Question 86 — The Effect of Penance, as Regards the Pardon of Mortal Sin

We must now consider the effect of penance; and (1) as regards the pardon of mortal sins; (2) as regards the pardon of venial sins; (3) as regards the return of sins which have been pardoned; (4) as regards the recovery of the virtues.

Under the first head there are six points of inquiry:

• (1) Whether all mortal sins are taken away by penance?
• (2) Whether they can be taken away without penance?
• (3) Whether one can be taken away without the other?
• (4) Whether penance takes away the guilt while the debt remains?
• (5) Whether any remnants of sin remain?
• (6) Whether the removal of sin is the effect of penance as a virtue, or as a sacrament?