Ignorance is defined as “The condition of being uneducated, unaware, or uninformed” (The
American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language). While some believe that ignorance is
bliss, the fact is it is very dangerous, especially as far as the soul is concerned. Paul told the
Athenians that God at one time winked at ignorance, but now commands all to repent (Acts 17:30).
No one will be excused in the day of judgment due to ignorance. Let’s look at some dangers of ignorance.
Ignorance Causes People to Neglect Doing God’s Will
That doing God’s will is important is emphasized by Jesus in Matthew 7:21. “Not everyone
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.” Believing that Jesus is the Christ isn’t enough to make it to heaven.
Being religious isn’t enough either. Yes, those things are important and will certainly play a part in
determining where one spends eternity; but, in the end, only those who obey God’s will will make it
to heaven. But how can one obey God’s will without knowing it? There are many religious people
who believe that Jesus is the Christ who are ignorant of God’s will. They may call Jesus Lord but
they are still lost according to the words of Jesus. It is no wonder that Paul exhorts us not to be unwise,
but rather to understand the will of the Lord (Ephesians 5:17).
Ignorance Causes Some to Practice Religious Error
There are more people who are lost than saved (Matthew 7:13-14). Many are religious minded people who go to some religious service every Sunday. They are people who pray, sing to the Lord, give of their means, etc., but who are lost, nevertheless, because they are ignorantly involved in a false religion. It reminds us of the words Solomon in Proverbs 14:12: “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” The only solution is for people to search the scriptures and compare their religion with what is found in God’s Word. That is the only thing that can enlighten those uninformed of God’s will.
“…Shine out among them like beacon lights, holding out to them the Word of Life” (Phil 2:15-16)
Ignorance Causes People to Miss Salvation
Many who are lost today make no attempt to reconcile themselves to God. Why? Because they don’t think they are lost. They have listened to some false teacher preach some man-made doctrine that doesn’t save to them, and they’re convinced that they are right with God. Their ignorance of truth may make them feel good, but their souls are in great jeopardy. Again, the only solution is the Word of God. Jesus said, “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life” (John 5:39).