Mortification (theology)

Mortification in Christian theology refers to the subjective process of sanctification, drawn from the "putting to death" of sin in a believer's life mentioned in Colossians 3:5: "Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature".^[1]

Wood carving of St George and the Dragon.

Theological distinctions

Roman Catholic theology

See also: Mortification in Roman Catholic teaching

Roman Catholic theology frames mortification within the believer's personal struggle against sin. According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, "What it slays is the disease of the soul, and by slaying this it restores and invigorates the soul's true life."^[2] Mortification is also practiced by some Catholic subgroups for the purpose of saving sinners from hell, as devotees of Our Lady of Fátima believe the Virgin Mary asked her child visionaries to do.^[3]

Calvinism and Reformed theology

John Calvin observed that if believers died with Jesus then He would destroy our sinful earthly members and their lust, "so that they may no longer perform their functions".^[4] Mortification in Reformed theology has been generally understood to be the subjective experience of sanctification.^[5] Reformed theologian J.I. Packer describes it in the following way: "The Christian is committed to a lifelong fight against the world, the flesh and the devil. Mortification is his assault on the second."^[6]

See also

• Sanctification
• Regeneration (theology)
• Holy Spirit