Romans 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19 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.
This passage of scripture teaches us the sacred truth that we are held accountable not only for what we know, but also for what we could have known. When the Bible speaks of the men who hold the truth in unrighteousness, it is referring to those of us who have the knowledge of God through the scriptures, and through nature at our very fingertips, and because of this we are without excuse. God does not judge us for that which we could not know, but a lack of the same knowledge does not in anyway preclude us from suffering the results of ignorance, for a lack of knowledge does not interfere with the laws of cause and effect.
A tourist from Germany who is accustomed to traveling on the Autobahn, where there is no set speed limit, but who comes to vacation in the United States of America, can be given a ticket for traveling at 90 mph in a 50 mph zone, even if he does not know the rules of engagement, because laws are not subject to change due to ignorance. The trooper who issues the ticket may have mercy if he so desires, but it is the tourist's duty to inform himself of the laws of the land he is vacationing in. Similarly, with the law of God that has now been made available at the click of a button.
No longer can we blame our televangelists and bishops for not teaching us the truth, for we have the word of God available for ourselves, so that if we so choose, we could find out what is the will of God for ourselves. Furthermore, it is actually our most sacred duty to do just that, for we are to answer for ourselves when our names appear in the judgment. When our turn comes in the courts of heaven, God is not going to call our names together with the bishop's or the pastor's, or even close family members, because each person must stand before God in single file, hence the reason why we owe it to ourselves to investigate the scriptures on a very personal level. Let's read:
Acts 17:10 And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. 12 Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.
2nd Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
In our day there are those who are satisfied with a mere surface knowledge of the scriptures as handed down by priests and prelates, and there are many other Christians who take the word of televangelists and bishops as the infallible word of God, even when at times it goes directly contrary to what is written. For instance, very many people have now bought into the fatal deception that the law of God was nailed to the cross, and therefore we are no longer under obligation to adhere to its principles. Hence the reason why many professed Christians are now clamoring for the Ten Commandments to be kept in public view, whilst every Sabbath the fourth commandment is being trampled underfoot.
These actions may be done in sincere ignorance, but the fact that we now have the word of God available online, and in our homes, removes the responsibility for knowledge from off of televangelists and bishops, and lays it squarely on our shoulders, for we are without excuse. Let us therefore not be satisfied with one man's interpretation of the sacred text, but let us rather go to God for ourselves, so that He may teach us personally through the ministry of His Spirit and through the study of His word, according to the scriptural methods of interpretation, so that our consciences may be molded by "It is written", instead of "It is spoken".
We therefore end with a passage of scripture which encourages us to study the word with the attitude of a humble learner, willing to do God's will as it is revealed to us on an ongoing basis. Let's read:
2nd Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
May God add His blessing to the study and practice of His word. "Good night" and God bless!