Sermon Audio Archive

What Must I Do To Be Saved?

  

"Ignorance Of The Law Is No Excuse"

Jarrod Jacobs

Thomas Jefferson, the famous statesman and former President of the United States made the statement above. I want us to think on this sentence because 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 "their heart was in the right place," etc. This is not so. God demands that all men read and understand His word. Paul wrote to the Ephesians and told them, "Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ" (Eph. 3:4). He also told them, "Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding 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 found to be ignorant of God's will.

Let us think about something: If one drives over the speed limit and is pulled over, do you think the police officer will overlook his/her breaking of the law simply because he/she wasn't paying attention, and didn't know what the speed limit was? Of course, not! Why then do people think that God will simply overlook the 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 commandeth all men every where to repent" (Acts 17:30). God's longsuffering is what 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, so that you will know His will and not be ignorant (II Cor. 6:2; Matt. 7:24-27)??

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