In the same place. — And his sin reaches even unto hell. 82. The sin which is not here amended is irremissible. — For the sin is led even unto hell which before the end of the present life is not amended unto penitence by correction. Of which sin indeed it is said through John: There is a sin unto death; I say not that anyone should pray for it (1 John v, 16). For a sin unto death is a sin persisting even unto death, because, namely, the sin which here is not corrected—its pardon is asked in vain. Of which it is still subjoined: Verse 20. — Let mercy forget him.
The mercy of almighty God is said to forget him who has forgotten the justice of almighty God, because whosoever now does not fear him as just, cannot afterwards find him merciful. Which sentence indeed is directed not only against him who forsakes the teachings of the true faith, but also against him who, set in right faith, lives carnally, because the vengeance of the eternal punishment is not escaped, whether one sins in faith or in deed. For although the quality of the damnation is unequal, yet for the fault which is by no means wiped away through penitence, no means of absolution is at hand. There follows: