Sunday, April 19, 2020

Willful Sins and Unintentional Sins

In Numbers 15:22-31, a distinction is made between willful sins and unintentional sins. They are treated differently.

Willful sin is rebellion against God and that leads to death (Romans 6:23, 1 John 5:16-17).
Scripture passages such as 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Galatians 5:19-21, Colossians 3:5-10 and Ephesians 5:3-5 list sins that come out of a rebellious heart and that lead to death if the person who has committed those sins does not repent. If someone who has come to know Jesus is guilty of those acts of rebellion, then that person is at risk of being cut off from Jesus as a branch that is not abiding in Him and bearing good fruit (John 15:4-6, 1 John 3:6). That means death, not in the way it was under the Old Covenant (Hebrews 10:28), but spiritual death certainly, and it's not for a man to say when that may happen. One sin is enough to bring that death (Genesis 2:17, Ezekiel 18:20). But God will be merciful on whom He will be merciful (Romans 9:15) and that's not to take lightly. God's mercy toward his once obedient child (1 Peter 1:14) will eventually run out if correction is refused and the person doesn't repent (e.g. Revelation 2:5, 2:16, 2:22, 3:3, 3:19). The Spirit of life, the Holy Spirit, will detach itself from that person who was once saved and brought to life (Ephesians 2:1) by the Spirit of life (Romans 8:2), because he/she has afterwards despised and neglected that great salvation (Hebrews 2:3) and given him/herself over to willful sin. 


As for unintentional sins, they are not committed out of rebellion against God and his ways. Of course, God knows the intentions of a person's heart and can't be mocked (Hebrews 4:12-13, Galatians 6:7-8). In God's mercy He will chastise a person who is his son or daughter (1 Peter 1:14-16, Hebrews 12:4-11) and who has unintentionally committed a sin, due to some weakness, imperfection of character or lack of knowledge (ignorance). 

 
See also:
Sinning Willfully and Sinning Repetitively

Struggle with Sin and Double-Mindedness

How Do You Love God with All Your Heart, Mind, Soul and Strength?

Freedom From Sin

Confession to One Another or Repentance unto Salvation?

Is Repentance Just a Change of Mind?


Saved From What?


Bible Study on Sin

You Are Accountable To Repent - video

Who is Hebrews 10:26 speaking to?




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