Does Ignorance Equate With Innocence?
by Joel Hendon(754)
One dictionary I found listed innocence as a synonym for ignorance. And I can understand and accept that, conditionally. We often see a child do something that hurts himself or someone else or damages something and, in most cases we accept the fact that the child did not know better. In other words he was ignorant of the fact that his action would be damaging. And we understand that this was due only to his age and lack of exposure to those sorts of things and therefore he was innocent in that particular act.
But, (you knew this was coming, didn't you?) these are not synonymus in all cases. Try explaining to a traffic officer that you did not know the speed limit was 35 mph and you were doing 50. Ignorance of the law is inexcusable. If you do not know the traffic laws, you must not drive. I knew of a young man once who thrust a pistol into his friend's abdomen and pulled the trigger. It killed his friend even though he was convinced the gun was not loaded. Perhaps, in a sense, he was innocent, but not in the eyes of the law, or the friend's parents.
Now we come to the point of all this. There are millions of people, perhaps a billion or more, who believe in God and in Jesus Christ yet they know very little about their teachings. I've even had people remark to me that they knew very little of what the Bible teaches but that they have great faith in God. Now that is an absolute oxymoron. It contradicts itself. They may believe strongly that God exists but this does not constitute biblical faith. Hear this:
For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.(Romans 10:12-21)
Just a little faith won't cut it. You have to live by faith! You cannot make mistakes in life and expect forgiveness for them, if they are done through willful ignorance! And a lack of knowledge of the Bible is willful ignorance. People, especially here in the United States, are without excuse for ignorance of the scripture. If one is financially unable to purchase a Bible, there are plenty of organizations which will see that you have one. If you are blind, there are those who will furnish you with one in Braille. If you simply cannot read, or are blind and cannot read Braille, you will be able to get one on tapes or CD's.
Jesus said on more than one occasion, "If you love me, keep my commandments". Obedience to the words of Christ is absolutely necessary and ignorance is not an excuse just as in the law of the land. Read this and notice that these people actually thought they were living according to the wishes of Christ:
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.(Matthew 7:21-23)
We are admonished throughout the Bible, to study, meditate and keep His words in our heart. Here is one of such, God speaking of his laws:
And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.(Deuteronomy 6:7)
Don't wait and face the Lord as those imaged in the Matthew quote above. There will be no turning back, no further opportunity. A couple of hours per day in study and prayer will work wonders in building up your faith, giving you peace of mind and assure your place in eternity.
Webgazine Columnist.
Article submitted Thursday, June 25, 2009 & read 167 times.
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