Chapter XXI: Ruling and Nonruling Sins, § 103.
CHAPTER XXI: ON RULING AND NONRULING SINS
Some sin is ruling; some is nonruling.
§ 103. Let us finally end this discussion of the difference between venial and mortal sin and go on to the seventeenth division of actual sins, in which some sins are called ruling and some nonruling. The latter actually agrees with the former, because mortal sins in the reborn are called “ruling,” but venial sins are called “nonruling.” The foundation for this division is in Rom. 6:12: “Let not sin reign in your mortal bodies to make you obey their desires [concupiscentiis].” Therefore when we do not mortify original concupiscence which clings to our members, but securely indulge in its desires, it becomes a ruling or dominating sin. John 8:34: “Everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin.” 1 John 3:6, 8–9: “Everyone who abides in Christ does not sin. He who commits sin is of the devil. No one born of God commits sin.” Therefore, in John, it is one thing to sin and to commit sin, that is, to carry out the corrupt concupiscence and the desires of the sinful flesh; but it is another thing to have sin, that is, to feel the impulses of concupiscence. O blessed soul which feels sin but does not consent to sin!