Can seeking forgiveness intercede for minor sins that may turn into major sins through persistence, and does persistence mean committing them while denying them, or does denying them along with seeking forgiveness keep them as minor sins?

Sins are divided into minor and major. Persistence in a minor sin can turn it into a major one. Repentance differs from seeking forgiveness. Repentance is remorse for the past, abstaining from the sin, and resolving not to return to it. As for seeking forgiveness, it is asking God for forgiveness. True seeking of forgiveness is that which is accompanied by remorse, abstaining from the sin, and resolving not to return to it. Persistence in sin negates the benefit of seeking forgiveness. The true believer considers his sins great and fears their punishment, while the wicked person trivializes them.