Sometimes, sin is committed unintentionally. We see an example of that having happened in Leviticus 4: 2, 3. “When anyone sins unintentionally and does what is forbidden in any of the Lord’s commands—If the anointed priest sins, bringing guilt on the people, he must bring to the Lord a young bull without defect as a sin offering for the sin he has committed.”

From the above, we see that sin is sin, regardless of whether it’s recognized. We also see the principle that an offering can be made for unrecognized sin in order to be forgiven.

Sometimes, sin is committed intentionally. Once again, looking back to the Old Testament, we find another principle. Numbers 15: 30, 31 says, “Anyone who sins defiantly, whether native-born or foreigner, blasphemes the Lord and must be cut off from the people of Israel. Because they have despised the Lord’s word and broken his commands, they must surely be cut off; their guilt remains on them.”

Back then, there wasn’t an offering available for intentional sin. Those who committed intentional sin were cut off from God’s people. Does that principle hold true for those who rebelliously and defiantly commit intentional sin today? The answer is yes and no.

Yes, if one doesn’t believe in the sacrificial offering Jesus gave on the cross. The answer is no, if one has faith in Jesus and accepts His offering on behalf of humanity.

It’s all about Jesus because, as the earthly priest’s conduct could bring guilt to all, the conduct of Jesus, our heavenly priest, brings innocence to all. And not only does Jesus’ offering encompass unintentional sins, but unlike the earthly priest, His offering covers intentional sins too. And all of us have sinned one way or another.

In closing, although I’ve made a distinction about the applications and consequences of sin, there really isn’t a distinction in the nature of sin itself. Sin is sin. For instance, there is no such thing as venial sins and mortal sins, as some teach. All sin is mortal. All sin leads to death.

That’s why it’s so important to confess to God all manner of sin, both intentional and unintentional. That automatically places those sins within Jesus’ sin offering. Those confessed sins will be forgiven.

On the other hand, Jesus’ sin offering does not cover the intentional sin of unbelief in Him. Unless there is repentance, the guilt of that sin remains on the unbeliever. That sin cannot be forgiven. That sinner will be cut off.