Episode 23: Mortal and Venial Sins

Christ for Us

Episode 23 of Christ for Us Bible Study Podcast on Mortal and Venial Sins. Learn more at Christforus.org. Mortal and Venial Sins

Introduction

The controversy between venial and mortal sin has led to great confusion, not only among Roman Catholics, but especially among Lutherans! The Roman Catholics erroneously define mortal and venial sins, so Lutherans laity have been led to believe that there is no such distinction between mortal and venial and many mistakenly assert that all sins are the same. However, there is a biblical distinction between mortal and venial sins. Lutherans still make this distinction. And this distinction is helpful for the justification and sanctification of a Christian.

A mortal sin simply means a sin leading to death. Venial comes from the Latin for pardonable or forgivable. So, a mortal sin is one that leads to damnation and a venial sin is a sin that does not lead to damnation. However, the question is why? The Roman Catholic Church does not recognize concupiscence as sin. Concupiscence is the activity of original sin, the inclination to sin. And because concupiscence, which is the very desire to sin, is not sin in Roman Catholic theology, concupiscence is not mortal, but venial. This is also how the Roman Catholic Church deals with lesser sins. They categorize them as venial, because they do not estimate them as serious enough to merit God’s wrath.

Roman Catholic Doctrine on Mortal and Venial Sins

The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines Mortal Sin: A grave infraction of the law of God that destroys the divine life in the soul of the sinner (sanctifying grace), constituting a turn away from God. For a sin to be mortal, three conditions must be present: grave matter, full knowledge of the evil act, and full consent of the will (1855, 1857)

The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines Venial Sin: Sin which does not destroy the divine life in the soul, as does mortal sin, though it diminishes and wounds it (1855). Venial sin is the failure to observe necessary moderation, in lesser matters of the moral law, or in grave matters acting without full knowledge or complete consent (1862).

The Difference between Mortal and Venial Sin[1]

Do the remains of sin exist and remain in the reborn in this life?

They by all means are and remain. For though [the reborn] are ruled by the Holy Spirit, yet they complain that nothing good dwells in their flesh, in fact, also when they want to do good, evil is connected [with it] (Ro 7:18, 21)[2], and that the flesh wars against the spirit (Gl 5:17)[3]. And even also when they are holy and serve God and are not conscious of any evil, yet they confess that they are sinners. 1 Cor. 4:4; Psalm 32:6; 130:3; 143:3.[4] In fact, he that does not acknowledge and confess this, but says that he has no sin, deceives himself. 1 Jn 1:8. Therefore all the saints have need in this life daily to repeat this: Father, forgive us our sins.

Is then David, committing adultery, nevertheless righteous and holy, and does he remain so?

By no means. For Scripture distinguishes between sins, namely that in the saints or reborn there are some sins because of which they are not condemned, but at the same time retain faith, the Holy Spirit, grace, and the forgiveness of sins. Rom 7:23-8:1;[5] 1 Jn 1:8-9[6]; Ps 32:1[7]. But Scripture testifies that there are also some other sins in which also the reconciled, when they have fallen, lose faith, the Holy Spirit, the grace of God, and life eternal, and render themselves subject to divine wrath and eternal death unless, turned again, they are reconciled to God through faith. Rom. 8:13[8]; 1 Cor. 6:10[9]; Gal. 5:21[10]; Eph. 5:5[11]; Col. 3:6[12]; 1 John 3:6, 8[13]; 1 Tim. 1:19[14]; 2 Peter 1:9.[15] And the useful distinction between mortal and venial sin is drawn from this basis. Paul speaks of sin ruling against conscience or with conscience put away, and sin that indeed dwells in the flesh but does not rule.1 Tim. 1:19[16]; Rom 6:12, 14[17]; 7:17[18]

What is the use of retaining and earnestly inculcating this difference between mortal and venial sin in the church?

1. That we might learn to acknowledge and earnestly avoid mortal sins.
2. If we are caught in that kind of sins, that we do not obstinately persevere and continue in them impenitently.

