What steps can we take to seek forgiveness for unintentional sins today? The pattern from Numbers 15:28 “The priest is to make atonement before the LORD for the person who erred by sinning unintentionally; and when atonement is made for him, he will be forgiven.” Israel’s worshipers brought a sacrifice; the priest stood between the sinner and God; forgiveness followed. That rhythm still guides us—fulfilled in Christ—whenever we discover we have sinned without meaning to. Christ, our perfect Priest and sacrifice • Hebrews 9:14—“How much more will the blood of Christ… cleanse our conscience from dead works to serve the living God!” • 1 Peter 3:18—Jesus “suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.” Because He both offers and is the sacrifice, every step we take now rests on His finished work. Step 1: Invite the Spirit to search your heart • Psalm 139:23-24—Ask God to “search me… test me… lead me.” • Psalm 19:12—“Who can discern his own errors? Cleanse me from hidden faults.” Regular self-examination keeps unintended sins from remaining hidden. Step 2: Confess specifically once light comes • 1 John 1:9—“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us…” • Proverbs 28:13—“He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” Name the attitude, word, or deed; agree with God that it missed His mark. Step 3: Rely on Christ’s atonement, not your effort • Hebrews 7:25—He “always lives to intercede” for us. • Romans 3:23-25—We are “justified freely by His grace… through faith in His blood.” Emotional heaviness lifts when we trust the sufficiency of His once-for-all sacrifice. Step 4: Turn from the sin and make things right • Acts 26:20—“repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance.” • Matthew 5:23-24—If we have wronged someone, pursue reconciliation. Real repentance always moves our feet, not just our lips. Step 5: Walk forward in grateful obedience • John 8:11—“Neither do I condemn you… go, and sin no more.” • Galatians 5:16—“Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” Forgiveness frees us to live differently, leaning on the Spirit’s power. Ongoing rhythms that keep the heart clear • Daily time in the Word: it exposes hidden motives (Hebrews 4:12). • Regular communion: remembering the cost of grace (1 Corinthians 11:28-29). • Accountable fellowship: trusted believers who can warn and encourage (Hebrews 3:13). • Quick obedience to conviction: respond promptly when the Spirit pricks the conscience. Our confidence • Psalm 32:1—“Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.” • Romans 8:1—“Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” What Israel tasted through an earthly priest, we enjoy fully in the risen Lord. Every unintentional sin brought into His light meets the same verdict: “Forgiven.” |
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