4. In conclusion, this is the highest step on the ladder, just below
receiving the knowledge of the truth" shuts a person out from mercy (Hebrews 10), and "there is no longer any sacrifice for sins." This applies to sins such as those directly against the gospel, committed with knowledge. While sacrifices could atone for sins against the law, even when committed with knowledge, there is no more sacrifice for sins committed with malice against the saints and the truth of Christ. It is not the sin itself that is simply so great in the act of persecution, for Paul committed it out of ignorance. However, the sin is great because it is committed with knowledge. Such is the vast difference that knowledge and ignorance create in the guilt of the same sin.
4. In conclusion, this is the highest step on the ladder, just below the point of no return—the highest but sinning against the Holy
Spirit. This undoubtedly signifies the greatest aggravation of sinning, as it brings a person to the brink, just before falling into the bottomless pit from which there is no recovery. Therefore, to "sin presumptuously" (which is the same as sinning against knowledge), as depicted in Numbers 15:26-30, is the highest step. David also acknowledges this distinction in Psalm 19:12-13.
He begins by praying, "Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults," which he considers sins of ignorance. Then he prays against "presumptuous sins," which, as the opposition indicates, are sins committed with knowledge.
For David states, "Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression," referring to the unforgivable sin that will never be pardoned. Thus, these sins are the closest to it among all others, but not every person who commits such sins actually commits the unforgivable sin. They are on the verge of it, one step away. To commit that sin, only two things are required: understanding in the mind and malice in the heart. Malice alone is insufficient, unless there is knowledge, for the apostle would