Presumption

Presumption as it relates to the mind, is a supposition formed before examination. As it relates to the conduct or moral action, it implies arrogance or irreverence. As it relates to religion in general, it is a bold and daring confidence in the goodness of God, without obedience to his will.

Presumptuous sins must be distinguished from sins of infirmity, or those failings peculiar to human nature (Ec 7:20; 1Jo 1:8-9); from sins done through ignorance (Lu 12:48); and from sins into which men are hurried by sudden and violent temptation (Ga 6:1). The ingredients which render sin presumptuous are knowledge (Joh 15:22), deliberation and contrivance (Pr 6:14; Ps 36:4), obstinacy (Jer 44:16; De 1:13), inattention to the remonstrances of conscience (Ac 7:51), opposition to the dispensations of Providence (2Ch 28:22), and repeated commission of the same sin (Ps 78:17). Presumptuous sins are numerous, such as profane swearing, perjury, theft, adultery, drunkenness, Sabbath-breaking, etc. These may be more particularly considered as presumptuous sins, because they are generally committed against a known law, and are so often repeated. Such sins are most heinous in their nature and most pernicious in their effects. They are said to be a reproach to the Lord (Nu 15:3); they harden the heart (1Ti 4:2); draw down judgments from heaven (Nu 15:31); and even when repented of, they are seldom pardoned without some visible testimony of God's displeasure (2Sa 12:10). As respects professors of religion, one observes, they sin presumptuously

(1) when they take up a profession of religion without principle;

⇒"Presumption." topical outline.

(2) when they profess to ask the blessing of God and yet go on in forbidden courses;

(3) when they do not take religion as they find it in the Scriptures;

⇒Bible concordance for PRESUMPTION.

(4) when they make their feelings the test of their religion, without considering the difference between animal passion and the operations of the Spirit of God;

(5) when they run into temptation;

(6) when they indulge in self-confidence and self-complacency;

(7) when they bring the spirit of the world into the Church;

(8) when they form apologies for that in some which they condemn in others;

(9) when, professing to believe in the doctrines of the Gospel, they live licentiously;

(10) when they create, magnify, and pervert their troubles;

(11) when they arraign the conduct of God as unkind and unjust.

See Walker, Sermons, vol. 1, ser. 3; South, Sermons, vol. 7:ser. 10, 11, 12; Tillotson, Sermons, ser. 147; Saurin, Sermons, vol. 1, ser. II; Goodwin, On the Aggravations of Sin; Fuller, Works; Paley, Sermons; Bishop Hopkins, On the Nature, Danger, and Cure of Presumptuous Sins.