Question:
Answer:
Well, you may be able to study Scripture efficiently, insofar as you may be able to memorize passages and learn lessons about Jesus Christ and God’s people in salvation history. However, the real question is whether you can study Scripture profitably in a state of mortal sin, i.e., apply what you learn in a fruitful manner in your own life.
Being in a state of mortal sin is an impediment to studying Scripture profitably, because we are not in right relationship with God when we are in mortal sin (see CCC 1854-64). Yet, as St. Paul says, where sin abounds grace abounds all the more (Rom. 5:20). In that light, if a person in mortal sin is repentant—or is open to repentance—in studying Scripture, they can study it profitably.
The real test will be whether their study of Scripture leads them to repentantly go to Confession and have their mortal sin and other sins absolved.