The Bible has much to say about sin, both intentional and unintentional. As fallen human beings, we are prone to sinning in thought, word and deed. But how does God view unintentional sin compared to willful, defiant acts of disobedience? Let’s explore what Scripture teaches on this important subject.
The universality of sin
First, it’s important to understand that all sin separates us from God. There are over two dozen words in Hebrew and Greek that convey the idea of sin in Scripture. This includes miss-ing the mark, crossing a line, rebellion, going astray, and wandering from the path. Sin is failing to meet God’s perfect standards in any way (Romans 3:23). Every human heart is bent toward sin and away from God’s righteousness (Jeremiah 17:9). Even when we don’t intend to sin, our fallen nature leads us into pride, foolishness, deception, and other traps.
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. (1 John 1:8)
So in one sense, God doesn’t categorize sins as “big” or “small.” All sin grieves His heart, and any sin can keep us from eternal life if not dealt with through Christ’s atonement. Whether intentional or not, sin has consequences. It’s like jumping off a cliff – you’ll hit the bottom regardless of whether you meant to step off the edge or slipped off accidentally.
Ignorance and unintentional sins
However, the Bible does seem to distinguish between sins committed in ignorance versus those done with full knowledge and intent. Sins of ignorance are still sinful, but they may be viewed with more mercy than defiant acts of disobedience. Throughout Scripture, God shows patience toward those who sin without understanding:
And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent (Acts 17:30 KJV)
Sins committed in ignorance have less culpability before God, but they still require repentance and atonement once the sin becomes known. For example, Saul persecuted Christians before his conversion, but did so in ignorance (1 Timothy 1:13). Paul said this ignorance did not completely excuse his actions, but it did mitigate his guilt before God. The same principle can be seen with children who lie but lack a developed conscience. The lie is still wrong, but the child’s ignorance lessens their accountability.
Old Testament sacrifices for unintentional sins
The Old Testament sacrificial system made provision for atoning for unintentional sins. While no sacrifice could fully take away sins (Hebrews 10:4), God graciously provided a way for His people to receive temporary cleansing and forgiveness when they sinned without malice aforethought.
If anyone sins unintentionally and does what is forbidden in any of the Lord’s commands—even though they do not know it, they are guilty. When they realize their guilt and sin, they must bring as an offering for the sin they committed a female goat without defect. The priest will make atonement for them before the Lord, and they will be forgiven. (Leviticus 4:2, 27-31)
This applied to sins committed by both individuals and the whole nation. When Israel sinned unintentionally, the Lord provided a means of atonement and restoration of fellowship through sacrifices. This highlights God’s mercy and compassion.
Intentional, brazen sins
On the other hand, the Bible speaks very strongly against intentional, premeditated, defiant sins committed with full knowledge. These overt rebellions against God’s commands always led to stern consequences and judgment.
The Old Testament makes a distinction between unintentional sin and “sinning with a high hand” (Numbers 15:30). The Hebrew expression refers to willful, brazen sin in open defiance of God’s authority. Such rebellion provoked the Lord’s wrath (Numbers 15:30-31). The New Testament speaks in similar terms about those who deliberately go on sinning after receiving the knowledge of the truth (Hebrews 10:26). These harsh warnings against defiant sin highlight God’s holiness and justice.
Christ’s atonement covers all sin
In one sense, the substitutionary death of Christ nullifies these categories. His perfect sacrifice pays for all sins once and for all – regardless of the nature, frequency or intensity. Through faith in Christ, both willful and unwitting sins are washed away by His blood:
But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. (1 John 1:7)
As believers, we no longer make animal sacrifices to cover sins. Instead, we have a High Priest who intercedes for us when we stumble. We can come boldly to God’s throne of grace to receive mercy and find help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16).
Practical lessons
While God’s grace is sufficient to cover all sin, that doesn’t give us a license to sin brazenly! Through Christ, believers are empowered to walk in holiness and obedience. We still face consequences in this life when we knowingly persist in sin. So what practical lessons can we apply from these biblical truths?
- Ask God to reveal any areas of unknown sin, so these can be repented of and forsaken.
- Approach sin (whether intentional or not) with humility and godly sorrow, not merely seeking forgiveness but genuine heart change.
- Meditate on God’s love and mercy, which leads us to repentance, not defiant rebellion (Romans 2:4).
- Walk in step with the Spirit through prayer, God’s Word, fellowship and obedience. This aligns our hearts with God’s will.
- Extend grace to other believers who sin ignorantly, while also calling them to repentance and greater wisdom.
- Flee from temptations and separate from anything that may open the door to brazen sin.
Conclusion
In summary, God makes a distinction between unintentional sins committed in ignorance versus willful, brazen acts of rebellion. While all sin grieves God’s heart and damages our relationship with Him, defiant sin provokes His wrath in a unique way. As Christians, we can have confidence that Christ’s blood covers all sin through genuine repentance. We simply need to walk in the light and pursue holiness by the power of the Spirit within us. Though we stumble, God’s grace is greater than all our sin.