Cheryl Schatz

jbs,
This is not a justification of sin at all. It is allowing God to judge the heart motivation along with the action.

A heart motive of rebellion is called sinning with a “high hand”.  There were sacrifices in the OT that were to be offered for “unintentional sin” see Lev. 4:22.  If God can judge between those who sin willfully and with deliberate rebellion, and those who sin unintentionally then God can bring mercy to those who did not sin with malice.

This is what Paul claims when he was saved by Jesus.  Paul says in 1 Timothy 1:13 “even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor.  Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief”

God has the opportunity to step in and give mercy even though we do not deserve mercy when the sin has not been done with a “high hand”.

Adam was not justified in sinning because he sinned willfully and with his eyes wide open to the truth.  Hosea 6:7 shows that Adam treated God in a treacherous manner and Paul said that Adam was not deceived.  The bible says nothing about Eve’s sexuality tempting Adam.  Adam had no excuse.

While Adam and Eve’s sin was the same in that both of them ate the fruit, their heart motives were not the same.  God judges the heart.