The term "wilfully" in a biblical context often refers to actions done with deliberate intent, particularly in opposition to God's commandments or will. It implies a conscious decision to act in a manner that is contrary to divine instruction, often highlighting the moral responsibility and accountability of the individual.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the concept of wilful sin is addressed in the context of the Law given to Israel. Numbers 15:30-31 states, "But the person who sins defiantly, whether native or foreigner, blasphemes the LORD. That person shall be cut off from his people. He has despised the word of the LORD and broken His commandment; that person shall be completely cut off; his guilt shall be on him." Here, wilful sin is equated with defiance and blasphemy, indicating a high degree of culpability and the severe consequences that follow.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the concept of wilful sin is further developed, particularly in the context of the new covenant established through Jesus Christ. Hebrews 10:26-27 warns, "If we deliberately go on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no further sacrifice for sins remains, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume all adversaries." This passage underscores the gravity of wilfully rejecting the grace offered through Christ, emphasizing the expectation of judgment for those who persist in deliberate sin.

Theological Implications

Wilful sin is often contrasted with sins committed in ignorance or weakness. Theologically, it is understood as a more serious offense because it involves a conscious choice to reject God's authority and grace. This deliberate rebellion is seen as a hardening of the heart, which can lead to spiritual peril if not repented.

Moral Responsibility

The Bible consistently teaches that individuals are morally responsible for their actions, especially when those actions are wilfully chosen. The call to repentance and faithfulness is a central theme, urging believers to align their will with God's will. The concept of wilfulness serves as a reminder of the importance of intentional obedience and the dangers of deliberate disobedience.

Practical Application

For believers, the notion of wilfulness serves as a caution against complacency and a call to vigilance in their spiritual walk. It encourages self-examination and a sincere commitment to live according to God's commandments. The emphasis on wilful sin also highlights the need for a genuine relationship with God, characterized by humility, repentance, and a desire to follow His ways.(n.) Alt. of Wilfulness.1596. hekousios -- voluntarily
... willfully, willingly. Adverb from the same as hekousion; voluntarily -- wilfully,
willingly. see GREEK hekousion. (ekousios) -- 2 Occurrences. 1595, 1596. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1596.htm - 6k

544. apeitheo -- to disobey
... to disbelieve, disobey. From apeithes; to disbelieve (wilfully and perversely) --
not believe, disobedient, obey not, unbelieving. see GREEK apeithes. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/544.htm - 7k

After this He Wilfully Sets Aside, I Know not Why...
... Chapter XLIX. After this he wilfully sets aside, I know not why? After
this he wilfully sets aside, I know not why, the strongest ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter xlix after this he.htm

St. James ii. 10
... In this respect therefore; whosoever offends wilfully in one Point; may be said
to be guilty of all; that his wilful offending in this Point, is a Rebellion ...
/.../sermon vi st james ii.htm

St. James ii. 10
... greater force or account, than it is in this Particular: and likewise, as the
Disposition of Mind which permits or induceth the Sinner wilfully to transgress ...
/.../sermon vii st james ii.htm

Luke x. The Latter Part of the 25Th Verse.
... been baptized into his Religion, and acknowledge Him for their Master, in order
to their Acquittance from any Sins they have at any time been wilfully guilty of ...
/.../sermon iii luke x the.htm

The New Heart
... But here he makes an exception; man, fallen man, created by his Maker, pure and
holy, hath wilfully and wickedly rebelled against the Most High, and lost his ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the new heart.htm

That in the Time of this Work the Remembrance of the Holiest ...
... and maketh thee inasmuch more unable to feel in experience the fruit of His love,
what trowest thou then that a remembrance wittingly and wilfully drawn upon ...
/.../anonymous/the cloud of unknowing/here beginneth the ninth chapter.htm

The Love which Withers.
... The Arminian-tinted do this consciously; wilfully they erect their Dagon of the
free will as often as the testimony of the Ark of the Covenant has cast him down ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxxii the love which withers.htm

On First and Second Repentance.
... "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth,
there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful looking for ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xiii on first and second.htm

Hebrews x. 26, 27
... For if we sin wilfully, after that we have received the Knowledge of the Truth,
there remained, no more Sacrifice for Sin: but a certain fearful looking for of ...
/.../sermon viii hebrews x 26.htm

An Advance in the Exhortation.
... For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there
remaineth no more a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation ...
/.../the expositors bible the epistle to the hebrews/chapter ix an advance in.htm

Wilfully (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) Alt. of Wilfulness. Multi-Version Concordance
Wilfully (2 Occurrences). Hebrews 10:26 For if we sin ...
/w/wilfully.htm - 7k

Latter (91 Occurrences)
... 2 Peter 3:5 For they are wilfully blind to the fact that there were heavens which
existed of old, and an earth, the latter arising out of water and extending ...
/l/latter.htm - 34k

Wilfulness (2 Occurrences)

/w/wilfulness.htm - 7k

Wilful (2 Occurrences)

/w/wilful.htm - 7k

Reserve (15 Occurrences)
... Hebrews 10:26 For if we wilfully persist in sin after having received the full
knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains in reserve any other sacrifice ...
/r/reserve.htm - 11k

Extending (15 Occurrences)
... 2 Peter 3:5 For they are wilfully blind to the fact that there were heavens which
existed of old, and an earth, the latter arising out of water and extending ...
/e/extending.htm - 11k

Existed (18 Occurrences)
... 2 Peter 3:5 For they are wilfully blind to the fact that there were heavens which
existed of old, and an earth, the latter arising out of water and extending ...
/e/existed.htm - 11k

Persist (10 Occurrences)
... Hebrews 10:26 For if we wilfully persist in sin after having received the full
knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains in reserve any other sacrifice ...
/p/persist.htm - 9k

Continuously (4 Occurrences)
... 2 Peter 3:5 For they are wilfully blind to the fact that there were heavens which
existed of old, and an earth, the latter arising out of water and extending ...
/c/continuously.htm - 7k

Chronology
... modified the Hebrew chronology. This modification some regard as having
been wilfully made, and to be rejected. The same system ...
/c/chronology.htm - 74k

Wilfully: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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