Numbers 15:30-41

Committing sin through ignorance, or unwillingly, was handled very delicately by God in ancient times. If a man or woman, who was among the children of Israel, committed an act against the commandment of God, but was unaware of their offense, that particular sin could be forgiven. Fortunately, at the cost of offering an animal sacrifice to the Lord, the priest could make an atonement for all the congregation of Israel. Conversely, in the case where an individual of the congregation of Israel willfully went against the words the Lord had spoken through Moses, that person would be sentenced to death. While some may feel God’s punishment in these instances was too harsh or strict, the simple act of obedience was an easy remedy to avoid certain death.

God takes sin very seriously today, just as He did in time past. When a man knows to do good, yet refuses, this is considered sin, according to James 4:17. Our text mentions a man who was found gathering sticks on the Sabbath day. According to the law, it was forbidden to perform labor on the Sabbath, so gathering sticks was considered work. While there was a law to cover those who sinned through ignorance, those who had knowledge of their actions were deliberately despising the word of the Lord, and broke His commandments. Thus, that soul would utterly be cut off, and their iniquity would forever be upon him. In addition, those who literally defied the commandments of God would be stoned outside the camp.

It’s a privilege and an honor to be covered under the new covenant, because many today (including myself) knowingly commit sin, and go against the commandments of the Lord. But, by the grace of God, we can be forgiven, and set back on the righteous path. Taking advantage of grace to sin willfully, is abusing God’s gift. In this case, God could literally turn you over to a reprobate mind, so be thankful we aren’t condemned when we fall, but are justified and renewed by the blood of Jesus.