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 made it clear that God does not excuse ignorance.

Acts 17:30 (ESV)
³  The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent,

No one will be excused on the day of judgment due to ignorance.  Let us take a 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.

Matthew 7:21 (ESV)
²¹ “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

Believing that Jesus is the Christ is not enough to make it to heaven.  Being religious is not enough either.  Yes, those things are important and will certainly play a part in determining where one spends eternity.  In the end, however, only those who obey the will of God will make it to heaven.  But how can one obey God’s will without knowing it?  Many religious people who believe that Jesus is the Christ 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

More people 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 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.

            Ignorance Causes People to Miss Salvation

Many who are lost today do not attempt to reconcile themselves to God.  Why?  Because they do not think they are lost.  They have listened to some false teachers preach man-made doctrines that do not save them, and they are 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).