GOSPEL TRUTH: The Price of Presumption
Not forgetting Numbers 15…..
But the soul that doeth ought presumptuously, whether he be born in the land, or a stranger, the same reproacheth the Lord; and that soul shall be cut off from among his people. Because he hath despised the word of the Lord, and hath broken His commandment, that soul shall utterly be cut off; his iniquity shall be upon him. (Numbers 15:30-31 KJV)
In Old Testament times, before the coming of Christ, a sacrificial system existed in Israel. An individual who was conscious of sin and wished to put matters right with God would bring an animal to the high priest at the tabernacle or at the temple in Jerusalem. Clear instructions can be found in Scripture detailing the type of animal which could be brought to atone for sin and the manner in which it would be presented to God.
Similar instructions were prescribed for worshippers who brought an animal to the priest as an act of thanksgiving or appreciation. In this case the animal was not offered to restore the individual to a right relationship with God. Rather, it was brought because of that relationship which was enjoyed. The person bringing it was not a penitent sinner but a worshipping believer who delighted in being able to approach God.
However, one fact can easily be overlooked. The person who brought a sacrifice to atone for sin did so because he or she had sinned “through ignorance” (Num.15:27 KJV). The laws of God had not been deliberately flouted. As a matter of fact, Scripture makes it very clear that intentional sin was to be viewed altogether differently. Consider the verses from Numbers 15 quoted at the beginning of this article. If anyone sinned “presumptuously” – whoever they were, whether a native “born in the land” or someone who had chosen to live with the people of Israel – that person was not invited to come to the altar with a sacrificial animal. Their background made no difference. They were to be “cut off” from the other people, forfeiting their place in society (v.30).
BRINGING THIS UP TO DATE
Reading this in the twenty-first century we might be inclined to complain that this seemed unnecessarily harsh, but our criticism demonstrates that we are unaware of the gravity of sin. The two verses above show us the seriousness of the matter. One who has sinned “presumptuously” was guilty on three counts. First, the person had reproached the name of the LORD, bringing Him into disrepute and showing Him scorn. Second, the sinner in this context had “despised the word of the LORD” (v.31). The LORD had provided His Law which outlined the standards God expected and identified sin. Knowing this, the one who had sinned “presumptuously” had acted independently of His Law and considered himself to be above its claims. Third, God’s “commandment” had deliberately been broken by the sinner who was now guilty before Him. “That soul” would not simply be “cut off from among his people” (v.30) but “utterly” cut off from them (v.31).
The Law of God makes us aware that sin is serious when we understand how atonement required the death of a sacrificial animal such as a lamb. But we see how much more serious sin is when we consider the one sinning “presumptuously” being “utterly cut off” from the community. The words “his iniquity shall be upon him” offer no hope. The penitent sinner could come before the priest with his sacrificial animal and confess his sin which would be removed through the death of the animal. In that case the sin would, in effect, be “upon” the animal. But here the stiff-necked sinner would continue to bear his own sin and face the awful judgment of God.
Forgiveness now, according to the New Testament can be found alone in Jesus Christ. There is no other Name under heaven by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12). Sin is so serious in the sight of God that it cost the death of His only Son. Knowing how we ought to live, how dare we act “presumptuously” and defy His Word and the consequences of sin outlined therein? However, if we truly repent of our sin before God and confess it to Him, He can forgive us and cleanse us through the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ.
The Bible never downplays the gravity of sin – and neither should we. Nor should we ever despise the amazing grace of God who will “abundantly pardon” the wicked if they forsake their self-willed way (Isa.55:7).