IS IGNORANCE AN EXCUSE?

Mike Johnson

Some people seem to think that God will not punish those ignorant about what the Bible teaches.  However, many passages teach that ignorance is not an excuse (Hos. 4:6, Rom. 10:1-2).  The Bible even commands us to add “knowledge” (II Pet. 1:5), and it commands “growth” (II Pet. 3:18).

A person who might contend that ignorance is an excuse in religion should consider this question: “Why was the Great Commission given?” The Great Commission tells us we are to go and preach the gospel to everyone (Mt. 28:18-20, Mk. 16:15-16).  Why do this if people who are ignorant of God’s Word are already saved?  We would do better to let a person stay ignorant because if we teach such a person, we are taking a risk!  If the person rejects God’s message after hearing it, then he ceases to be ignorant and becomes lost.

Ignorance is certainly not an excuse for disobedience.  We all should learn God’s Will, and then we must teach it to others (II Tim. 2:2).