Sincerity is certainly essential in pleasing God; but, it by no means is the
only thing necessary in being pleasing to God. Scores of people are sincere
in their religious belief and practice but are not saved. Could you be one of
them?
The Hindu is sincere, the Moslem is sincere, so are the followers of Buddhism
and Judaism, but, not a one of them are saved in these beliefs. But you say,
wait a minute, these don't count because they are not "Christian"
-- if one is sincere in the "Christian religion" it doesn't matter
what you believe. If this is your reply, then you admit it does matter what
one believes, even though he is sincere.
The same standard of authority applies to all, regardless of what one believes
in religion. That authority is God's Word, the Holy Bible. To those who do not
believe in Jesus the Christ, we read where Jesus said: "...I am the way,
the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" (John
14:6). Salvation cannot be found outside of Jesus. "Neither is there salvation
in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby
we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).
On the other hand, not all those who believe in Jesus will be saved, even though
they are sincere. Jesus said, "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord,
Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of
my Father which is in heaven. 22Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord,
have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and
in thy name done many wonderful works? 23And then will I profess unto them,
I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity" (Matt. 7:21-23).
Jesus talks about people in these verses who were believers. These were even
believers who worked for Jesus -- they were sincere. But, the Lord's answer
to them was "...I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."
Sincerity is not enough. One can be sincere but still be wrong. Were the five
foolish virgins sincere (Matthew 25:1-11)? They made some preparation, but not
enough.
One must be sincere, but at the same time, must follow the teaching of Jesus.
One must follow His Way, not what we think is right. Are you following His Way?
Study and learn.
by Garland M. Robinson
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