1472. To understand this doctrine and practice of the Church, it is necessary to understand that sin has a double consequence. Grave sin deprives us of communion with God and therefore makes us incapable of eternal life, the privation of which is called the “eternal punishment” of sin. On the other hand every sin, even venial, entails an unhealthy attachment to creatures, which must be purified either here on earth, or after death in the state called Purgatory. This purification frees one from what is called the “temporal punishment” of sin. These two punishments must not be conceived of as a kind of vengeance inflicted by God from without, but as following from the very nature of sin. A conversion which proceeds from a fervent charity can attain the complete purification of the sinner in such a way that no punishment would remain.83
Aprofunde seus conhecimentos
366. What place does human freedom have in the plan of salvation?
574. What are the difficulties in prayer?
267. What is the essential rite of Confirmation?
292. What are the fruits of Holy Communion?
10. What is the value of private revelations?
393. Is there a variety of sins?
87. In what way is Jesus Christ true God and true man?
Acesse nossos estudos biblicos:
What is the message of Abdias 1:11 about Edom’s injustice and oppression of the weak?
What does Nahum 1:9 say about God’s mercy to those who repent?
What does Daniel’s dream about the four wild beasts in Daniel 7 mean?
What is the message of Isaiah’s heavenly vision of the Lord’s glory revealed in Isaiah 40:1-31?
