The Sin of Ignorance

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Aug 5, 1889

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 15, No. 30.

The Sin of Ignorance

A SIN of ignorance is an unknown transgression of God's law. It is caused by either a lack of knowledge or by known sins cherished. He who commits the sin of ignorance is nevertheless guilty; he is condemned by the law. But if he has lived up to all the knowledge he has received, if he has not rejected light which came to him, the Lord counts his purpose for the deed, and he does not condemn him even though he dies in that condition. But if his sin is revealed to him and he does not put it away, it is manifest that he loves sin and hates light. Not only are his actions not right, but his heart is not right. He "that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God." John 3:20, 21. He who walks in the light which God reveals from time to time, even though it points out defects in his life or doctrine, shows that his purpose has been to do right, that he has been honest even in error. But he who rejects light and clings to error, shows by that act that he loves darkness and sin. His heart is not right in the sight of God.