“Ignorance Of The Law Is No Excuse”

Jarrod Jacobs

            Thomas Jefferson made the statement above, but this sentiment had its beginnings with God. Some have the mistaken notion that if someone is doing wrong, but does not know it is wrong, then God will excuse that behavior because “his heart was in the right place,” etc. This is not so. God demands that all men read and understand His word (Eph. 3:4). Paul wrote, “Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is” (Eph. 5:17). Thus, we learn three things: 1) It is a command of God to be wise. 2) The only way to gain that wisdom is to read God’s word. 3) Since God has commanded this, I have no excuse if I am ignorant of God’s will.

            Consider the following: If one drives over the speed limit and is pulled over, do you think the police officer will overlook this simply because the driver didn’t know what the speed limit was? Of course, not! Why then do people think that God will simply overlook sin and ignorance in their lives? “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Heb. 10:31). “And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commands all men everywhere to repent” (Acts 17:30). God’s longsuffering has allowed us to live to this present time (II Pet. 3:9; Rom. 2:4). Why not take advantage of your opportunity to learn and obey God’s will today, so that you will not be ignorant (II Cor. 6:2; Matt. 7:24-27)?