Scripture Reading: Leviticus 5-6; Psalm 38
Two common sayings about ignorance come to mind while reading Leviticus today:
"Ignorance is no excuse."
"Ignorance is bliss."
Both exist because there’s truth in them. If I speed through a school zone because I don’t notice the flashing lights or the children with backpacks, my ignorance won’t get me out of a hefty fine. The officer won’t say, “Oh, you didn’t know? Never mind, then. Have a great day!” My lack of awareness doesn’t change my guilt.
At the same time, ignorance can feel like bliss. There have been moments in life when I was perfectly happy—until someone informed me of a problem I hadn’t noticed. Suddenly, I had to deal with a new burden. Sometimes, learning the truth creates anxiety or responsibility we’d rather avoid.
Ignorance of Sin
Leviticus teaches that we can sin without realizing it. Not all sin is obvious. If we commit a terrible crime, we know. But many sins are more subtle—things we fall into without noticing.
This is worth remembering in our daily lives. Not everyone who hurts your feelings or offends you does so intentionally. And the reverse is also true—we may have wronged someone without realizing it.
Ignorance is an Excuse—Until It Isn’t
Leviticus makes it clear: ignorance does not remove guilt, but it does delay responsibility. The moment someone realized they had sinned, they were required to make things right. Sin is still sin, even when we’re unaware of it. But God, in His grace, provides a way to deal with even unknown sins.
This brings to mind something I once heard about 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Some suggest this means that when we confess what we know, God also cleanses us of what we don’t. Whether or not that’s exactly John’s intent, one thing is certain—through Jesus Christ, all of our sins, known and unknown, are forgiven.
Much gratitude for the clear insight into this dilemma we often face.