Does God's Forgiveness Absolve One from Punishment for Sins of Crime?

This topic may be one that some of us do not entertain, while others may be concerned about. What is the answer? How do we discern the outcome or punishment for the sins we have committed? While there are a couple of types of sin, venial and mortal, we do recognize that venial sins may be of a lesser degree and easier to forgive. Yet, crimes of violence and murder may carry a much heavier burden of responsibility.

Let us then take a more in-depth look at mortal sin. Mortal sin may also be committed in a lesser degree, such as stealing food for hungry children, as opposed to committing murder.

The first murder we read about in the beginning of life was Cain killing his brother Abel. While it may not be the first murder, it is one that we have learned about. God provided the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve had two sons. Cain tilled the ground and prepared it for the growing of seeds. Later, Able tended the sheep and cared for the young ewes and received praise from God for his good work. Cain’s jealousy led to the violent killing of his brother Abel. Cain disrespected the kinship and dignity of life that God had created. When God confronted Cain, he arrogantly denied knowing what happened to his brother, saying, “I do not know where Abel is. Am I my brother’s keeper?”

Only God created life, and Cain took life away, creating death. Very possibly, God did not intend to cause death to life; however, jealousy led to revenge, which led to the death of Abel. Violence takes away solidarity where God created all to enjoy the dignity of life, this includes individuals with disabilities, children, the elderly, and especially respect for women.

Jealousy, revenge, disrespect, attempting to lie to God, murder……aborting, and Death! Cain showed no remorse and was cast out by God. Did Cain die and go to Hell? Did Cain’s actions lead to death that God had not intended to become part of human life?

All of these questions lead us to think about who suffers punishment in Hell for eternity because of sin, and who are those who are forgiven? Throughout my long life as a Catholic, I have been taught that sincerity in the Confessional, along with a sincere desire to sin no more, is required for forgiveness.

Finally, when God forgives one of the act of taking another’s life, and they truly regret their actions, have remorse, and ask God for forgiveness, we believe that God may forgive. Remaining now is the question, “When God forgives the worst type of mortal sin, is punishment for those sins also forgiven?”