Ignorance

Frequently we hear people express differing viewpoints about even the most serious of religious issues. Why is this? One of the main reasons is lack of knowledge. Many people simply do not know what the Bible teaches.

Some people have never heard the gospel of Jesus or have never considered the evidence that it is the word of God. Such was the case of Cornelius, who needed to be taught the gospel. As soon as he heard it, he obeyed (Acts 11:14; 10:30-48).

But many would be surprised to learn that much ignorance of God´s word is willful: people just don´t want to know what the Bible says (2 Peter 3:5). In Matthew 13:15 Jesus described people who closed their eyes and ears, because they did not want to understand His teachings.

But why would anyone prefer darkness rather than light, ignorance rather than knowledge, error rather than truth? In John 3:19,20 Jesus said: “... the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.”

There is a certain amount of enjoyment in sin. Some do not want to give up their illicit pleasures. Faithful Christian living also requires time, effort and self-sacrifice. Many are not willing to put forth this effort, so they prefer to simply ignore the truth.

But people need to realize that spiritual ignorance is not bliss. Acts 17:30 says that God does not overlook ignorance. Rather, He commands all men everywhere to repent.

The solution is found in Acts 17:11. The Bereans learned the truth because “they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily...” Are you willing to follow their example?