Are You Willingly Ignorant?

© 2021 by Tom Boynton (editing by Kathy Boynton)

“For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:  Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:  But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.” (2 Peter 3:5-7)

Man must either submit to God’s authority, or accept the dire consequences.  However, man’s fall in the Garden of Eden caused the natural human heart to reject God’s authority.  To avoid fear of the resulting judgment, fallen man chooses ignorance of this God who judges.  One person may do this by altogether rejecting God’s existence.  Others invent different gods more to their liking.  Either way, such people become willingly ignorant.  One who chooses to be willingly ignorant of an approaching tornado is even more vulnerable to its consequences.  Similarly, being willingly ignorant of God, leaves one exposed to His judgment.

In the Scripture quoted above, the apostle Peter reminds us of the worldwide flood in Noah’s day.  He points out that this prophesied judgment has already occurred as promised.  He then points out another judgment that God has already promised.  Its certainty shall dwarf the judgment of Noah’s day.

Who can escape the judgment of such a powerful creator-God?  Scripture tells us.

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6)

“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” (John 3:36)

What shall this wrath be like?  Again, Scripture tells us.  Jesus said that a horrible place awaits those who reject His authority and salvation.  It is a place prepared for the devil and his angels.

“Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:” (Matthew 25:41)

What is this place like?  Yet, again, Scripture tells us.

“And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.” (Revelation 14:11)

“There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, …” (Luke 13:28)

Today, Kathy and I are feeling deep sorrow.  A family member just died, vehemently rejecting Christ.  We cringe as we think of his present and eternal ordeal.

How about you?

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