I Didn’t Know
The title of this article is an excuse used by many today, and many will probably try to use it at the “end of life”, (if such a chance is offered), to justify themselves for their lack of knowledge. For instance, when a patrolman pulls you over, and presents you with a citation for speeding, if given the chance, you’ll likely say: “I didn’t know the speed limit here.” This “excuse” won’t cut it, and you’ll still be responsible for “paying the fine – for your crime”. The same can be stated in regard to the Word of God, and our responsibility of following it throughout our lives.
This was true even before God had provided a “written Law” to man as we can see the Spirit gave Paul to write in Romans 1:19-20. Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: God has “shown man” repeatedly throughout all time that He is, and what His Will is.
Even in the Garden of Eden, the woman, Eve, could not offer this as an excuse when approached by the serpent (the devil). In Genesis 3:1-3 we can see (by her own admission), that she did indeed know. Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? 2 And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: 3 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. We also know that by succumbing to the temptations of the devil, she (and Adam) were banished from the Garden. It cannot be said they didn’t know. But it is certain that they disobeyed, and for this they paid the price. Failure to obey God and His Word is a costly mistake.
However, there is no acceptable reason nor excuse one can offer for not being knowledgeable of God’s Word. One today cannot offer the “I didn’t know” excuse, as the Word of God was recorded long before our arrival on earth. Additionally, we are told in Romans 15:4, for what reason, and to what end the Scriptures have been preserved for us. For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Had God, through the Spirit, “not” had His Holy Word penned, we perhaps could say “I didn’t know”.
We can also “know” why folks don’t know. There are only two things of which I can think that would prevent one from “knowing”. These are: 1) Not having ever been taught, or having learned incorrectly, & 2) Refusal to “look into God’s Word to see what He wants us to do. And, we have scripture to support both of these views. We are told in 1Peter 2:2 that the “babes in Christ”, (those only having recently learned how to become a Christian, and having done so), were told to be “instructed” from God’s Word. As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: Those taught, but taught improperly are depicted in 2Corinthians 4:4. The “god of this world” will use all at his disposal to misguide and misdirect souls. In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. This is the main problem I have with the various “modern translations” (perversions) of God’s Word that so many tout as the Bible. To follow these are to be led to destruction.
These “perversions” contain Words of God, but are intermingled with the teachings of man. We cannot “add to”, or “take away” from God’s Word and call it truth. In John 8:31-32, Jesus stated succinctly what saves a soul. Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. The words man offers are not truth, neither can they save. Should we not heed the warning of 2Peter 2:1-3? The “words” these bring is not truth, and does not lead where truth leads. But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. 3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.
In 2Timothy 1:12 we have the Words the Spirit gave Paul to write to the young preacher showing why Paul was still following the truth, even in the face of much adversity. For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. Paul had committed his soul to God. The purpose of God’s Word being preserved for us, is so our souls can be preserved unto eternity. 1John 5:13 says it best. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
You have the Word of God. You can “know it”. Will you follow it? If not, and your soul is condemned, you have no one to blame but yourself.
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
