The phrase “ignorance is bliss” supposedly found its origin in a Thomas Gray poem of 1742 called “Ode on a Distant Prospect of Eton College.” Be that as it may, is it really advisable to turn a deaf ear to God’s prophetic warnings? Another saying, “what you don’t know won’t hurt you,” seems to dominate today’s society toward God’s warnings that are so evident today. Another, “ignorance of the law excuses no one” comes from Roman law, signifying that all are without excuse under the law.

Faithful followers of Christ are working hard to identify the warnings of God to a world that is being prepared for judgment. Yet, I am reminded of Proverbs 23:9 which says, “Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.”  I hear and read prophetic teachers of today patiently revealing what our Lord has said will occur in the last days, but few are listening, just as those in the days of Noah. Only fools do not listen. Should the prophetic voices be silenced or continue proclaiming God’s warnings to a deaf world? Obviously, the message must continue. Some will listen. Therefore, some will be saved from what God has in store for this fallen world.

Jesus said, “And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.” (Luke 21:24) The completion of the “times of the Gentiles” is quickly approaching, but most people continue through life with a deaf ear, laughing off the cry of the watchmen on the wall.  

Iran is almost ready to introduce its first nuclear onslaught upon the world. President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has vowed to blast Israel into the sea. The wise believe him, and Israel is in the pounce position, like a cat, ready to strike first.  

Record breaking torrential rains, mud slides, earthquakes, extreme cold, extreme heat, hurricanes, riots, economic collapse, and other warnings have dotted the calendar throughout 2011, but few are paying attention.  

The ten toes of Daniel’s prophecy are forming before our very eyes, but how many really care?  

In my study of God’s Word, the Bible, there is not one incident that I can find where God did not warn those first who were in line for judgment. He is warning us today. Will we be like Nineveh or Jericho?

Every fulfilled prophecy God has uttered has come true right down to every minute detail. That is a 100% accuracy rating. Every prophecy yet to be fulfilled will happen in like manner. Yet mankind never learns from the past. Because of that willful ignorance, many will go headlong into the coming Tribulation, the Lord’s Day, which is rapidly approaching this earth. I suspect there will be some who will realize that what those irritating Christians said was true, but the clock does not run backwards.

No, ignorance is not bliss, what you don’t know can hurt you, and there will be no excuses accepted. If you miss Jesus’ call for His bride (the Rapture you mock), what will be your chance of surviving during this time? The only survival will be to call upon the Lord Jesus Christ to save your soul, but by doing so you will most likely become a martyr since you will immediately be an enemy of the Antichrist. And folks, that is the good news. The bad news is; to die without Jesus now, is to be separated from Him throughout eternity in hell. More bad news is; to experience the seven year judgment that is coming will be a taste of hell, then the real thing, if you yet die without Him during that terrible time.  

Know this. Jesus loves you unconditionally, and gave His life as a sacrifice for you. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) He wants you to know Him. “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:29-30) He wants you to spend eternity with Him in a glorious place that he has prepared just for you. “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.  In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” (John 14:1-2) Come to Him now, and He will call your name when He comes for His Church at the Rapture. “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”  (John 14:3)

If you are reading this article, you cannot claim ignorance. Even if you did, it would not matter.

Grant Phillips

grantphillips@windstream.net

My articles are posted at “Pre-Rapture Commentary” http://grant-phillips.blogspot.com and many are also posted at “Rapture Ready” http://www.raptureready.com/featured/phillips/phillips.html.