John 9:40-41 And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also? 41 Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.
Several years ago, we all laughed at the German sergeant on the popular sitcom, Hogan’s Heroes. How many of us have imitated his comedic line, “I know nothing! I know nothing!”
Whether or not “ignorance is bliss,” yet knowledge does require the individual to be responsible for “right action.” Thomas Jefferson repeatedly said, “The cornerstone of democracy rests on the foundation of an educated electorate.” Not merely being enabled, knowledge demands action! Thus, awareness without response is neglect!
Continuing with last week’s devotion, Jesus sought to find the blind man who He earlier healed? (John 9:35) Why? After smearing mud in the man’s eyes and telling him to go wash, Christ journeyed on. The blind man had not seen his healer in the beginning and was powerless to find Him. We are a lot like that! Unless God calls us through Jesus Christ, there is absolutely no way to go where He is, “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him.” (John 6:44)
Consequently, when the man was banished from the synagogue after being healed, Jesus searched for him. Finding him, Jesus asked, “Do you believe in the Son of God?”
The obvious answer was, “Tell me who He is, and I will believe!” (John 9:36)
To which Christ replied, “You see Him now and are talking to Him!” (John 9:37)
In response to this revelation, the man immediately believed and worshiped his healer! (John 9:38)
Turning to the crowd that witnessed both the original healing of the blind man and the subsequent revelation of God’s Son, Jesus said, “I am here to make a distinction between those who are blind and those who claim to see. Those who are really blind will be given sight, but those who smugly brag about their ability to see will be blinded.” (John 9:39)
Christ comment was a shot fired across the bow of the religious elite. Instantly, his words drew fire from the Pharisees, “So, are you saying that we are blind?” (John 9:40)
Jesus answered, “If you were blind, you would have a legitimate excuse for not believing and would be innocent due to your disability. However, by claiming to know what you do not know, your boast makes you accountable to God for neglecting His Son, and your sin remains!” (John 9:41)
The same is true for us! If we have a chance to accept Christ as our savior, but arrogantly refuse, then the knowledge of God’s Son condemns us due to our blatant neglect. Truly, St. Paul said, “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation!” (Hebrews 2:3)
Last week, I read a very tragic statement made by a prominent church leader to his world audience, “Unbelievers will go to Heaven too if they are good people.”
No! This is an absolute contradiction to the basic principle of Christ’s Gospel. Whether Catholic or Protestant, we have ALWAYS proclaimed faith in Jesus Christ as a requirement for salvation. In comparison to the ancient Nicene Creed, the recent assertion is a doctrinal aberration and a lie from Hell! There is only one way to the Father and that is through Jesus Christ, His Son. (John 14:6) If we confess Christ is Lord and believe God has raised Him from the dead, then we can be saved. (Romans 10:9) If we believe in Jesus then we are not condemned, but if we refuse to believe is Jesus, then we are condemned already because we have not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (John 3:18) That alone is the doctrine of the universal Church of Jesus Christ. If anyone denies faith in Christ, then they are an antichrist! (1 John 2:22, 1 John 4:3, 2 John 1:7) It breaks my heart to realize that, according to God’s Word, Antichrist will come from within the Church. (1 John 2:18-19)
Be careful, little children! It would have been better for us to never know the way of righteousness, than to know it and then turn our backs on the sacred commandment we have been made accountable for. (2 Peter 2:21) Like the Pharisees and the blind man who was healed, we are responsible for the opportunities we have received and the Word we have heard! “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required!” (Luke 12:48)
Edwin Woolsey’s family has lived in Shannon, Texas, and Howell counties since 1860. He taught 31 years at Missouri public schools and is currently the pastor of a small country congregation at Pilgrim Rest Community Church. Follow him on Twitter at @edwinwoolsey.
