Note 5 at Lk. 12:48: This verse is one of the clearest references in scripture about varying degrees of God's judgment according to the knowledge of the person who committed the sin. The whole chapter of Leviticus 4 is written to deal with the sins committed in ignorance. Jesus said in John 9:41, "If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth." Also, Romans 5:13 says, "sin is not imputed when there is no law."

Paul said in 1 Timothy 1:13 that he obtained mercy because he had sinned "ignorantly in unbelief." The sin he was speaking of was blasphemy, which Jesus taught was unforgivable if done against the Holy Ghost (Mt. 12:31; Mk. 3:20-30; see note 1 at Mt. 12:31, p. 128). Therefore, we see that ignorance in Paul's case entitled him to a second chance. If he would have continued to blaspheme after he saw the truth (Acts 9:5), he would have surely paid the price. This is not to say that a person who doesn't have a complete revelation of God's will is innocent regardless of his actions. Leviticus 5:17 makes it clear that an individual is still guilty even if he sins through ignorance. Romans 1:18- 20 reveals that there is an intuitive knowledge of God within every person to the degree that they even understand the Godhead. This same chapter goes on to explain that people have rejected and changed this truth (vv. 21-32) but that God did give it and they are without excuse (v. 20).

Psalm 19:1-4 says that creation has declared the glory of God and proved His existence. Therefore, everyone will stand in judgment before God; however, there will be varying degrees of punishment according to knowledge. "But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them" (Rom. 2:2).