Excellent answers, Salvation.
And while I would not presume to know who .45 Long Colt or Gamecock might consider the authoritative source on Biblical exegesis, there are few who would stand to question St Thomas Aquinas. His Summa Theologica is the unquestioned authority for most serious scholars. If .45 Long Colt and Gamecock are seriously interested in a scholarly understanding of mortal and venial sin, they should review this work.
Summa Theologica is online and questions regarding mortal and venial sin may be found, generally, beginning at question 88 of the First Part of the Second Part. In spite of the academic seriousness of the work, it is a relatively easy read.
Thanks, Tom.
Whatever. While you read your Aquinas, I will read Scripture.
“His Summa Theologica is the unquestioned authority for most serious scholars”
Read it and it is scholarly. But it does not represent the Words of Jesus Christ. Y’all missing the point here IMO. It is a case of righteousness vs unrighteousness. Romans discusses this a bunch. As in anything we offer God to justify ourselves is not the righteousness acceptable to the Father. Only the Son can please the Father. Only Christ’s Righteousness is acceptable to the Father. Otherwise if we do not “access” the Righteousness of Jesus Christ we must be perfect as The Father is perfect:
Matthew 5:48 NKJV
Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.
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So the standard is perfection, that is the Father’s Perfection. Mortal sins and venal aside, neither belong in the same sentence or paragraph with the Father’s Perfection.
Solution? Seek Jesus Christ, He has answered the Father’s standard.
On another note reference venal sins? See the entire chapter of Matthew 5. Look at what Jesus says about lust. What He says about anger.