• That we try the more to restrain and control sin that dwells in us, lest it become mortal. For, when this distinction is neglected or not rightly understood and used, Christians also often fall into security and impenitence. Pastors are therefore to be reminded and trained in the examinations not only to list the 7 mortal (or deadly, capital) sins,[19] but to be able to point out to their hearers, in each Commandment, which sins are mortal, which venial.

Is, then, original sin, which still remains in the reborn in this life, in itself such a light little sin, or, so to say, peccadillo, that God neither can nor wants to be angry against it?

All sins are not equal; some are more grievous and greater than others (John 19:11; Matt 11:22; Luke 12:47-48)[20]; yet if one judges according to the sense of the divine law, no sin per se and by its own nature deserves forgiveness; that is, none is so small and insignificant, but that it makes [one] subject to divine wrath and worthy of eternal damnation if God enters into judgment with him. Deut. 27:26; Gal. 3:10; James 2:10.[21] This error regarding the least commandment of the divine law is condemned by Christ in the Pharisees. Matt. 5:19.[22] Paul sadly complains also about sin still dwelling in his flesh. Rom. 7:24; Gal. 5:17.[23]

Are some sins so great and horrible that they cannot be forgiven in the Gospel to those who repent and believe in Christ?

No. Christ made satisfaction for all sins. 1 John 2:2[24]. He wants to save also the greatest sinners. 1 Tim. 1:15.[25] He commanded repentance and remission of sins to be preached in His name to all sinners. John 20:23[26]. Matt. 9:13[27], Luke 15:7[28]; 24:47[29]. Grace abounded more than sin. Rom. 5:20.[30]

Now, then, since it is clear that no sin per se deserves forgiveness, likewise that no sin is so horrible that it cannot be forgiven to those who repent and believe in Christ—why, then, are some sins in the reborn called venial, some mortal?

This should be well and carefully explained, so that each Christian can know and determine if he is living in mortal or venial sin. The explanation consists essentially in this, that everyone examine himself as to whether or not he has true repentance and faith. Rom. 2:4-5[31], Jer. 5:3[32] 2 Cor. 13:5[33]. Original sin, which still dwells in the flesh of the reborn, is not idle, but is the restless law of sin in our members, enticing, tempting, driving to sin with various suggestions and evil lusts. James 1:14[34], Rom. 7:8[35], Gal. 5:17[36]. Since, then, one who is reborn does not delight in this kind of carnal lusts, and is neither led by them nor follows [them], but earnestly represses and crucifies them as sins and mortifies {them}, but earnestly represses and crucifies them as sins and mortifies [them], but earnestly represses and crucifies them as sins and mortifies [them] through the Spirit, lest they rule or be performed (Rom. 6:12[37]; 7:15[38]; 8:13[39]; Gal. 5:24[40]), this very thing is a very sure sign of true and earnest repentance. And when the reborn pray that God would not impute their weaknesses to them but forgive for the sake of Christ, and at the same time believe and trust that Christ, as the true propitiation, would, in the sight of God, cover this their uncleanness with His innocence and obedience (Rom 4:7[41]; Psalm 32:1[42], 1 John 1:7[43], 2:1-2[44]), this also is a sure sign of truth and justifying faith. And where true faith, in earnest repentance, apprehends Christ in the Gospel, and relies on Him and is supported [by Him], there is no condemnation, but the pure grace of God, forgiveness of sins, and eternal salvation (Rom. 8:1; 1 John 1:9; Psalm 32:2)[45]. In this way there are and occur these venial sins in the reborn, for which they are not condemned, because, as Augustine says, they live under grace.

But what if we indulge and delight in evil lusts and seek occasions to give them free rein (Rom 6:12; Micah 2:1; James 1:15)[46]?

