The sum total of the Old Testament teaching is thus that it is possible for a man to sin deliberately and grievously against God in a fashion which leads to judgement; such a man was cut off from the congregation of Israel by excommunication or death because the manner of his sin made him an apostate. On the other hand, outside the provisions of the sacrificial system, and where a person had not sinned wittingly beyond hope of recovery, forgiveness was a real possibility on condition of repentance.