Layman’s Corner

Q: Kim writes: I have some friends who use the excuse that if they do not know, or do not have knowledge of what the Bible teaches on different matters, then they will not be held accountable and I am not sure how to get back to them?

A: Thank you Kim for your question. The conclusion your friends present for not having to know what the Scriptures teach on various subjects is a bad argument. Let me explain. In Hosea 4:6 we read: ‘My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.” You can read more to grasp the full context but one might say, “well that is only for the priest” – no, actually He says, “My People”. Peter writes in His epistle concerning the people of Christ: “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light…” 1 Peter 2:6

Lack of knowledge and rejecting knowledge are two different things.  Not knowing because you cannot know is different from not knowing because you reject the opportunity. It sounds to me like your friends may be rejecting knowledge and if that is the case, they will have no excuse.  If a person starts driving a brand-new car and then later the engine blows up because it was not maintained properly, they cannot say, “but I didn’t know” – a new car always comes with an owner’s manual. If they never do any maintenance and then say, “I thought if I didn’t look at the manual, I wouldn’t have to do any maintenance” -that ignorance is not going to help them, they had a manual right there. So, if people have a map to heaven and they do not get on the right road, they cannot say “Well, I’m not accountable because I did not have a map” – the Bible is within reach of most people in the USA. If we know someone who does not have a Bible it would be good to offer one to them and hopefully, they accept it. The Bible teaches in 2 Corinthian’s 3 that Christians should be living epistle’s in other words walking Bible’s. Before words ever come out of our mouths people should recognize there is something different in our lives. If we claim to be a Christian while our lives are inconsistent with what the scriptures teach, then no amount of words will convince them. That is not to say they will be lost because of one encounter with someone who misrepresents Him. God will never force anyone to serve him but He will provide everyone ample opportunities to get to know Him, confess their sins and except His gift of forgiveness and offer of eternal life.

We believe the Bible is the Word of God. Through the Bible, God guides, inspires, teaches and regulates us. It is a solid guidebook for life and we can trust it. The BIBLE – Basic Information Before Leaving Earth – preparing us for eternity and the Earth made new.

Send your Bible questions, comments and Bible study requests to Jeff & Beverly Lawson at: laymanscornerqa@gmail.com.