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 The
“heart” makes a difference In Num. 15:22-3l some sins are
called “unwitting” and some “presumptuous” or done “with
a high hand.” This doesn’t mean any sin is excused;
but our text shows that God will forgive the unwitting sin,
while he calls the other “blasphemy” and says “that soul
shall be cut off…” I suspect the account of the man stoned
to death for gathering sticks on the Sabbath (vs. 32-36) is a
case history of “high-handed” sin. The difference seems to
be in the attitude or “heart” of the sinner.
Solomon
recognized the need for a “perfect heart” in order that
obedience be acceptable (1 Kings. 8:57-61) although he later “turned
away his heart” from God (11:1-11). On the other hand, David’s
heart was “perfect with God” although he sinned (15:3-5).
This does not condone sin (2 Sam. 12:) but shows the divine
consideration given to man’s desire to do rightly. (Cf.
1 Kings. 15:11-14).
In
the New Testament we are told one must “deny himself” in
order to follow Christ (Matt. 16:24). Jesus made a distinction
in deliberate neglect of the Lord’s will, and of unwitting sin
(Lu. 12:47-48). Paul says, “He is a Jew which is one inwardly;
and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in
the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God” (Rom.
2:29). Without the “heart” worship is in vain (Matt.
15:7-9).
Desire
alone is not enough. Paul’s desire to keep law proved his
consent that it was good (Rom. 7:16), but because of the
weakness of his flesh, and consequent sin, under legal justice
alone he was undone. He needed the
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forgiveness made possible by
the blood of Christ. But his will, heart, mind,
spirit played a vital role in receiving the blessing in
Christ. The “spirit” of the early part of Rom. 8: is Paul’s
spirit, not the Holy Spirit.
Read
carefully 7:21-f. and note the different terms applied to the
same thing. Vs. 21, I would do good; 22, I delight in the law. .
. . after the inward man; 23, warring against the
law of my mind; 25, with the mind I serve the law of God; 8:1,
no condemnation to them who walk not after the flesh, but after
the spirit (see 8:4). “For they that are after the
flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are
after the spirit, (mind) the things of the spirit. For to be
carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded
is life and peace” (Rom. 8:5-6).
The
justification (or, no condemnation) in Jesus Christ is available
only to those who sincerely desire (and “walk”) in keeping
with the directions of the Spirit of God. Forgiveness for their
failures is offered on the condition that they give their “heart”
(and endeavor) to Him.
But
“If we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge
of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, but a
certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation,
which shall devour the adversaries. He that despised Moses’
law died without mercy” (Heb. 10:26-f). Presumptuous “high
handed” sin is no more excused now than in the past. Is your
heart right before God?
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