Is Ignorance Truly Bliss?


Jeremy Young


We have all heard the expression, “Ignorance is bliss,” but is it a true statement? Perhaps it is a matter of perception, but I do not believe it to be true. I thought about this matter this week while Linda was at the dentist’s office. She was there to get a couple of fillings for her teeth. This did require the dentist to numb her with an injection of Novocain. Linda did not realize that she got a needle shoved into her gums because the dentist put a topical anesthetic on her gums first and then had her to tip her head back to keep her from seeing the needle. He was very good with her, and she actually had fun during the entire process. Some would say that ignorance was, in this case, blissful; but, as I thought about this, I realized that even though she was ignorant of her situation, her ignorance did not change the reality of the situation.


Some believe that we ought to allow those who are in sin to remain in their ignorant “bliss.” However, we must recognize that even though they may be ignorant of the fact that the consequence of sin is death, spiritual separation from God (Romans 6:23), they will one day have to face the reality of their sin (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9). 


I have heard some in the Lord’s church say, “Ignorance of sin is what allows young children and infants to be free of sin,” but this is actually untrue. They are not saved by their ignorance but by their innocence. Young children and infants do not have the ability to understand the concept of sin or to take any responsibility for their actions and, therefore, they are innocent and not simply ignorant. 


However, our friends who are in false religions, wrong marriages, homosexual relationships, who partake in drinking, partying, and, who, overall, are living their lives according to the flesh, are not innocent despite their ignorance; ignorance of God’s law is not a valid excuse. (Note 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9, again.)


If simply being ignorant of God’s Word could save one, would we not do the world a favor by getting rid of all Bibles and allowing people to live in their ignorance? They could then live any way they desired and still have a home in heaven. 


Of course, if this were really a loophole to salvation, one must wonder why God (who is all knowing) did not allow man to remain in his ignorance. One must also wonder why we are commanded to go and preach the Gospel to the world (most of whom were ignorant of their sinfulness at the time this command was given by Jesus. Mark 16:15). 


Therefore, what we see is, there is no loophole for those who are in sin; there is still only one way to God, and that is through Jesus. (John 14:6) We can either humbly submit to His will and receive the gift of salvation and eternal life, or we can reject Him and eternal life. 


The choice is ours. However, for those who have obeyed Christ, we must realize that the world is dying in its ignorance and, therefore, we have an obligation to warn these folks and show them the way to salvation (John 14:6; Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38) because ignorance is not bliss. –PO Box 101, Winfield, WV 25213.


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