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. [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. [16] Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (ESV)
  • 1 Corinthians 2:11–13 “For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. [12] Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. [13] And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.” (ESV)
  • John 14:26 “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.”
  • Ephesians 1:17–18 “that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, [18] having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints” (ESV)
  • John 16:13 “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.” (ESV)
  • Jeremiah 17:9 “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it” (ESV)
  • Matthew 21:42 "Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures”
  • 1 Timothy 4:13 “Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.” (ESV)
  • Revelation 1:3 “Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.” (ESV)


“Can only Catholic Priests Interpret the Bible Authentically?” - Important Questions to Consider:

  • If the Roman Catholic Church is has the exclusive claim to “authentic interpretation”, does that mean Orthodox and Protestant Churches are invalid?
  • What does it mean to say that the Bible cannot stand without the Roman Catholic Tradition and Magisterium?  Is that a biblical claim?
  • Who saves us?  Jesus alone? A Church or Denomination?
  • Who are Christians called to follow?
  • Are the biblical claims to authority based on faithfulness to God or the chronological/familial lineage?  What happened in the Bible if a King/Judge/Prophet was unfaithful to God’s truth?
  • Has the Catholic Church been faithful to God’s truth and love over the past two millennia?
  • Does the Holy Spirit indwell Churches or people?  What is the task of the Holy Spirit?  Who has the Holy Spirit?
  • Why do some of the more controversial Catholic teachings (indulgences, purgatory, penance, transubstantiation, baptismal regeneration, veneration of and prayer to Mary and the saints, etc.) come primarily from the Deuterocanon/Apocrypha (i.e. books not usually found in Protestant Bibles) and Tradition?
  • What does it mean to say that “Sacred Scripture is written principally in the Church’s heart rather than in documents and records.”? Are our hearts trustworthy?
  • Why does Jesus and the New Testament give so much attention to reading the Bible?


Subscribe to “The Catholic Blog” on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC03uZywULBplunOmh4nCB2A
Free Books for Catholics: www.catholic.blog/books 
Free Videos for Catholics: www.catholic.blog/videos 
Frequently Asked Catholic Questions: www.catholic.blog  


You can download the free eBook "A Biblical Study of The Catechism of the Catholic Church" at www.catholic.blog or purchase a Kindle or paperback version at Amazon (www.amazon.com/gp/product/B098L1MRLK )


Most Viewed Blog Posts