The Importance of this Study

I remember one of the many implications that I have learned regarding sin is the meaning of missing the mark. Which for an introductory of the terminology, it makes logical sense when it comes to us missing the mark of God’s holy standard. Sin seems to be a subject that due to the lack of in-depth study people are simply going to just understand it based on actions performed. That explanation isn’t a bad one but to truly understand the terminology of sin it goes way deeper than just “missing the mark”, Which is why I will be doing these Educational Journals to record the insights that I am receiving. Most of the information will be taken by the Course “Man and Sin” by Simon Chan.

Causes:

It is important to note the importance of what sin causes in the life of an individual. This includes that sin is not just an action but an effect. It makes an impact on an individuals core and how they function as those who are made in the Image of God. Knowing these types of causes can help us see the scope of the individuals and their struggle with sin and how it hinders their acceptance and relationship with God.

1.) Ignorance

Learning to interpret the bible it is suggested to not only look into modern dictionaries but also the context on which the term is being used. Ignorance in the modern sense means uninformed. You tend to be uninformed of a situation or issue when it comes to conflict resolution, you could put up a flag of ignorance to state your reasoning for not knowing.

He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness.

Hebrews 5:2

Paul in His encounter with the Athenians that God overlooked some ignorance as they worshipped the “Unknown God”.

“In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.”

Acts 17:10

Peter gives us a command to not live out our old sinful desires due to our ignorance, but to live as obedient children.

As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.

1 Peter 1:14

Paul acted in Ignorance but God showed him mercy.

Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief.

1 Timothy 1:13

While this is the modern usage of the term of Ignorance let’s go ahead and look at the biblical usage when it comes to the point of sinfulness.

When it comes to the context of biblical usage it provides a different
meaning which is a hardness of heart. While the modern usage isn’t sinful due to just not knowing because of unawareness. The biblical usage states that it is sinful due to the hardness of the heart of denying the truth.

“They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their darkness of heart.”

Ephesians 4:18

We can see the word ignorance within the context connects with understanding and being apart from the Life of God. The darkness of the heart stems towards that they are in denial with their understanding of the truth. This concludes that this is the type of ignorance that is caused by an individual’s lack of belief and acceptance of God. The following verse states that outcome of remaining in this and something that should be avoided.

Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed.

Ephesians 4:19

While the individual is purposely denying the truth it ends up with a loss of all sensitivity. This is a scary place to be due to the forceful numbness that can happen with the individual. This encourages and motivates them to pursue sinful actions because they are not allowing the truth to convict them of their need to acknowledge the truth of the Gospel.

While Paul was writing to the church of Corinth, He was explaining a few things about prophets or those who claimed to be Spirit-Filled that they should believe Paul’s credibility due to God’s command. While the Scripture doesn’t state “Ignorance” It does state that in some manuscripts.

If anyone thinks they are a prophet or otherwise gifted by the Spirit, let them acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord’s command. ³⁸ But if anyone ignores (ignorant) this, they will themselves be ignored (ignorant).

1 Corinthians 14:37-38

In conclusion, it is important to understand that sin causes Ignorance towards individuals who are in denial of the Gospel which cultivates harden hearts to lose sensitivity. We must be praying for those who are struggling in this cause of sin that we were able to examine and discuss about.