I believe that someone on this list pointed out that forgiveness under the law was only possible for unintentional sin. I would like to know if that was so, and if so, how did so many of those listed in the geneology [sic] of Jesus who intentionally sinned obtain forgivness [sic]?
The Torah teaches that sacrifices were done for sins of ignorance. Those who sinned presumtuously were not to offer a sacrifice. They were to be cut off (put to death). So, for example, if someone collected sticks on the sabbath to build a fire, and he didn't know that he was not suppose to collect sticks, he could offer a sacrifice and be forgiven. On the other hand, if someone collected sticks intentionally, knowing that it was forbidden, but he disregarded God's law and did it anyway, that person was to be cut off from the congregation.
Now this is what the Torah teaches, but in history, it was not always followed that way. As you know, nobody kept the Torah.
I personally believe that the Torah teaches us about sin this way in order to help us understand God's attitude toward sin, and also to expose our own ignorance of what we think we know. Man is always in the habit of excusing sin, but God is not. If we can see it the way that Torah teaches us, we will come to understand the extent of mercy extended by God much better.
I have a lot more I could share about this topic, but I just read how I should keep my posts short, so I will try to do that now. Maybe we can talk more later. :-) Let me just say that I do not consider what David did in the matter of Bathsheba to be "intentional sin" from the perspective of God. I see guys like Korah and Judas Iscariot in that category.
Peace be with you.
David Miller.
---------- "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man." (Colossians 4:6) http://www.InnGlory.org
If you do not want to receive posts from this list, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and you will be unsubscribed. If you have a friend who wants to join, tell him to send an e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and he will be subscribed.
