2nd Peter 1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
This passage of scripture teaches us that the scripture was given by inspiration of God, and has now been made available to almost everyone on the planet, even in those countries where there exists another national religion other than Christianity, and thus we are held accountable, not only for what we know, but also for what we could have known. This solemn truth must be thoroughly understood by all who now have the Bible at their fingertips, for in many instances, there is to be found in western nations, at least one Bible in every household, although in many cases it is hardly, if ever read.
But God will have us understand that we will be held accountable for that which we could have known, and therefore it rests with us to avail ourselves of the knowledge and instructions that are given for our best good in the scriptures. During the 1260 years of papal supremacy, the Bible was chained to the walls of monasteries, and the people were prevented from reading God's word for themselves. In addition to this evil, it was stated by papists, that only the ordained priests had the ability to understand and interpret the scriptures, and as a result, the masses of people were held in spiritual darkness as to what God required of them.
But with the dawn of the reformation, the Bible began to be disseminated throughout the world, and is currently available in hundreds of languages, so that we are left without excuse. There are also apps, and studies, and Bible commentaries, and a host of other study materials which can now enhance a thorough investigation of the scriptures, so that we need no longer be in ignorance of the truth. Thus it is that we will be held accountable for that which we could have known, but never took the time to investigate or search out. Let's read:
Romans 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse.
A good friend of mine once got a speeding ticket for $500.00, for driving too fast in a school zone of 15 mph. What is most worthy of note is that the ticket was issued in the summer, when schools were officially out, however, on this particular stretch of road, the 15 mph speed limit still remained in force, and as such, the trooper issued the enormous ticket, even though my friend was sincerely ignorant of the fact. In his explanations of the reasons for the ticket, the officer cited the person's responsibility to know of the specific zone and time, for the relevant information was available from the school district in question. Now, although my friend was sincerely in ignorance, yet the ticket was issued because of the simple fact that the information was available.
The Bible tells us that in the times of ignorance God winks, but now that the Bible is readily available, we will be judged on what we ought to know, not merely on those truths that we chose to know. Let us therefore take this sacred responsibility seriously, by not only availing ourselves of the Bible, but also by practicing what it teaches, through the power of The Holy Ghost. We therefore end with a passage of scripture which encourages us to study and practice the teachings of God's word, for our temporal and eternal success depend on it. Let's read:
Joshua 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study and practice of His every word. God bless!