Then they become mortal sins (Rom. 8:13[47]; James 1:15), because there surely is no room for true repentance and faith where the lusts of the flesh are served and given rein, so that they break out into action. 1 Tim. 1:19; 5:8; 2 Peter 1:9[48]. It is the nature and particular character of true faith that it does not seek how to commit, continue, and heap up sins freely, but rather hungers and thirsts after the righteousness that releases and frees from sins. Therefore, where there is no true repentance, the Holy Spirit pronounces a very solemn sentence. Jer. 5:3, 9; Rom 2:5, 9; Luke 13:3; Rev. 2:5[49]. And where there is no true faith, there is neither Christ, nor the Holy Spirit, nor the grace of God, nor forgiveness of sins, nor any salvation. Therefore what? Doubtless the wrath of God, death, and eternal condemnation, unless the fallen are turned to God again. Col. 3:6; Rom 8:13[50]. As a result of this, therefore, and for this reason mortal sins occur in the reborn, namely when repentance, faith, Christ, and the Holy Spirit are driven out and lost.

How, then, should one deal with those who have fallen into this kind of sins?

There sins are not to be disguised by silence, camouflaged, excused, or defended, but solemnly and earnestly censured and rebuked. Isaiah 56:10; 58:1; Ezekiel 13:10, 18; 2 Tim. 4:2; Titus 11:13[51]: “Reprove them sharpl”,: in such a way that the fearful judgment of God is threatened on them; 1 Cor. 6:10; Gal. 5:21; Col. 3:6; 1 John 3:15; Mt. 11:21; 2 Peter 2:10.[52] For he that regards those people as true Christians, and charms and misrepresents them, not only miserably misleads them, but also makes himself partaker of their damnation. Isaiah 3:12; Jeremiah 8:11; 23:17; Ez. 3:17; 33:8[53]

Now, the preaching of repentance, rebuking sins, is the instrument and means by which God wants to lead fallen sinners back to the way and convert them. Jer. 26:2-3[54]. But if the wicked, neglecting this means, will persevere and continue in his wickedness, he indeed shall perish, but the word of the minister shall deliver his soul. Ezekiel 3:19[55].

But what if the fallen rise again by the grace of God and earnestly repent?

Then they are indeed to be received with joy and are to be restored and supported with the declaration of the forgiveness of sins. Jer. 3:12; 18:8; Ezekiel 18:21; 33:15; Matt. 18:13, 27; Luke 15:7.[56] This is what the examples of Scripture testify, e.g., Peter, David, the prodigal, the Corinthians and Galatians, And this indeed not only seven times, but seventy times seven times, Matt. 18:22.

Summary of Conflict between Lutherans and Roman Catholics on Venial Sins[57]

Luther said that in this way a righteous man sins in every good work. But in this place Andrada says that this is not to be understood of mortal sins but of venial ones. And this, indeed, he says rightly. For mortal sins drive out faith and the Holy Spirit, and then men cease to be righteous; but venial sins are found also in the regenerate, yet they do not on that account cease to be just. This also is said correctly. But the question is how and why the regenerate are not condemned on account of venial sins, namely, because those men are blessed whose sins are covered and to whom their sins are not imputed Psalm 32:1-2; Rom. 4:7-8). For “There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 8:1). The eleventh Tridentine chapter might also appear to lean toward this meaning, for it gives the following reason why the saints do not cease to be righteous in this life, although they fall into venial sins: “Because the righteous say humbly and truthfully, ‘Forgive us our debts.’” But Andrada, the interpreter of the council, does not grant this. For he contends that venial sins are in themselves so trifling and light that they are not against the perfection of love and that they cannot hinder perfect and complete Obedience to the Law, since, indeed, they are not worthy of the wrath of God and of condemnation but of pardon, even if God should enter into judgment with them. As Lindanus says: “The insignificant little faults of daily lapses are sprinklings and little spots which in themselves do not defile and contaminate but sprinkle the life of the Christian lightly as with fine dust, so that the works of the regenerate in this life are nevertheless in themselves perfect and in every respect unstained.” But that this is wrong has been demonstrated above. For although there are differences and degrees of sin, nevertheless, no sin is so insignificant and light that it is not ἄνομία, that is, a transgression of the divine law.

The Law pronounces a curse upon everyone who does not continue in all the things that are written in the book of the Law. For he who keeps the whole Law and yet offends in some one point is guilty of all. For not even one of the least commandments of God dare to be relaxed.

