4/12/2007

Intentional Sin

"But the person who does anything with a high hand, whether he is native or a sojourner, reviles the LORD, and that person shall be cut off from among his people. Because he has despised the word of the LORD and has broken his commandment, that person shall be utterly cut off; his iniquity shall be on him." - Num 15:30-31

What a frightening word! Just after telling the people how their unintentional sins can be forgiven, Moses delivers this message about intentional sin. There's a lot in this passage worthy of reflection.

Three statements about the character/heart of the intentional sinner:

  1. He reviles the Lord
  2. He despises the word of the Lord
  3. He has broken his commandment

Two consequences:

  1. He shall be cut off from the people
  2. His sin remains on him

Oh how we Christians need to take heed of this passage. This tells us that God has always seen a difference between intentional and accidental sin. Why would that change with Christ? The distinction he would make will actually be greater. For now we don't merely despise his ministers and a sacrificed goat, but we trample the Son of God underfoot when we sin. Hebrews 6:6 calls this "crucifying once again the Son of God." I do not want to be one who crucifies Christ a second time.

1 comment:

Jen2 said...

DANG brother.