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 Is
there really a blessing in not knowing? Are we better off to “tend
to our own affairs” and pass through life blissfully unaware of
facts and obligations that might “bother us”? Many have this
selfish attitude, and some even offer scriptural “proof.” (It is
nice to know just enough to know one does not have to know.) But we
(nosey) must examine their proofs.
“Jesus
said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye
say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.” (Jn. 9:39-41) The
lesson is related to the healing of a man born blind, who had never
had the capacity of sight. One mentally incapable of knowing would
not be accountable, so, would have no sin. But when Jesus said (v.
39), “1 am come into this world that they which see not might see;
and that they which see might be made blind;” he referred to (1)
meek and humble people who had never had the opportunity to
perceive truth (Matt. 11 :25), whose eyes would now be opened; and
(2) those like the Pharisees, who had the opportunity, but who refused
to see. Haughty self-righteousness (Vs. 23,34) compounded their sin
and blinded them to truth.
Lu.
12:48 reads, “But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy
of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes.” This is a portion
of a parable re. slaves and masters, when “cut asunder” and “beaten”
(v.46), were practiced. The purpose of the parable is clearly
stated, viz., “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be
much required” or, accountability goes hand in hand with
opportunity. (See Matt. 25:14-f) The slave who failed his master was
not free of guilt. He was
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“worthy of
stripes.” As God’s creatures, pilgrims through this life, we
have obligations to our Maker and fellow-travelers— to know, and
accept our fair responsibilities. In a real sense, the parable
teaches that one who fails to use opportunities to learn truth and
obey, is worthy of many stripes.
Paul
“obtained mercy,” because he “did it ignorantly in unbelief.”
But 1 Tim. 1:13 does not equate ignorance with justification. In
v.15 Paul says he was “chief” of sinners. He just says his was
no presumptuous or highhanded sin (See Num. 15:27-31). His railing
and persecuting was done in good conscience (Acts 23:1) in keeping
with what he “verily thought” to be right (26:9). The mercy he
obtained is available to us in the person of Christ, who died for
those who will do what Paul did when he learned the truth (Acts
22:16).
Peter
writes of those who “willingly are ignorant” of God’s power
and judgement (2 Pet. 3:5). He admonishes, “Be not ignorant—”
(v. 8) for though God is long-suffering, we must all stand before
His throne. (2 Cor. 5:10) Beware presumptuous ignorance!
Finally,
“If any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant” (1 Cor. 14:38) is
an admonition to “deliver to Satan”—cease to cast pearls
before one who obstinately rejects the unified revelation of God’s
Spirit. “Let them alone” (Matt. 15:14), “from such withdraw
thyself” (1 Tim. 6:3-5). There will be no way to ignore eternal
condemnation. (Please read Rev. 6:12-17).
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