CCC 1861
Life in Christ›SECTION ONE MAN'S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT›CHAPTER ONE THE DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON›IV. The Gravity of Sin: Mortal and Venial Sin
Mortal sin is a radical possibility of human freedom, as is love itself. It results in the loss of charity and the privation of sanctifying grace, that is, of the state of grace. If it is not redeemed by repentance and God's forgiveness, it causes exclusion from Christ's kingdom and the eternal death of hell, for our freedom has the power to make choices for ever, with no turning back. However, although we can judge that an act is in itself a grave offense, we must entrust judgment of persons to the justice and mercy of God.