Know for a certainty that if men understood how terrible…
“Know for a certainty that if men understood how terrible is even one solitary sin, they would rather be cast into a heated furnace, and there remain, living both in soul and body, than to support such a sight. And if the sea were all fire they would cast themselves therein and never leave it, if they were certain of meeting the sin on doing so.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Understanding even a single sin's horror would drive one to endure extreme suffering rather than commit it.
In simple terms: Knowing sin’s horror makes one choose suffering over sin.
Key Takeaway
Reflect on the gravity of moral choices.
Themes
sin
redemption
spirituality
sacrifice
faith
Mood
contemplative
serious
Type
spiritual
ethical
When to use this quote
- confession
- spiritual counseling
- ethical decision making
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
theology
psychology of guilt
Questions to Reflect On
- What does this say about human capacity for self‑discipline?
- Can fear of sin motivate positive change?
A Different Perspective
Human nature may resist such extreme aversion to sin.