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The Difference Between Ignorant Sin and Wilful Sin

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.


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1. Ignorant Sin: Sin Committed Without Full Knowledge

Definition:

Ignorant sin is sin committed unknowingly, without full understanding of Elohim’s law or will. These sins are still considered transgressions, but Elohim 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 YAH, to make an atonement for him; and it shall be forgiven him.

This passage shows that Elohim 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:

  1. Paul Before His Conversion
    • 1 Timothy 1:13Paul persecuted believers, but he received mercy because he acted ignorantly in unbelief.
    • He thought he was serving Elohim but was actually fighting against the truth.
  2. A New Believer Who Doesn’t Yet Understand All of Elohim’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.
  3. A Person Raised in False Doctrine
    • Someone who was taught all their life that the law was abolished may break Elohim’s commandments thinking they are obeying Him.
    • When they learn the truth, they must repent and follow Elohim’s law.

Elohim’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 Elohim.

2. Wilful Sin: Deliberate, Knowing Rebellion Against Elohim

Definition:

Wilful sin is sin committed intentionally, with full knowledge that it is wrong. This is an act of defiance against Elohim 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 YAH; and that soul shall be cut off from among his people. Because he hath despised the word of YAH, 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 YAH” – The person is blaspheming Elohim 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 Elohim, 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 Elohim’s law but chooses to break it.
  • “There remaineth no more sacrifice for sins” → Elohim 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:

  1. King Saul’s Rebellion
    • 1 Samuel 15:1-23 – Saul knew Elohim’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).
  2. 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.
  3. A Believer Who Knows Elohim’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, “Elohim understands”.
    • Someone receives the truth about fornication or adultery but continues in the sin intentionally.
  4. 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 Elohim.

Elohim’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 Elohim’s truth (Matthew 12:31-32).

3. Summary of Differences

Type of SinDefinitionForgivable?Examples
Ignorant SinCommitted without full knowledge or understandingYes, if repented when truth is learnedPaul persecuting believers before conversion, someone unknowingly breaking dietary laws
Wilful SinCommitted knowingly, in direct rebellion against Elohim’s truthNo, it leads to judgment and separation from ElohimSaul’s disobedience, Judas betraying Hamashiach, 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 Elohim’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 Elohim’s adversaries (Hebrews 10:26-27).

Would you like me to integrate this into your lesson plan for teaching others?

You said:

Why does Hebrews 10:26-29 say there is no more sacrifice for wilful sin?

ChatGPT said:

Why Does Hebrews 10:26-29 Say There Is No More Sacrifice for Wilful Sin?

Hebrews 10:26-29 gives one of the most severe warnings in Scripture, stating that for those who sin wilfully after knowing the truth, there remains no more sacrifice for sins. This means that once a person intentionally rejects Elohim’s law and tramples on the blood of Hamashiach, there is no more atonement available for them. Let’s examine this passage in depth.


1. The Scripture: Hebrews 10:26-29 (KJV)

26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
28 He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:
29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of Elohim, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?


2. Breaking Down Hebrews 10:26-29

This passage highlights three key reasons why there is no more sacrifice for wilful sin:

A. Wilful Sin Is a Rejection of the Truth (v. 26)

For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins.

  • “If we sin wilfully” → This means deliberate, intentional sin with full knowledge.
  • “After we have received the knowledge of the truth” → This applies to those who already know Elohim’s commandments.
  • “There remaineth no more sacrifice for sins” → Hamashiach’s sacrifice does not cover wilful rebellion.

Example of This Principle in Torah:

Numbers 15:30-31 (KJV)
But the soul that doeth ought presumptuously… the same reproacheth YAH; and that soul shall be cut off from among his people. Because he hath despised the word of YAH, and hath broken his commandment, that soul shall utterly be cut off; his iniquity shall be upon him.

  • In the Old Testament, sacrifices were available for ignorant sin (Numbers 15:27-29), but no atonement was available for wilful rebellion.
  • Hebrews 10:26 follows the same principle—wilful sin = no more sacrifice.

B. Wilful Sin Brings Judgment, Not Mercy (v. 27)

But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.

  • Judgment replaces mercy → The one who wilfully sins becomes Elohim’s adversary.
  • “Fiery indignation” → This refers to hellfire, showing that wilful rebellion leads to eternal destruction.

Example of This Principle in Torah:

  • Deuteronomy 17:12 – If someone arrogantly rejected the priest or judge in Israel, they were put to death.
  • 1 Samuel 15:23 – Saul wilfully disobeyed Elohim’s command, and Samuel told him that rebellion is like witchcraft.

