Greater Light, Greater Guilt

We learn, lastly from these verses, that the greater a man’s religious light is, the greater is his guilt if he is not converted. “That slave who knew his master’s will and did not get ready or act in accord with his will, will receive many lashes. From everyone who has been given much, much will be required.”

The lesson of these words is one of wide application. It demands the attention of many classes. It should come home to the conscience of every professing Christian. His judgment shall be far more strict than that of the heathen who never saw the Bible.

It should come home to every hearer of the gospel. If he remains unconverted, then he is far more guilty than the inhabitant of some dark land who never hears any teaching except a sort of semi-heathen morality.

It should come home to every child and servant in Christian families. All such are far more blameworthy in God’s sight than those who live in houses where there is no honor paid to the Word of God and prayer. Let these things never be forgotten. Our judgment at the last day will be according to our light and opportunities.

What are we doing ourselves with our religious knowledge? Are we using it wisely and turning it to good account? Or are we content with the barren, saying, “We know it! We know it!” and secretly flattering ourselves that the mere knowledge of our Lord’s will makes us better than others, while that will is not done?

Let us beware of eternal mistakes! The day will come when unimproved knowledge will be found the most perilous of possessions. Thousands will awake to find that they are in a lower place in hell than the most ignorant and idolatrous heathen. Their knowledge not used, and their light not followed, will only add to their condemnation.

—J.C. Ryle, ‘Expository Thoughts on Luke’