What is the difference between intentional and unintentional sin?

There is a great difference between intentional sin and unintentional sin.

Christ prayed from the cross to forgive those who crucified him, because they did not know what they did. Luke 23:34

When a faithful person sins, but is completely unaware that it is a sin, then it is unintentional and covered by the shed blood of Jesus Christ.

But...If a faithful person commits a sin intentionally, whether with purpose or in neglect, then that person is in the condition of sin. The blood of Jesus Christ does not cover that sin.

Thankfully, the LORD GOD has given Jesus Christ the authority to forgive sin. This power was important to Jesus Christ, and he wanted us to know about it. In fact, every time he healed someone who had palsy, he would remind us that he did so to show that he had the power to forgive sin on earth. One example is in Luke 5:17-26

Now....there are many beliefs among the faithful concerning this forgiveness. Some believe that since Christ gave his life for us, and loves us so deeply, that he forgives us through that love. Others believe that they must do something to reverse their sinful condition through penance and giving to the poor, homeless, orphans or tithing more on Sunday.

This is what we believe, and we came to our belief through the study of David, and his relationship with the LORD GOD. When David sinned, he went through many specific steps to let God know that he was sorry, and repented, and was going to do better. One of the best examples of this is expressed in Psalm 51.

When I find myself in the condition of sin, I approach Jesus Christ as David approached the LORD GOD. I do these things so I can be spiritually restored once again...

1) Have true remorse for your sin with a broken spirit and contrite heart
2) Make acknowledgement of your sin
3) Request for mercy from Jesus based on his loving kindness
4) Request for cleansing from the dirtiness your sin
5) Acknowledge your deliberate rebellion as a cause of your sin
6) Acknowledge that the temptation to sin is always present
7) State the facts of your sin truthfully, without blaming other things
8) Know you cannot be righteous on your own, but require Jesus Christ to be holy
9) Be truthful and stable in thought process, and present your sin rationally
10) Have faith Jesus and Holy Spirit can wash you of sin, and restore holiness
11) Request the joy and gladness in your soul to be restored
12) Request Jesus forget your sin, and bring it no more to his mind
13) Request Jesus and Holy Spirit give you a clean heart and renewed right spirit
14) Request Jesus allow his and the Holy Spirit’s presence to remain with you
15) Request Jesus restore your joy of his deliverance
16) Request Jesus and Holy Spirit be generous with presence to protect from sin
17) Promise to teach other Christians, the ways of Jesus for spiritual restoration
18) Request Jesus deliver you from blood guiltiness to escape sin that is not yours

You can find our complete study on Psalm 51 that teaches about spiritual restoration on our site.

This is our reasoning...

David was loved greatly by the LORD GOD, and favored among all, yet when he sinned, it pained him so greatly, that he shared that pain, repentance, and commitment to the LORD GOD in Psalm 51.

I love Jesus Christ that much too, and also feel deep shame and pain when I sin. I approach Jesus Christ in the same manner David approached the LORD GOD, and believe with all my heart that this method of repentance pleases him greatly, and allows for my spiritual restoration to be accomplished through His grace and touch.

I hope I have helped. Please let me know if you have further questions.

God's Blessings,

David "Bucker" Becker