C. Wilful Sin is Worse Than Rejecting Moses’ Law (v. 28-29)

He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:
Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of Elohim, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?

Key Points:

  1. Under Moses’ law, physical death was the punishment for wilful sin.
  2. Under the New Covenant, the punishment is worse—eternal separation from Elohim.
  3. Three Major Sins in Verse 29:
    • “Hath trodden under foot the Son of Elohim” → Disrespecting Yahusha’s sacrifice.
    • “Counted the blood of the covenant an unholy thing” → Treating Hamashiach’s sacrifice as worthless.
    • “Done despite unto the Spirit of grace” → Insulting and resisting the Holy Spirit.

Example of This Principle in Torah:

  • Leviticus 10:1-2 – Nadab and Abihu wilfully disobeyed Elohim’s instructions for worship and were killed immediately.
  • 2 Samuel 6:6-7 – Uzzah touched the Ark of the Covenant against Elohim’s command and was struck dead.

3. Why is There No More Sacrifice for Wilful Sin?

A. Because Wilful Sin is Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit

Matthew 12:31-32 (KJV)
Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.
And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.

  • Wilful sin = Rejecting the Holy Spirit’s conviction.
  • This sin leads to eternal separation from Elohim.

B. Because There is No More Repentance for Those Who Turn Away

Hebrews 6:4-6 (KJV)
For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, and have tasted the good word of Elohim, and the powers of the world to come, if they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of Elohim afresh, and put him to an open shame.

  • If a person knows the truth and turns away, repentance is no longer possible.
  • They have fully rejected Elohim’s mercy, just like Hebrews 10:26 says.

4. How to Avoid Wilful Sin

  1. Fear Elohim and Stay Humble
    • Proverbs 9:10The fear of YAH is the beginning of wisdom.
    • A fearful respect for Elohim keeps us from wilfully sinning.
  2. Listen to the Holy Spirit’s Conviction
    • John 16:8 – The Spirit convicts us of sin.
    • Acts 7:51 warns against resisting the Spirit.
  3. Do Not Harden Your Heart
    • Hebrews 3:12-15 – Sin hardens the heart, making repentance impossible.
    • Romans 1:28 – Elohim eventually gives people over to a reprobate mind.
  4. Walk in the Spirit to Avoid Sin
    • Galatians 5:16Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
    • The Holy Spirit empowers us to resist temptation.

5. Final Conclusion

  • Hebrews 10:26-29 teaches that wilful sin after knowing the truth is unpardonable.
  • Under Moses’ law, physical death was the punishment, but under Hamashiach, the punishment is eternal.
  • Wilful sin is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, rejecting Elohim’s mercy entirely.
  • There is no more sacrifice because the person has rejected the only way to be saved.
  • The only way to avoid this judgment is to fear Elohim, stay humble, and walk in the Spirit.

Would you like me to integrate this into your lesson plan for teaching others?

You said:

How can believers avoid wilful disobedience and walk in the Spirit?

ChatGPT said:

How Can Believers Avoid Wilful Disobedience and Walk in the Spirit?

Wilful disobedience is a deliberate, knowing rejection of Elohim’s commandments, which places a person in danger of judgment (Hebrews 10:26-29). To avoid this, believers must walk in the Spirit, allowing the Holy Spirit to lead them into obedience and keep them from sin. Below is a structured guide on how to avoid wilful sin and walk in the Spirit.


1. Develop the Fear of Yahuah (Fear of the Lord)

Scriptural Support:

Proverbs 9:10 (KJV)
The fear of YAH is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

Ecclesiastes 12:13 (KJV)
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear Elohim, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

How Fear of Elohim Prevents Wilful Sin:

  • Fear of Elohim brings wisdom, guiding believers to avoid sin.
  • A healthy reverence for Elohim’s holiness and judgment discourages disobedience.
  • When a person fears Elohim, they will be careful not to sin wilfully.

Practical Steps to Develop the Fear of Yahuah:

  1. Meditate on Elohim’s Holiness (Isaiah 6:1-5).
  2. Read scriptures about Elohim’s judgment on rebellion (e.g., Hebrews 10:26-31, Revelation 21:8).
  3. Acknowledge that Elohim sees everything (Proverbs 15:3).

2. Walk in the Spirit Daily

Scriptural Support:

Galatians 5:16 (KJV)
This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

Romans 8:13-14 (KJV)
For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
For as many as are led by the Spirit of Elohim, they are the sons of Elohim.

