Mortification inChristian theology refers to the subjective process ofsanctification, drawn from the killing of sin in a believer's life, as discussed byPaul the Apostle: "Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry" (Colossians 3:5).[1]
Roman Catholic theology frames mortification within the believer's personal struggle against sin. According to theCatholic 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 ofOur Lady of Fátima believe theVirgin Mary asked her child visionaries to do.[3]
John Calvin observed that if believers died withJesus then He would destroy our sinful earthly members and their lust, "so that they may no longer perform their functions".[4] Mortification inReformed theology has been generally understood to be the subjective experience ofsanctification.[5]Reformed theologianJ.I. Packer describes it in the following way: "The Christian is committed to a lifelong fight against the world, the flesh and thedevil. Mortification is his assault on the second."[6]
