Whether the stain remains in the soul after the act of sin?

❌ Objection 1 : It would seem that the stain does not remain in the soul after the act of sin. For after an action, nothing remains in the soul except habit or disposition. But the stain is not a habit or disposition, as stated above (Article [1], Objection [3]). Therefore the stain does not remain in the soul after the act of sin.

❌ Objection 2 : Further, the stain is to the sin what the shadow is to the body, as stated above (Article [1], ad 3). But the shadow does not remain when the body has passed by. Therefore the stain does not remain in the soul when the act of sin is past.

❌ Objection 3 : Further, every effect depends on its cause. Now the cause of the stain is the act of sin. Therefore when the act of sin is no longer there, neither is the stain in the soul.