What It Means to Walk in the Spirit:

  • Walking in the Spirit means allowing the Holy Spirit to lead your thoughts, actions, and desires.
  • It is a moment-by-moment dependence on Elohim’s guidance.
  • Those who walk in the Spirit will not give in to sinful desires.

Practical Steps to Walk in the Spirit:

  1. Begin each day with prayer – Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you (Luke 11:13).
  2. Meditate on Scripture daily (Psalm 1:2).
  3. Be sensitive to the Spirit’s conviction – If He warns you about something, obey immediately.
  4. Stay away from fleshly influences – Avoid things that provoke temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13).

3. Keep Elohim’s Word in Your Heart

Scriptural Support:

Psalm 119:11 (KJV)
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

Joshua 1:8 (KJV)
This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

How Elohim’s Word Prevents Wilful Sin:

  • The more Scripture you internalize, the harder it is for sin to deceive you.
  • Meditating on Elohim’s Word builds a strong conscience against rebellion.
  • The Word of Elohim strengthens conviction, making it easier to say NO to sin.

Practical Steps to Keep Elohim’s Word in Your Heart:

  1. Memorize key scriptures about obedience and sin (e.g., Hebrews 10:26-29, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10).
  2. Meditate on Elohim’s Word daily – Set aside time for Bible study (Psalm 1:2).
  3. Listen to and speak Scripture throughout the day (Colossians 3:16).

4. Avoid Hardened Hearts by Repenting Quickly

Scriptural Support:

Hebrews 3:12-13 (KJV)
Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living Elohim.
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

1 John 1:9 (KJV)
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Why Quick Repentance is Important:

  • Sin hardens the heart over time if left unchecked.
  • A person who delays repentance will become desensitized to sin.
  • Repenting quickly keeps the believer in a state of humility and submission.

Practical Steps to Maintain a Soft Heart:

  1. Confess sins immediately when convicted (Psalm 51:10).
  2. Examine yourself daily to ensure your heart remains tender (2 Corinthians 13:5).
  3. Surround yourself with godly people who encourage righteousness (Hebrews 10:24-25).

5. Stay Accountable to Righteous People

Scriptural Support:

Proverbs 27:17 (KJV)
Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.

Hebrews 10:24-25 (KJV)
And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Why Accountability Prevents Wilful Sin:

  • Being surrounded by righteous people discourages rebellion.
  • A strong spiritual community keeps believers in check.
  • Fellow believers can rebuke, encourage, and correct as needed (Galatians 6:1).

Practical Steps to Stay Accountable:

  1. Have a godly mentor or accountability partner (James 5:16).
  2. Join a Bible study or fellowship with those who love truth.
  3. Be willing to receive correction without becoming offended (Proverbs 9:8).

6. Develop Self-Discipline and Resist Temptation

Scriptural Support:

1 Corinthians 9:27 (KJV)
But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

James 4:7 (KJV)
Submit yourselves therefore to Elohim. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

How Self-Discipline Helps Avoid Wilful Sin:

  • Controlling the flesh is key to avoiding sin.
  • Resisting the devil means actively fighting against temptation.
  • Self-discipline is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

Practical Steps to Develop Self-Discipline:

  1. Fast regularly to discipline your flesh (Matthew 6:16-18).
  2. Set boundaries to avoid sinful environments (Psalm 101:3).
  3. Train yourself to say NO to temptations (Titus 2:12).

7. Keep an Eternal Mindset

Scriptural Support:

Colossians 3:2 (KJV)
Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

Matthew 6:20-21 (KJV)
But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

How This Helps Avoid Wilful Sin:

  • Remembering Elohim’s judgment and eternal reward makes disobedience seem foolish.
  • Thinking about heaven and eternity keeps the believer focused on what truly matters.

Practical Steps to Maintain an Eternal Focus:

  1. Think about judgment day (Romans 14:12).
  2. Live as if Yahusha could return any moment (1 Thessalonians 5:2).
  3. Meditate on heavenly rewards for obedience (Revelation 22:14).

Final Conclusion

  • Fear Elohim and respect His commandments.
  • Walk in the Spirit daily, relying on His power.
  • Keep Elohim’s Word in your heart to guard against sin.
  • Repent quickly to avoid a hardened heart.
  • Stay accountable to godly believers.
  • Discipline yourself and resist temptation.
  • Keep an eternal mindset to stay focused on righteousness.

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