In Leviticus 4, unintentional sin is “temporarily” covered by animal sacrifices. Unintentional means to stray into a sinful situation, but not necessarily by surprise. Unintentional sins are usually considered sins of neglect or omission, and viewed as involuntary. These sins were later covered “eternally” by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, through the grace of God, "if" the one who sinned was genuinely repentant and a true believer. He would be called an Old Testament saint.
In Numbers 15:30-31 intentional sin was discussed. There was no temporary covering for intentional sin, which was characterized as presumptuous, and came from a defiant attitude. These sins were committed knowingly and deliberately (voluntary) and were blasphemous because they were arrogant acts of insubordination against the Lord’s laws. The punishment was death or banishment from the people. But was there any hope for the one who sinned intentionally?
Could there be eternal covering for the one who intentional sinned? By the grace of God, the answer is “yes.” Jesus said in Matthew 12:31-32, “Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men…and to anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him…” The presumptuous, arrogant, defiant, sinner in Numbers 15 could receive eternal covering, “if” there was genuine repentance, and sincere faith in God.
In the past, you and I have committed many intentional and unintentional sins, and “if” we have repented and turned to Christ for salvation, those sins have been fully forgiven, covered eternally by the grace of God. All our sins have been forgiven, past, present and future. And as we live out our lives, we have this continued blessing when we sin. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness,” 1 John 1:9.
In Numbers 15:30-31 intentional sin was discussed. There was no temporary covering for intentional sin, which was characterized as presumptuous, and came from a defiant attitude. These sins were committed knowingly and deliberately (voluntary) and were blasphemous because they were arrogant acts of insubordination against the Lord’s laws. The punishment was death or banishment from the people. But was there any hope for the one who sinned intentionally?
Could there be eternal covering for the one who intentional sinned? By the grace of God, the answer is “yes.” Jesus said in Matthew 12:31-32, “Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men…and to anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him…” The presumptuous, arrogant, defiant, sinner in Numbers 15 could receive eternal covering, “if” there was genuine repentance, and sincere faith in God.
In the past, you and I have committed many intentional and unintentional sins, and “if” we have repented and turned to Christ for salvation, those sins have been fully forgiven, covered eternally by the grace of God. All our sins have been forgiven, past, present and future. And as we live out our lives, we have this continued blessing when we sin. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness,” 1 John 1:9.
