What shall we say, then? Is the law sinful? Certainly not! Nevertheless, I would not have known what sin was had it not been for the law. For I would not have known what coveting really was if the law had not said, “You shall not covet.”

Romans 7:7

Ignorance of our guilt from sin leads us astray because we don’t know how far we are off the path. Knowledge of guilt does not necessarily lead to a pricked conscience and a change of heart. So the Law can judge, but it cannot persuade the unlawful person of its own justice. Whereas the Law convicts the dying flesh, the law of the Spirit (Romans 8:1ff) sets us free to live.

So ignorance can’t save you from a guilty verdict, and you can’t go back to ignorance after knowing better. Now that we have knowledge, we have only one choice. Know better? Be better!

Ethan Kirl