3. Furthermore, the vast difference between sins of knowledge and
murder and adultery. Without doing so, a person will not receive pardon. Moreover, a greater difference can be observed in terms of the state of grace and repentance. A person may persist in a sin they do not know to be a sin and yet be in a state of grace, as was the case with the patriarchs who practiced polygamy and divorced their wives. However, continuing in a sin of knowledge is incompatible with grace. Unless a person wages a constant battle against it, hates it, confesses it, and forsakes it, they cannot receive mercy. Such a stance cannot coexist with a sincere and upright heart. A friend may maintain a relationship with someone they do not suspect of being an enemy to their friend and remain loyal to their friendship.
However, if they become aware that the person is indeed an enemy, they must sever ties with one in order to align themselves with the other.
3. Furthermore, the vast difference between sins of knowledge and sins of ignorance is highlighted by the fact that certain sins committed with knowledge completely exclude a person from receiving mercy in the future. On the other hand, sins committed out of ignorance, which are capable of receiving mercy, may obtain it. Examples of such sins that exclude a person from mercy when committed with knowledge include persecuting the saints and blaspheming Christ. In those acts,
Paul's will was just as resolute and sincere as that of those who commit the sin against the Holy Spirit. He was passionately opposed to the Church and, in these sins, acted with the same fervor as the Pharisees who committed that sin. However, Paul explains, "I acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our
Lord overflowed for me." Although he committed the sins unknowingly, mercy was still necessary. Yet, because he did it in ignorance, there was room and opportunity for mercy that otherwise would not have existed. However, to sin "after