Father Fortea, are only those who want to be condemned actually condemned?
No one really wants to be condemned. But some choose to be condemned because their sinful actions exclude them from the life of blessedness. In the same way, no one really wants to spend their lives on earth full of hatred and wishing evil on one’s neighbor, but some choose to live this way, much to their own suffering. Consciously choosing evil through a life of mortal sin and stubbornly persevering in sin until death will result in one’s condemnation. God certainly does not want anyone to be condemned; He loves us and sent Jesus so that “whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life” (Jn 3:16). But believing in Jesus requires us to be faithful to His will. As Our Lord told His disciples, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (Jn 14:15).
Editor’s Note: To learn more about spiritual warfare and demonology, Catholic Spiritual Direction recommends Fr. Fortea’s excellent book Interview With An Exorcist – An Insider’s Look at the Devil, Demonic Possession, and the Path to Deliverance.
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Art: Air Force Gavel (Modified), U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Grace Lee, 19 February 2013, PD-US This image or file is a work of a U.S. Air Force Airman or employee, taken or made as part of that person’s official duties. As a work of the U.S. federal government, the image or file is in the public domain in the United States; detail of Padre José Antonio Fortea 2017, photographed by Elgatoconbotaselgatoconbotas, 5 May 2017 own work, CCA-SA 4.0 International; both Wikimedia Commons. Cover of “Interview with an Exorcist” used with permission, all rights reserved.