Unintentional Sin
I have to confess that I’ve been guilty of unintentional sin as well as intentional sin. Don’t misunderstand – they both are sins. I have been a lawbreaker before – unintentionally. If I had gotten busted, I would have had to pay the penalty for the law that I unintentionally broke. This is probably where “ignorance of the law is not an excuse” came from.
The people of Israel were still at Mt. Sinai getting laws and instructions about living in community as well as worship instructions. All of these sacrifices really are horrific for sin. I can only imagine how many innocent young animals would have died because of my stupidity or innocent ignorance. Check this out…
2 “Give the following instructions to the people of Israel. This is how you are to deal with those who sin unintentionally by doing anything that violates one of the Lord’s commands.
27 “If any of the common people sin by violating one of the Lord’s commands, but they don’t realize it, they are still guilty. 28 When they become aware of their sin, they must bring as an offering for their sin a female goat with no defects. (Leviticus 4:2,27-28 NLT)
I guess these passages remind me of how imperfect a life I really lead. I’m so thankful that when Jesus came, He was the Ultimate Sacrifice as well as the Final Sacrifice needed for sin. I’ve heard it said that when I sin, I crucify Jesus on the cross all over again.
As I spend time reading the Word of God, I’ve become aware of how prone to sin I really am. I have often caught my thoughts heading down sinful trails. My thoughts lead to actions. I am leaning into the Lord over my actions and my thoughts that lead to actions. I do confess my sin before the Lord as soon as I become aware of it. I also confess my intentional sin to Him as well. It’s really easy to sin. It’s really easy to be oblivious to my sin. The very Spirit of God that dwells in me, don’t let it go very long. He prompts my heart and reveals my sin. There have been times that others have pointed out my sin. I’ve heard messages or podcasts that point out my sin. I admit that I’m a sinful man. My goal is to become holy and honorable before the Lord at all times. I want to walk with the Lord so close that my “sin notification” goes off deep inside me when sin is sending out invites.
I’m so thankful that Jesus is the Remedy for sin. I’m so thankful that I can confess my sin before Him and accept His forgiveness without the death of another animal. I’m thankful for the Grace of God that Jesus brought with Him.
16 “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. 17 God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. (John 3:16-17 NLT)
I’m grateful beyond words that my sin – all of it, is forgiven because of God’s love for me.
Pressing On!
Dwayne