Topical Bible: Under the Law Atonement: Offered For: Persons Sinning Wilfully

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In the context of the Mosaic Law, atonement for sin was a central aspect of maintaining a right relationship with God. The Law provided specific instructions for various types of sins and the corresponding sacrifices required to atone for them. However, the issue of willful sinning presents a unique challenge within the framework of Old Testament atonement.

Definition and Context

Willful sin, often referred to as "high-handed" sin, is characterized by a deliberate and intentional violation of God's commandments. This type of sin is committed with full awareness and defiance of God's law, contrasting with sins committed in ignorance or weakness.

Biblical References

The Book of Numbers provides insight into the treatment of willful sin under the Mosaic Law. Numbers 15:30-31 states: "But the person who sins defiantly, whether native or foreigner, blasphemes the LORD. That person shall be cut off from his people. He has despised the word of the LORD and broken His commandment; that person shall be completely cut off; his guilt shall remain on him."

This passage indicates that willful sin was treated with utmost seriousness, and the prescribed consequence was being "cut off" from the community, signifying both social and spiritual separation. The text emphasizes that such a person has "blasphemed the LORD" and "despised the word of the LORD," highlighting the gravity of the offense.

Atonement and Sacrifices

Under the Mosaic Law, atonement for unintentional sins was made through various sacrifices, such as sin offerings and guilt offerings, as outlined in Leviticus. However, for willful sins, the Law does not prescribe a specific sacrificial remedy. The absence of a sacrificial provision for willful sin underscores the severity of such transgressions and the limitations of the sacrificial system in dealing with deliberate rebellion against God.

Theological Implications

The treatment of willful sin under the Law points to the need for a deeper, more comprehensive solution to the problem of sin. The sacrificial system, while effective for unintentional sins, was insufficient for addressing the heart condition of willful rebellion. This limitation foreshadows the necessity of a perfect and ultimate atonement, which Christians believe is fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

New Testament Perspective

The New Testament provides further insight into the concept of willful sin and atonement. Hebrews 10:26-27 warns: "If we deliberately go on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no further sacrifice for sins remains, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume all adversaries." This passage echoes the Old Testament's serious view of willful sin and emphasizes the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice as the ultimate atonement.

In summary, under the Mosaic Law, willful sin was met with severe consequences, reflecting the holiness of God and the seriousness of rebellion against Him. The Law's inability to provide atonement for such sins points to the necessity of a greater sacrifice, ultimately fulfilled in the New Testament through Jesus Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Leviticus 6:7
And the priest shall make an atonement for him before the LORD: and it shall be forgiven him for any thing of all that he has done in trespassing therein.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Sin Laid on Jesus
... The doctrine of atonement, as it is often preached, is a hazy, misty doing ... and yet
not supererogation for all that, for ye are not under the law but under ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 12 1866/sin laid on jesus.htm