Are we accountable for what we don’t know?

The question of whether we are accountable for what we don’t know is an ethical and theological issue. It touches on the nature of knowledge, responsibility, and divine justice. In Christian theology, this question can be explored through various scriptures that address human responsibility, ignorance, and God’s expectations.

The Nature of Accountability and Ignorance

Accountability, in a biblical sense, often refers to the responsibility humans have before God for their actions, thoughts, and decisions. Ignorance, on the other hand, refers to the lack of knowledge or awareness about certain truths or commandments.

The Bible acknowledges human ignorance but also emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and wisdom. Several key passages illustrate the tension between ignorance and accountability.

Biblical References on Accountability and Ignorance

1. Leviticus 5:17 (NKJV): “If a person sins, and commits any of these things which are forbidden to be done by the commandments of the Lord, though he does not know it, yet he is guilty and shall bear his iniquity.” This verse explicitly states that ignorance does not absolve one from guilt. Even if a person sins without knowledge, they are still considered guilty and must bear the consequences. This implies a degree of accountability even for unknown transgressions.
2. Acts 17:30-31 (NKJV): “Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.” Here, Paul speaks of a time when God overlooked ignorance, but now calls everyone to repentance in light of the revelation of Jesus Christ. This suggests a shift in accountability based on the knowledge made available through Christ.
3. Romans 2:12-16 (NKJV): “For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without law, and as many as have sinned in the law will be judged by the law… (for not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified; for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them) in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.” Paul explains that those who sin without the law will perish without the law, implying that ignorance of the law does not exempt one from judgment. However, he also acknowledges that Gentiles, who do not have the law, can act according to their conscience, which serves as a guide.
4. James 4:17 (NKJV): “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.” This verse emphasizes the responsibility of those who know what is right. It suggests that greater knowledge brings greater accountability.

The Parable of the Unfaithful Servant

One of the most illustrative teachings of Jesus on being accountable is found in the Parable of the Unfaithful Servant in Luke 12:47-48 (NKJV):

“And that servant who knew his master’s will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.”

In this parable, Jesus teaches that those who know their master’s will and fail to do it will face severe consequences. However, those who are ignorant and commit wrongs will still be punished, but less severely. This parable underscores the principle that knowledge increases accountability, but ignorance does not entirely remove responsibility.

Lack of Knowledge and Rejecting Knowledge

Lack of knowledge and rejecting knowledge are two different things. Not knowing because you can’t know is different from not knowing because you reject the opportunity to know.

Paul, who was formerly a blasphemer, said: “but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief” (1 Timothy 1:13, NKJV). Paul honestly believed that he was doing God’s will (John 16:2; Acts 23:1; 24:16; 26:9). His wrong actions had not reached the a place where he willfully sinned against conscience and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 12:31–32, Hebrews 10:26–27). When Paul viewed the majesty of Jesus in the Damascus Road Experience, his doubts were gone, and he was obedient to the “heavenly vision” (Acts 26:19).

To sin against the Holy Spirit is to oppose it willfully. This means a continual resistance to God’s voice that eventually reaches the point of no return. Paul was clearly referring to this kind of sin when he wrote:

“For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, ⁵ and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shames” (Hebrews 10:26, NKJV).

If people willingly reject the opportunity to know the truth, they will be held accountable for it. If a person gets a brand new car and neglects to follow the manual’s maintenance instructions, he has no excuse when something goes wrong with the car. In like manner, the Lord revealed Himself in His Word and Creative acts. We have no excuse if we don’t learn of God’s truths and follow His instructions (Romans 1:20).

Divine Justice and Mercy

The Bible also portrays God as just and merciful, recognizing human limitations and ignorance. The balance between justice and mercy is crucial in understanding accountability.

1. Psalm 19:12 (NKJV): “Who can understand his errors? Cleanse me from secret faults.” The psalmist acknowledges human inability to fully understand one’s own errors and seeks God’s cleansing from hidden faults. This reflects a recognition of human ignorance and a reliance on divine mercy.
2. 1 Timothy 1:13 (NKJV): “Although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.” Paul refers to his past actions done in ignorance and unbelief, emphasizing that he received mercy. This highlights the possibility of divine forgiveness for actions committed in ignorance.

The Role of Conscience and Natural Law

The Bible suggests that even those without direct knowledge of God’s laws have a form of accountability through their conscience and natural law.

1. Romans 2:14-15 (NKJV): “For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them.” Paul argues that Gentiles, who do not have the Mosaic Law, still have a moral law written in their hearts. Their conscience acts as a guide, suggesting an innate sense of right and wrong that holds them accountable.

The Pursuit of Knowledge

The Bible encourages the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom, implying that people should not remain in ignorance.

1. Proverbs 1:7 (NKJV): “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” The pursuit of knowledge begins with a reverence for God. Ignorance, particularly willful ignorance, is evil.
2. Hosea 4:6 (NKJV): “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.” This verse highlights the destructive consequences of lacking knowledge and rejecting God’s law. It underscores the importance of seeking and valuing knowledge.

Practical Implications for Believers

For contemporary believers, these biblical principles have practical implications:

1. Seek Knowledge: Believers are encouraged to actively seek knowledge and wisdom. This pursuit helps them understand God’s will and live according to His commandments (Exodus 20:1-17).
2. Acknowledge Limitations: Recognizing human limitations and the possibility of ignorance is important. Believers should remain humble and open to learning and correction.
3. Rely on God’s Mercy: While striving to know and do God’s will, believers should also rely on His mercy for forgiveness of sin if they slip.
4. Guide by Conscience: Even without complete knowledge, believers should follow their conscience and the moral law written in their hearts.
5. Teach and Inform Others: Those with knowledge have a responsibility to teach and inform others, helping reduce ignorance and increase collective accountability.

Conclusion

The question of whether we are accountable for what we don’t know is complex one. The Bible provides guidance through various scriptures that highlight the balance between justice and mercy, the role of conscience, and the pursuit of knowledge.

Ultimately, while ignorance may mitigate the severity of consequences, it does not remove accountability. God’s justice ensures that everyone is held responsible for their actions, but His mercy offers forgiveness and understanding for those who sin in ignorance. Believers are called to seek knowledge, follow their enlightened conscience, and rely on God’s grace as they navigate their responsibilities and moral decisions.

In His service,
BibleAsk Team