"Learn Or Burn"
You have often heard that man must "Turn or burn". That is, he must repent or perish (Lk.13:3). Much emphasis must be placed upon repentance. God cannot be reconciled with sin. Rather, man , to be reconciled to God must quit his wickedness. How true it is: "Turn or burn".
But for use in this article let us also see that we must also, "Learn or burn". A lazy, indifferent attitude toward God's Word may indeed be the cause of eternal destruction. Jesus said, "Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free". Notice that truth does not make us free unless that truth is known.
Penicillin did not make people free from infection until the truth was known about it — so that such truth could be applied for man's good. So it is in every field of science. It is also true in industry, agriculture, commerce and other fields. Truth must be known to be most beneficial.
But in religion truth is even more important. False religions prosper everywhere. The hearts of men are led astray by untrue doctrines. The unlearned become the unstable. Those without knowledge of God's Word are most susceptible to evil leaders and to false teaching.
Why Learn
If we learn truth we will know our own faults. "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God" (Rom. 3:23). Thus we will not trust in our own goodness. We will be driven, by knowledge of our own guilt, to rely upon the grace of God (Eph. 2:8).
If we learn truth we will understand the fullness of God's love and the cleansing power of the blood of Jesus. "In whom we have redemption, through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins" (Eph. 1:7).
If we learn truth we will comprehend the conditions of salvation that were given by Jesus. "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved" (Mark 16: 16). "Arise and be baptized and wash away thy sins" (Acts 22:16)
Must The Christian Learn, Too?
Yes, indeed, God's very own people must "Learn or burn". "Study to show thyself approved..." (2 Tim. 2:15).
If we learn truth we can overcome temptation. "God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way of escape, that ye may be able to bear it" (1 Cor.10:13).
If we learn truth we can serve fruitfully. Jesus said, ''Every branch that beareth not fruit he taketh away" (Jn.15:2). Again he said, "Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit" (Jn.15:8). But the scriptures "completely furnish unto every good work" (2 Tim. 3:17), so it is very important that we know truth in order that we may be fruitful servants of Christ.
If we learn truth it will enable us to live righteously. "By his divine power he hath given unto us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that called us to glory and virtue (2 Peter 1:3).
If we learn truth we can worship acceptably, for those who do not follow truth worship in vain (Mt. 15:9). God wants us to worship him, but he has also told the way that pleases him (Jn. 4:23, 24; Ac. 2:42; etc).
If we learn truth we can live most satisfactorily here. "For he that will love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil" (1 Peter 3:10-12).
If we learn truth we can have a true hope of a better life after this life on earth is over. "He is the author of eternal salvation to all them that obey him" (Heb. 5:9). He has not promised eternal salvation to all who believe and are baptized, but to all who do that and then go on in daily obedience. But to be obedient to God, one must know what his will it. Truly, without a true knowledge of God's Word, one cannot hope to enter heaven. Those who deliberately neglect to learn must indeed expect to burn!