What are presumptuous sins?

Answer

Some form of the word “presumptuous” appears eight times in the King James Version (KJV). The term signifies intentionality and audacity in rebellion. A presumptuous sin can be committed by an individual (Exodus 21:14;Numbers 15:30;Deuteronomy 17:12;Deuteronomy 18:22;Psalm 19:13), by multiple individuals «but chiefly those who walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. They are presumptuous, self-willed, not afraid to speak evil of dignities. », (2 Peter 2:10), or by the entire nation of Israel (Deuteronomy 1:43;Deuteronomy 17:13).

The phrase “presumptuous sins” is only found once in the KJV. Most older translations use the term “presumptuous,” while newer translations opt for “deliberate,” “willful,” “arrogant,” “insolent,” “flagrant,” or similar terms. Here is the passage in the Revised Standard Version, along with the preceding verse for context: “Who can discern his errors? Clear me from hidden faults. Keep your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression” (Psalm 19:12-13).

The author of Psalm 19, King David, distinguishes between two types of sin: hidden (unintentional, accidental, secret, unseen by the sinner) and presumptuous (deliberate, intentional). We all acknowledge that our intentional sins require God’s forgiveness (Exodus 32:33;Mark 3:29). However, God’s perfect law also addresses our unintentional sins.Sins need to be atoned for (Leviticus 4; 5:17; Numbers 15:22-29). Therefore, David humbly prays to God for protection from and forgiveness of both types of sin, acknowledging his own human weakness and powerlessness against this enemy, this disease of the soul, this foreign invader in all humans. “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8).

Presumptuous sins are deliberate. They are committed with the full knowledge that they are sins and in full light of what God has said. Presumptuous sins are premeditated. There is an intent to sin and a period of deliberation before the act. Presumptuous sins can only be committed by suppressing the conscience and despite its appeals. Those who sin presumptuously essentially say, “I’m going to do this, and nothing is going to stop me. I know what God says about it, and I don’t care if it’s wrong. I’m going to do it anyway.”

Presumptuous sins—sins committed in willful defiance of God—are a grave offense. In fact, in Numbers 15:30-31, the Old Testament law specified that someone guilty of willful, defiant sin was to be “cut off from among his people” (NKJV). Charles Spurgeon pointed out, “All sins are great sins, but yet some sins are greater than others. . . . While all transgression is a greatly grievous sinful thing, yet there are some transgressions which have a deeper shade of blackness, and a more double scarlet-dyed hue of criminality than others” (from Sermon 135, New Park Street Pulpit, Volume 3). A presumptuous sin would certainly have a “deeper shade.”

Presumptuous sin is committed in direct contradiction to what a person knows is true. We can know that something is wrong—we’ve spoken out against it, and we’ve counseled others to avoid it—but, given opportunity, temptation, and a moment of weakness, we may fall into it.We can succumb to the very sin we were certain we would never commit. We knew it was wrong, even as we were doing it, but that awareness did not prevent us from intentionally moving forward in our sin. It’s almost inexplicable, until we recall the nature of the human heart.

Committing presumptuous sin inflicts great damage on one’s relationship with the Lord. However, there is forgiveness available in Christ. God is merciful to the repentant: “Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon” «let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. », (Isaiah 55:7). Peter, who denied the Lord three times, was restored, and God’s plan for him continued. David, who committed murder and took another man’s wife, was forgiven and restored to a place of blessing. God can forgive all sin in Christ (1 John 1:7-9).

John Calvin wrote, “Unless God restrains us, our hearts will violently boil with a proud and insolent contempt of God” Commentary on Psalms, note on Psalm 19:13. That’s why David prayed, “Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me!” «Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; Let them not have dominion over me: Then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. », (Psalm 19:13, ESV). May God be our defender against temptation and grant us wisdom to recognize defiance within us and strength to resist it. May we be preserved from the audacity of presumptuous sins.