Acts 17:30 Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent
As Peter spoke to the Jews about their sin of murdering Jesus, he referred to them as ignorant. And now, Brethren, I believe that through ignorance you did it, as did also your rulers. (Acts 3:17) Their ignorance did not excuse them from this horrible sin. Their only hope was in Repentance which is still true today. Ignorance is no excuse.
Many people today claim “spiritual ignorance.” They say they didn’t know what the Word of God said about something. Even when Jesus spoke to His Disciples, they did not understand what He was telling them. For He taught His Disciples and said to them, “The Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of men, and they will kill Him. And after He is killed, He will rise the third day. But they did not understand this saying, and were afraid to ask Him. (Mark 9:31-32)
Spiritual ignorance is a misunderstanding of the Word of God. It is a wrong interpretation of what God Almighty is speaking. Lost people cannot understand the Word of God. To them, it is all foolishness. But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (1 Corinthians 2:14)
They fail to understand just how much God loves them. All God wants is for them to come to Repentance and seek Him with all their heart. That’s all God wants of any of us.
The Jews who were alive at the time of Jesus’ Crucifixion, Resurrection, and Ascension had no excuse at all. For them to reject Christ was not just ignorance but willful ignorance which is an entirely different thing.
Willful ignorance is to know the truth and not accept it. This stems from the demonic spirit of stubbornness and pride which we all know is something God hates. This is what got Lucifer banished from Heaven.
God will call us out of willful ignorance and into Repentance where we can be set free from any and all misunderstanding of His Word. It’s a wonderful thing but there is just one catch…….We have to want it. God will not force Himself on anyone. He will allow us to go on living in willful ignorance and sin. Yes, He will continue to draw us to Himself but it is our choice to say yes to Him and surrender our lives to Him.
Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent. (Acts 17:30)
Repentance will……….turn the tide
Surrendered, Doreen
www.bettsministries.org