Ignorance Is Not an Excuse for Sin

Note from today’s Bible reading: Leviticus 1-6

We often hear the phrase, “ignorance is bliss.” It is the idea that, at least for some things, we are better off not knowing about it than dealing with something difficult.

Many people believe “ignorance is bliss” when it comes to sin. As long as they can continue with their lives, oblivious to the will of God, they feel no sense of shame for their sin.

Many passages in the Bible show that ignorance will not justify one who sins. One of these is found in the Law of Moses: “Now if a person sins and does any of the things which the Lord has commanded not to be done, though he was unaware, still he is guilty and shall bear his punishment” (Leviticus 5:17). Though he “sinned unintentionally,” he “will be forgiven” only after an atonement sacrifice is made for him (Leviticus 5:18). Though he was unaware of his sin, he was “certainly guilty before the Lord” (Leviticus 5:19).

Since being unaware of God’s law did not exempt one from keeping it, it was vital to strive to know God’s law and follow it. This is also true for us today. We must know God’s law so we can do His will.

So remember that ignorance is not an excuse for sin. We need to spend time with the word of God, learning what it teaches us to do. We can then use that knowledge to carry out His will.