But we all fail in many ways according to James. The Law therefore accuses and condemns also those sins which are called venial, unless they are covered and not imputed for the sake of Christ. In one way, therefore, according to Augustine, that man is blessed who is without sin, which will be in the next life. In another way that man is blessed to whom the Lord does not impute sin, which happens in the believers in this life. However, there cannot be a complete and perfect fulfillment of the Law where man cannot be without sin.

Summary and Conclusion

• All sins are mortal in so far as all sins condemn.
• Sins are venial, not because they are not worthy of condemnation, but because they are forgiven by grace through faith.
• The proper distinction between mortal and venial sins is the distinction between ruling sins, which go against conscience and which drive out faith and grace, such as murder, adultery, and other active sins. Venial sins are sins of weakness, which inflict every work a Christian does. Of these we daily repent and ask God for forgiveness, as we do in the Lord’s Prayer.
• Not all sins are the same. Certain sins have more serious consequences.
• It is important to recognize the distinction between mortal and venial sins, so that we guard ourselves from mortal sins and daily repent.
• The problem with the Roman Catholic view of mortal and venial sin is that it does not encourage proper repentance and fear of God.

[1] Martin Chemnitz, Enchiridion 102-105.

[2] 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.; 21 So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand.

[3] 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.

[4] 1 Cor. 4:4 For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me.

Psalm 32:6 Therefore let everyone who is godly
offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found;
surely in the rush of great waters,
they shall not reach him.

Psalm 130:3 If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities,
O Lord, who could stand?

Psalm 143:3 For the enemy has pursued my soul;
he has crushed my life to the ground;
he has made me sit in darkness like those long dead.

[5] Romans 7:23-8:1: 23 but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. 24 Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.

8 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus

[6] 8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

[7] Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven,
whose sin is covered.

[8] 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

[9] 10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.

[10] 21 envy,[a] 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.

[11] 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.

[12] 6 On account of these the wrath of God is coming.

[13] 6 No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him.

8 Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.

[14] 19 holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith,

[15] 9 For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins.

[16] 19 holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith,

[17] 12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. 14 For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.

[18] 17 So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.

[19] Pride, covetousness, lust, anger, gluttony, envy, sloth.

[20] 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.” Matt 11:22: But I tell you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for Tyre and Sidon than for you. Luke 12:47-48: 47 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. 48 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.

[21] Deuteronomy 27:26 “‘Cursed be anyone who does not confirm the words of this law by doing them.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’ Gal. 3:10: 10 For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.” James 2:10: For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it.

[22] Matt. 5:19: Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

[23] Rom. 7:24: Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Gal. 5:17: For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.

[24] 1 John 2:2: 2 He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.

[25] 1 Tim. 1:15: The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.

[26] John 20:23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”

[27] Matt. 9:13: Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”

[28] Luke 15:7: Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.

[29] Luke 24:47: and that repentance for[a] the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.

[30] Romans 5:20: Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more,

[31] Rom. 2:4-5: 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? 5 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.

[32] Jer. 5:3: O Lord, do not your eyes look for truth?
You have struck them down,
but they felt no anguish;
you have consumed them,
but they refused to take correction.
They have made their faces harder than rock;
they have refused to repent.

[33] 2 Cor. 13:5: Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!

[34] James 1:14: But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.

[35] Rom. 7:8: But sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, produced in me all kinds of covetousness. For apart from the law, sin lies dead.

[36] Gal. 5:17: For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.

[37] Rom. 6:12: Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions.

[38] Rom. 7:15: For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.

[39] Rom. 8:13: For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

[40] Gal. 5:24: And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

[41] Rom 4:7: “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven,
and whose sins are covered;

[42] Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven,
whose sin is covered.

[43] But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.

[44] My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 2 He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.

[45] Rom. 8:1: There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.; 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. ; Psalm 32:2: Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity,
and in whose spirit there is no deceit.

