Is ignorance an adequate excuse for sin?

Answer

If by “excuse” we mean that due to our lack of knowledge God will overlook our wrongdoings, then there are no valid justifications for sin. Sin encompasses any thought, word, or action carried out by humans that goes against God’s perfection. When Adam and Eve were initially created, they did not engage in anything contrary to God’s perfection (Genesis 1:27-31). They were made in a flawless state and remained so until they succumbed to temptation (Genesis 3:6-7). One could argue that, as they had never encountered death, they were somewhat unaware of the seriousness of sin’s consequences. However, this did not justify their sin.

When God presented His Law to the Israelites, He included specific guidelines regarding sacrifices for individuals, or the entire nation, who sinned unknowingly «But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people: », (Hebrews 9:7). Leviticus 4 details God’s provision for those who unintentionally sinned or sinned in ignorance. Numbers 15:22–29 reaffirms this provision and provides information about the specific sacrifices needed to seek forgiveness from the Lord when someone sinned unknowingly. Leviticus 5:17 clarifies: “If someone sins and breaks any of the LORD’s commandments unknowingly, he is still guilty and must bear his punishment.” Ignorance did not serve as an excuse for sin; the sins committed in ignorance by the Israelites still necessitated an atoning sacrifice.

While ignorance does not pardon sin, it can lessen the punishment. The Law’s penalty for unintentional sin was considerably milder than that for intentional rebellion or blasphemy. Jesus reaffirmed this principle.People in Luke 12:47–48: “The servant who knows the master’s will and does not get ready or does not do what the master wants will be beaten with many blows. But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked” (emphasis added).

We must learn to take sin as seriously as God does. One reason for all the sacrifices and continual purification rituals in the Old Testament was to show the people how far they were from God’s holiness. The purpose of negative consequences is to teach us to see sin the way God does and hate it as He does (Psalm 31:6; Proverbs 29:27). When we commit a sin in ignorance, God brings consequences to help us learn. Once we know better, He expects us to do better. We do the same with our children. Simply because a four-year-old had not been specifically told not to squish the bananas in the store does not mean Mom is fine with it. There will be consequences, even if he can claim ignorance of that specific rule, and he will be told clearly that squishing bananas will not be tolerated again. Of course, his consequences the first time may not be as severe as they are likely to be if Mom catches him squishing more bananas after being instructed not to.

Most claims of ignorance fall flat, however. Romans 1:20 says that there is no excuse for not believing in God’s existence: the invisible qualities of God are “clearly seen” in creation. Micah 6:8 also counters our claims of ignorance: “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” If ignorance does not excuse sin, then feigned ignorance is even worse.

God is a Father, and He loves His children “For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear…”; but you have received the Spirit of adoption, through which we cry, Abba, Father.” , (Romans 8:15). He does not take pleasure in punishing us but in shaping us into the likeness of His Son “For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.” , (Romans 8:29). He does not accept excuses, including the excuse of ignorance; instead, He provides us with opportunities to learn from our actions so that we can make wiser choices. He knows the gifts each of us has received and holds us accountable for how we use them (Matthew 13:11-12;Acts 17:30). We have all sinned in ignorance, but God does not leave us in ignorance “as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts in your ignorance.” , (1 Peter 1:14). He has given us His Word to guide us in righteous living, and He expects us to live by it and strive for holiness, “without which no one will see the Lord” “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.” , (Hebrews 12:14).