Is Sincerity in Religion Enough?
Many people hold to the philosophy that it makes no differnece how you worship God, so long as you are sincere in your practice. Others are satisfied because they have led a good moral life, at least compared to the masses, and wronged no one.
Let me say that I not only believe in the grace of God, but I am very grateful that because of the work of Christ on the cross by Jesus taking my place, I do not have to worry about my position in Him. But there are some things to add to today’s discussion.
Saul of Tarsus, who became the apostle Paul, was a consecrated, honest, well-educated Jew, who was trying to serve God in a good conscience by persecuting Christians. Was his mistaken position tolerable? If it was, why did God send a preacher to tell him to change (Acts 22:16)?
Cornelius (Acts 10), was a devout, God-fearing, benevolent, sincere man who, nevertheless, was without hope because he did not even know about Christ. God sent Peter to share with him what was necessary to bring his life in in line with the will of the Father.
Jesus says, “You shall know the truth and the truth will make you free.” He does not say anywhere that you will be free as long as you are sincere. Sincerity is very important in God’s plan, but so is being right.
The young prophet in 1 Kings 13 was sincere, but despite the fact that he was deceived by what an old preacher told him, his disobedience cost him his life.
Why are such records in the Scripture? I believe they are there to warn us. It makes no difference what you believe as long as it makes no difference where you are going.
2 Timothy 2:15 “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (emphasis mine)