[46] Rom 6:12: Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions.; Micah 2:1: Woe to those who devise wickedness and work evil on their beds! When the morning dawns, they perform it, because it is in the power of their hand.; James 1:15: Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

[47] Romans 8:13: For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

[48] 1 Tim. 1:19: holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith,; 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.; 2 Peter 1:9: For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins.

[49] Jer. 5:3: O Lord, do not your eyes look for truth? You have struck them down, but they felt no anguish; you have consumed them, but they refused to take correction. They have made their faces harder than rock; they have refused to repent., 9: Shall I not punish them for these things? declares the Lord; and shall I not avenge myself on a nation such as this?; Rom 2:5: 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., 9: There will be tribulation and distress for every human being who does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek,; Luke 13:3: No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.; Rev. 2:5: Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.

[50] Col. 3:6 On account of these the wrath of God is coming.; Rom 8:13: For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

[51] Isaiah 56:10: His watchmen are blind;
they are all without knowledge;
they are all silent dogs;
they cannot bark,
dreaming, lying down,
loving to slumber.; 58:1: “Cry aloud; do not hold back;
lift up your voice like a trumpet;
declare to my people their transgression,
to the house of Jacob their sins.; Ezekiel 13:10: Precisely because they have misled my people, saying, ‘Peace,’ when there is no peace, and because, when the people build a wall, these prophets smear it with whitewash,, 18: and say, Thus says the Lord God: Woe to the women who sew magic bands upon all wrists, and make veils for the heads of persons of every stature, in the hunt for souls! Will you hunt down souls belonging to my people and keep your own souls alive? 2 Tim. 4:2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.; Titus 1:13: This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith,

[52] 1 Corinthians 6:1010 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.

Galatians 5:2121 envy,[a] drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do[b] such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Colossians 3:66 On account of these the wrath of God is coming.[a]

1 John 3:1515 Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.

Matthew 11:2121 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.

2 Peter 2:1010 and especially those who indulge[a] in the lust of defiling passion and despise authority.

Bold and willful, they do not tremble as they blaspheme the glorious ones,

[53] Isaiah 3:12: My people—infants are their oppressors,
and women rule over them.
O my people, your guides mislead you
and they have swallowed up[a] the course of your paths.; Jeremiah 8:11: They have healed the wound of my people lightly,
saying, ‘Peace, peace,’
when there is no peace.; 23:17: They say continually to those who despise the word of the Lord, ‘It shall be well with you’; and to everyone who stubbornly follows his own heart, they say, ‘No disaster shall come upon you.’”; Ez. 3:17: “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me.; 33:8: If I say to the wicked, O wicked one, you shall surely die, and you do not speak to warn the wicked to turn from his way, that wicked person shall die in his iniquity, but his blood I will require at your hand.

[54] Jer. 26:2-3: “Thus says the Lord: Stand in the court of the Lord's house, and speak to all the cities of Judah that come to worship in the house of the Lord all the words that I command you to speak to them; do not hold back a word. 3 It may be they will listen, and every one turn from his evil way, that I may relent of the disaster that I intend to do to them because of their evil deeds.

[55] Ezekiel 3:19: But if you warn the wicked, and he does not turn from his wickedness, or from his wicked way, he shall die for his iniquity, but you will have delivered your soul.

[56] Jer. 3:12: Go, and proclaim these words toward the north, and say,

“‘Return, faithless Israel,
declares the Lord.
I will not look on you in anger,
for I am merciful,
declares the Lord;
I will not be angry forever.

; 18:8: and if that nation, concerning which I have spoken, turns from its evil, I will relent of the disaster that I intended to do to it.; Ezekiel 18:21: “But if a wicked person turns away from all his sins that he has committed and keeps all my statutes and does what is just and right, he shall surely live; he shall not die.; 33:15: if the wicked restores the pledge, gives back what he has taken by robbery, and walks in the statutes of life, not doing injustice, he shall surely live; he shall not die.; Matt. 18:13: And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray., 27: And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt.; Luke 15:7: Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.

[57] Martin Chemnitz, Examination of the Council of Trent 1:649-650