What is the difference between intentional and unintentional sins?

Answer:

"'But the person who does anything defiantly, whether he is native or an alien, that one is blaspheming the LORD; and that person shall be cut off from among his people" (Numbers 15:30).

The word "defiantly" translates the Hebrew word bə-yāḏ. It literally means "with a high hand." Notice that this defiance is related to blaspheming the Lord. In other words, because of pride, this type of person has a problem with authority, especially God's authority. This person knows what God said about a matter, but deliberately chooses to disobey God's command because he rejects God's rule over his life.

These are not the sins committed out of ignorance or weakness. A person might know that a sin is wrong, but gives in to the temptation because of his personal weakness. For example, David committed adultery and then tried to cover up his sin with murder. Still, we know that David did not do these things to thumb his nose at God. He was devastated when he was forced to face what he did, and he changed.

An example, Cain was warned about the sin he was contemplating: "Then the LORD said to Cain, 'Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it'" (Genesis 4:6-7). However, Cain chose to murder his brother. It was not a momentary weakness. He purposely ignored God.

"A wicked man displays a bold face, but as for the upright, he makes his way sure" (Proverbs 21:29).

"For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a terrifying expectation of judgment and the fury of a fire which will consume the adversaries. Anyone who has set aside the Law of Moses dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace?" (Hebrews 10:26-29).

Notice that the writer of Hebrews is talking about a person who knew the truth and once had accepted it. However, this person continues to sin purposely. Notice that it is compared to a person who sets aside the Old Law. We are also told that he has trampled the Son of God, treated Jesus' shed blood as unclean, and insulted the Holy Spirit. All of these point to a person who has rejected God, His salvation, and His law.

Is it fair if a child gets hurt touching a hot pot, even if the child wasn't warned that the pot was hot? It hurts because that is the nature of heat and the consequence of not respecting it. Sin is wrong because it causes harm, whether you recognize the harm in advance or not; it doesn't change sin's nature. This is the warning Solomon gives: "Can a man take fire in his bosom and his clothes not be burned? Or can a man walk on hot coals and his feet not be scorched?" (Proverbs 6:27-28). If you pick up a burning coal and give it a great big hug, it is still going to burn you, even if you intended to be kind. If you accidentally step on a burning coal and apologize profusely, it will still burn you. Your intention doesn't change its nature. Solomon's point is that fornication is the same. In truth, it is the same for all sins.

In Romans, Paul discusses the righteousness of God, including His right to judge people concerning the sins they commit. "For when Gentiles who do not have the Law do instinctively the things of the Law, these, not having the Law, are a law to themselves, in that they show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness and their thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them, on the day when, according to my gospel, God will judge the secrets of men through Christ Jesus" (Romans 2:14-16). The Gentiles did not have the laws of God detailed for them as the Jews, but it does not mean they were unaware of right and wrong. Few people see adultery as acceptable. Even liars don't like to be lied to. Yet, even these broad ideas of right and wrong are violated by everyone.

"And that slave who knew his master's will and did not get ready or act in accord with his will, will receive many lashes, but the one who did not know it, and committed deeds worthy of a flogging, will receive but few. From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more" (Luke 12:47-48).

The one who sinned in ignorance is still charged with sin and is held responsible. There is a difference in the severity of the punishment. See "Sins of Ignorance!" Recall that people killed Jesus, ignorant of what they were doing (Luke 23:34; Acts 3:17). Still, they were held guilty of killing the Son of God. It was a crime for which God offered forgiveness if they would do as He commanded (Acts 2:38). We also are guilty of various sins, but, in God's mercy, we are offered forgiveness if we meet the same conditions.