Term
mortal sin
In Roman Catholic teaching, a sin that causes spiritual death, distinguished from less severe venial sins.
Filed underAnthropology & Hamartiology
Definition
In Roman Catholic teaching, a sin that causes spiritual death. Mortal sins are distinguished from venial sins, which can be forgiven without dying spiritually.
Connections
Follow this entry through the Lexicon.
- Contrasted with
- venial sinTerm
Sources
- 1.Wayne A. Grudem Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine. 2nd ed.. (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Academic, 2020). 24A.2Original citation: Grudem, Wayne A. Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Academic, 2020, 24A.2.
Last revised August 14, 2026