Tragic Ignorance…Romans 10:3

“For they don't understand God's way of making people right with himself. Refusing to accept God's way, they cling to their own way of getting right with God by trying to keep the law. “

There are several important doctrinal truths about which unbelievers–and sometimes evenChristians–seem tragically ignorant, with an ignorance affecting their very lives and destinies. Perhaps the most tragic is that mentioned in Romans 10:3. Paul was writing specifically of the Jews, but the same ignorance is found in countless others–people who seek to earn salvation by their own religious and moral works rather than through faith in the imputed righteousness of Christ, who died for their sins.

There is also widespread ignorance concerning death and life beyond the grave.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-14…And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died(Greek those who have fallen asleep)so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died.

With respect to Christian life and ministry, Paul says:

1 Corinthians 12:1

Now, dear brothers and sisters,[a] regarding your question about the special abilities the Spirit gives us. I don't want you to misunderstand this.

Yet most Christians neglect to develop or use their gifts, mainly because of ignorance concerning their proper function as described in 1 Corinthians 12, 14Romans 12:3-21Ephesians 4:7-16, and other key passages.

We urgently also need to be instructed concerning the deceptions of the wicked one:

2 Corinthians 2:11

so that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes.

For all who seek instruction rather than ignorance, let them study God’s word, for

2 Timothy 3:16

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.