The Bible makes a clear distinction between ignorant sin and wilful sin, showing that the consequences for each are very different. Below is a definition of both types of sin along with scriptural examples.
Contents
1. Ignorant Sin: Sin Committed Without Full Knowledge
Definition:
Ignorant sin is sin committed unknowingly, without full understanding of God’s law or will. These sins are still considered transgressions, but God provides a way for atonement because the person did not act in deliberate defiance.
Scriptural Support:
Numbers 15:27-28 (KJV)
And if any soul sin through ignorance, then he shall bring a she-goat of the first year for a sin offering. And the priest shall make an atonement for the soul that sinneth ignorantly, when he sinneth by ignorance before the LORD, to make an atonement for him; and it shall be forgiven him.
This passage shows that God makes provision for sins committed in ignorance—there is forgiveness available through atonement.
Luke 23:34 (KJV)
Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.
Yahusha (Jesus) asked the Father to forgive those who crucified Him because they were acting in ignorance.
Examples of Ignorant Sin:
- Paul Before His Conversion
- 1 Timothy 1:13 – Paul persecuted believers, but he received mercy because he acted ignorantly in unbelief.
- He thought he was serving God but was actually fighting against the truth.
- A New Believer Who Doesn’t Yet Understand All of God’s Laws
- A person who just comes to the faith might not know about keeping the Sabbath or avoiding unclean foods.
- They are not in wilful rebellion but simply lack knowledge.
- A Person Raised in False Doctrine
- Someone who was taught all their life that the law was abolished may break God’s commandments thinking they are obeying Him.
- When they learn the truth, they must repent and follow God’s law.
God’s Mercy for Ignorant Sin:
- Ignorant sin is forgivable if a person repents when they learn the truth.
- Once a person gains knowledge, they are accountable for obeying God.
2. Wilful Sin: Deliberate, Knowing Rebellion Against God
Definition:
Wilful sin is sin committed intentionally, with full knowledge that it is wrong. This is an act of defiance against God and is far more serious than ignorant sin.
Scriptural Support:
Numbers 15:30-31 (KJV)
But the soul that doeth ought presumptuously, whether he be born in the land, or a stranger, the same reproacheth the LORD; and that soul shall be cut off from among his people. Because he hath despised the word of the LORD, and hath broken his commandment, that soul shall utterly be cut off; his iniquity shall be upon him.
- “Presumptuously” means arrogantly, defiantly, or willfully.
- “Reproacheth the LORD” – The person is blaspheming God through their disobedience.
- They are cut off – No atonement is available because they knew the truth and still rebelled.
Hebrews 10:26-29 (KJV)
For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins… Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant… an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
- “If we sin wilfully after receiving knowledge” → This means the person knows God’s law but chooses to break it.
- “There remaineth no more sacrifice for sins” → God will not accept repentance for wilful rebellion.
- “Done despite unto the Spirit of grace” → The person has insulted the Holy Spirit by rejecting conviction.
Examples of Wilful Sin:
- King Saul’s Rebellion
- 1 Samuel 15:1-23 – Saul knew God’s command to destroy the Amalekites completely but chose to disobey.
- His sin was not out of ignorance; he willfully did what he wanted.
- Samuel told Saul that rebellion is like witchcraft (1 Samuel 15:23).
- Judas Iscariot’s Betrayal
- John 12:6 – Judas stole money from the disciples’ treasury, showing he had a pattern of wilful sin.
- Matthew 26:14-16 – He deliberately betrayed Yahusha for money, knowing it was wrong.
- Matthew 27:3-5 – He later felt remorse, but not true repentance.
- A Believer Who Knows God’s Law But Chooses to Ignore It
- A person learns that keeping the Sabbath is a commandment but continues to work on the Sabbath with no care.
- They know the dietary laws but eat unclean foods anyway, saying, “God understands”.
- Someone receives the truth about fornication or adultery but continues in the sin intentionally.
- An Apostate Who Turns Away from the Faith
- Hebrews 6:4-6 warns that if someone fully experiences the Holy Spirit and then falls away, it is impossible to renew them to repentance.
- This is not an accidental sin—it is a full, deliberate rejection of God.
God’s Judgment for Wilful Sin:
- Wilful sin is NOT forgiven.
- It leads to judgment and eternal destruction.
- Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is when someone continually and knowingly rejects God’s truth (Matthew 12:31-32).
3. Summary of Differences
| Type of Sin | Definition | Forgivable? | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ignorant Sin | Committed without full knowledge or understanding | Yes, if repented when truth is learned | Paul persecuting believers before conversion, someone unknowingly breaking dietary laws |
| Wilful Sin | Committed knowingly, in direct rebellion against God’s truth | No, it leads to judgment and separation from God | Saul’s disobedience, Judas betraying Christ, continuing in sin after knowing the truth |
4. Final Conclusion
- Ignorant sin can be atoned for because the person did not know they were sinning.
- Wilful sin is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit because it is a knowing rejection of God’s truth and law.
- Wilful sin leads to destruction—there is no sacrifice left for those who continue in rebellion.
- The key is repentance: If a person learns the truth and turns away from sin, they can be forgiven.
- However, if they continue in sin after knowing the truth, they are counted as God’s adversaries (Hebrews 10:26-27).
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