Numbers 15:1-31 - Presumptuous Sins

Such guilt is aggravated under the law of the gospel, inasmuch as God's commands, authority, favour, and threats are invested with greater weight and sanctity through the revelation of his will and his love in Jesus Christ ( Hebrews 2:1-3 ).

II. THE DANGER OF PRESUMPTUOUS SINS .

1 . Under the law there was no sacrifice to expiate for such sins, but fatal punishment at the hand of man or of God himself.

2 . Under the gospel a sacrifice even for willful sin is provided. But as "the condemnation" is for unbelief, the neglect of the Saviour and his sacrifice is the most terrible, though a most common presumptuous sin, for which "there remaineth no more sacrifice" ( Hebrews 10:26-29 ). There is a sin "unto death," which "shall not be forgiven," &c.; ( Matthew 12:32 ; 1 John 5:16 ).

3 . The difficulty of exactly deciding, either under the law or the gospel, what sins are beyond the power of expiation, and expose us to be "cut off," adds to their danger. All sins are like poisons, fatal if remedies are not applied. But if some are certainly fatal, and we know not which, what need for faith in the Physician, and prayer that we may be kept from all sins so as to be guarded from presumptuous sins among them ( Psalms 19:12-14 ).—P.