Automatic Forgiveness???
By Patrick T. Donahue
Why Is It An Important Issue? Many do not think that the "automatic forgiveness of sins committed in ignorance" issue is important. They reason that the practice of those on both sides of the question will be the same, each will repent of (Acts 8:22) and confess their sins (I John 1:9) as they become aware of them. But the issue is important for the same reason that the "once saved always saved" issue is important (see Galatians 5:4). Baptists reason that the practice of those on both sides of that issue will be the same, each will try to do his best not to sin. But in actuality that is not true. The "once saved, always saved" theory tends to encourage people to relax and not be as careful not to sin because of the security of promised salvation while committing sin. The automatic forgiveness issue is likewise important, because that theory tends to encourage people to relax and not be as careful not to sin because of the security of promised salvation while committing sin. E.M. Zerr's comments on I John 1:7 read, "... Hence if a man is a worker in the Lord's vineyard and his life as a whole is one of obedience to the law of Christ, he DOES NOT NEED TO WORRY about the mistakes he might make which he does not realize, for the blood of Christ will take care of it and wash them away ..." It should be obvious that the thoughts of Mr. Zerr concerning the automatic forgiveness of sins of ignorance, might cause many people NOT TO WORRY as much about sins that they might be committing unawares. This is in contrast to the Bible teaching that we must "fear" God (Matthew 10:28), that we must "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling" (Philippians 2:12).
Does Jesus indicate in Luke 12:47-48 and Matthew 15:14 that we don't need to worry about our sins of ignorance? What about Paul in Acts 17:30-31? The answer to both questions is a resounding no! The opposite is taught. The Bible never comes close to indicating that we don't need to worry about our sins. Mr. Zerr asserts it. His doctrine of automatic forgiveness of sins of ignorance before and without learning of and repenting of the sins, tends to encourage sin.
If the Lord will (James 4:15), we will be discussing the "automatic forgiveness of sins of ignorance" doctrine in the next few issues of this web magazine. In these issues, we intend to point out the many ways that the Bible teaches against this dangerous doctrine. Any doctrine that teaches that a person can get away with committing some sin is dangerous. It is dangerous because in the long run, it will not discourage people from committing some sin. In addition, this doctrine is dangerous because it is false, not true to God's word (Proverbs 14:12). [Pat Donahue, Pat.Donahue@MSFC.NASA.GOV, 4607 Old Railroad Bed Road, Harvest, Alabama 35749, (205) 721-0726 home, (205) 461-4303 office] EDITOR’S NOTE: Thanks to Pat for the article! If you DISAGREE with what Pat Donahue taught in his article, please write him, or me, and we will be happy to consider publishing a "differing view" (and review), or arrange for a public discussion (written or oral) on this vital Bible subject. I can be reached at markjward@yahoo.com). Please "stay tuned" for more on this subject matter in the future, Lord willing. This is an important subject because (1) it is a Bible subject that affects us all, and, (2) there is much disagreement over this subject…thus, the need for study. Please examine the teaching in light of God’s Word and make proper application to your belief, teaching and practice.