What happened to those who committed mortal sin before confession was instituted?
The short answer
They needed perfect contrition — sorrow motivated by love of God, not merely fear of punishment. Because God is perfectly merciful and just, they could obtain forgiveness and the purification of their souls.
Perfect contrition
To be cleansed of mortal sin they needed perfect contrition: sorrow for sin motivated by love of God rather than fear of punishment alone.
God's mercy and justice
Since God is perfectly merciful and perfectly just, they could still be forgiven and their souls purified.
Continue exploring
- Can mortal sins be forgiven without confession?Q&A
- Can someone in mortal sin receive Communion after a perfect act of contrition?Q&A
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- As a Protestant, may I confess my sins to a priest to stay focused on the Lord?Q&A
- Can I give a priest permission to talk about my confession?Q&A
- Can a priest report a sin not yet committed, to prevent a crime?Q&A