Where do we get the terms mortal and venial sin? Is it Scriptural?

Question: Where do we get the terms mortal and venial sin? Is it Scriptural?

Answer: The terms mortal and venial sin are indeed Scriptural. They are based on the 1Jn 5:16-17:

• If anyone sees his brother commit a sin that does not lead to death, he should pray and God will give him life. I refer to those whose sin does not lead to death. There is a sin that leads to death. I am not saying that he should pray about that. All wrongdoing is sin, and there is sin that does not lead to death.

Sin that does not lead to death is known as venial sin. It damages your relationship with God, but does not kill it. Sin that leads to death (God's supernatural life leaves you, your natural soul still stays with you) is called mortal sin because when someone gives you a mortal blow, they end your life.

Two quick points about mortal and venial sin. First, all sin is bad, even venial sin. We must remember sin is about a relationship, not just breaking rules. In any relationship, we wouldn't just punch our best friend in the face for example and say, "Well, I just punched him, I didn't kill him." Even though you didn't kill your friend or your friendship, your actions damage that relationship. Secondly, even if we do kill our friendship with God through mortal sin, we must always remember that Christ died so that we may have life. He can raise us from the dead and he does that through the Sacrament of Confession which is based on John 20:21-23:

• Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." And with that he breathed on them and said,"Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven."