Question 87 — Of the Debt of Punishment

We must now consider the debt of punishment. We shall consider (1) the debt itself; (2) mortal and venial sin, which differ in respect of the punishment due to them.

Under the first head there are eight points of inquiry:

(1) Whether the debt of punishment is an effect of sin?

• (2) Whether one sin can be the punishment of another?
• (3) Whether any sin incurs a debt of eternal punishment?
• (4) Whether sin incurs a debt of punishment that is infinite in quantity?
• (5) Whether every sin incurs a debt of eternal and infinite punishment?
• (6) Whether the debt of punishment can remain after sin?
• (7) Whether every punishment is inflicted for a sin?
• (8) Whether one person can incur punishment for another’s sin?