Dictionary of Bible Themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes » 6000 Sin and salvation » 6100 Aspects of sin » 6181 ignorance » 6183 ignorance, of God
A lack of knowledge of God, regarded as inexcusable by Scripture. God has made his existence, nature and power known to all through creation. God himself is not ignorant of human sin, but is able to discern the real intentions of human minds and wills.
Ignorance of God is inexcusable
God is made known through creation
Romans 1:18-20
As God is made known to all through nature, human ignorance of God is inexcusable.
See also
Psalm 19:1-4;
Acts 14:17; Acts 17:24-28;
Romans 2:14-15
God revealed himself to Israel
Nehemiah 9:13-14
See also
Exodus 19:10-11,16-19;
Psalm 103:7; Psalm 147:19-20;
Ezekiel 20:5
Ignorance of God is linked to sin and rebellion
Among the Gentiles
Ephesians 4:18-19
See also
Exodus 5:2;
John 4:22;
Acts 17:23;
1 Thessalonians 4:3-5
In Israel
Isaiah 1:2-3
See also
Isaiah 56:10;
Jeremiah 2:8-9; Jeremiah 4:22; Jeremiah 5:4-5; Jeremiah 8:7-12; Jeremiah 9:6; Jeremiah 10:21;
Hosea 4:1,6;
Amos 3:10
Ignorance of God in the ministry of Jesus Christ
Among the religious leaders
John 8:13-19
See also
Matthew 22:23-32 pp
Mark 12:18-27 pp
Luke 20:27-38;
John 8:54-55; John 16:2-3
Among his disciples
John 14:8-11
See also
Luke 18:31-34;
John 14:5-7
God is not ignorant of human sin and motives
Genesis 6:5;
Hebrews 4:13
See also
Exodus 3:7;
Job 28:12-28;
Psalm 139:1-6; Psalm 147:5;
Ezekiel 11:5;
Matthew 6:8;
Acts 1:24
Human ignorance of sin and the revelation of God
The fall brought knowledge of sin
Genesis 3:22
See also
Genesis 3:4-7
The OT law exposed the nature of sin
Romans 7:7
See also
Romans 3:20; Romans 4:15; Romans 5:13
Human ignorance does not excuse sin
By individuals
Leviticus 5:17-19
The law made provision for atonement of sins committed as a result of ignorance.
See also
Leviticus 4:27-35;
Numbers 15:27-29;
Ezekiel 45:20
By the nation
Leviticus 4:13-21
See also
Numbers 15:22-26;
Hebrews 9:7
By leaders
Leviticus 4:22-26
See also
Leviticus 4:3-12
Sin committed in ignorance incurs a lesser judgment than other sin
Luke 12:47-48
See also
Proverbs 24:12;
Romans 2:14-15
Repentance of sin committed in ignorance brings forgiveness
Genesis 20:1-18
See also
Acts 3:17-20;
1 Timothy 1:13
Ignorance of God and salvation
There is no salvation outside Jesus Christ
Acts 4:12
See also
John 14:6;
1 Timothy 2:5-6
Believers have a responsibility to remove ignorance of the gospel
Romans 10:14-17
See also
Matthew 28:19-20
Ignorance and God's judgment
The justice of God in salvation
Genesis 18:25
See also
Deuteronomy 32:4;
Nehemiah 9:33;
Proverbs 24:12;
Daniel 4:37;
Luke 12:47-48
God's judgment falls on all who do not know him
2 Thessalonians 1:8-10
See also
Psalm 79:6;
Jeremiah 10:25;
Romans 2:8
God's judgment falls severely on those who choose to disobey him
Proverbs 1:28-32
on Israel
On those who have heard the gospel:
Acts 17:29-31;
Hebrews 2:2-3;
2 Peter 2:20-22
See also
1020 God, all-knowing
1310 God as judge
1325 God, the Creator
1403 God, revelation
2324 Christ as Saviour
5033 knowledge of good & evil
5052 responsibility to God
6178 hardness of heart
6221 rebellion
6652 forgiveness
8424 evangelism