Sincere But Mistaken
Constructing a proper and reliable building is possible using a tool called a plumb-line. Without such a tool, the builder -- however well-meaning and sincere -- is likely to make serious errors.
Likewise, our lives and beliefs need to be guided by the plumb-line of God's Word. (Read Psalms 119:105, 2 Timothy 3:15-17, Amos 7:8).
A popular/common concept is, "It doesn't matter what you believe, as long as you are sincere." However, one must be sincere in believing the right thing. We have great respect for a man who is so earnestly sincere in his convictions that he is willing to die for them. But sincerity is not sufficient.
There was an incident that took place many years ago in the Borough of Manhattan, New York, wherein a prescription called for a quantity of Barium Sulfate, but the druggist (pharmacist) used Barium Sulfite instead. There was only the difference of one letter between the names of the two drugs; one of them is used for curative purposes, but the other is a deadly poison. The woman who took the 'medicine' died. Evidently, the druggist/pharmacist was sincere, thinking that he gave the right medicine. In cases where the consequence(s) are so serious, certainty is demanded/required.
A certain lady (sincerely) believed it was a dose of medicine that she was taking from the medicine cabinet, but it turned to be poison and she died. Sincerity will not save your soul if you believe the wrong thing. It may be much more dangerous to believe the wrong thing than to take poison by mistake. Losing one's life is serious, but to take chances with our own soul(s) may make the difference as to where we'll spend eternity.
The statement, "It doesn't matter what you believe, just be as sincere as possible," assumes that any (and every) faith is all right and legitimate and will get you into heaven if you follow it sincerely. But this is not true! Many people are deceived and therefore as wrong as wrong can be in spite of how sincere they are.
The Apostle Paul was very zealous and sincere when he persecuted the Christians; but he needed a new heart -- The New Birth [and he received it]. No matter how long and how sincerely he would have pursued that way, he would have been lost Acts 9.
The five Foolish Virgins were very sincere when they came to the marriage feast and said "Lord, Lord, open unto us," but He answered, "I know you not" Matthew 25:1-13.
The prophets of Baal were most sincere when they called upon their 'god' to answer with fire on Mount Carmel. In fact, they were so sincere that they cried aloud and cut themselves with knives and lancets 'til the blood gushed upon them, but they received not answer 1 Kings 18.
Many people are very zealous and fervent/fanatical as they worship their images/idols of gold, silver, wood, stone, etc. Some go on pilgrimages, lie on beds of spikes, walk on coals barefooted, sacrifice their loved ones (and even their beloved pets) on alters, etc. Individuals are even willing to be martyred [or give their lives] for what they believe to be right. Does their sincerity and willingness to sacrifice and suffer prove the validity (truth) of their religion (or beliefs)?
Jesus says, "Not everyone 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" Matthew 7:21. Many will sincerely think heaven's door will open for them because they prophesied in the name of the Lord, case out devils in His name, and did many wonderful works. But He will answer unto them, "I never knew you; depart from me, ye that work iniquity" (v. 23).
To be saved it is necessary to know the Lord Jesus and to do His will. This takes a total commitment to what God reveals. Then God's Word will guide unerringly as you search out the truth in the Scriptures. We read, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path" Psalm 119:105. Also, Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me" John 5:39.
The Bible clearly teaches that a follower of Christ must live a life of cross-bearing, self-denial, unselfishness/selflessness, and submission. To disregard those teachings is to be tragically mistaken in our understanding of God's will.
When we repent and Jesus enters our hearts, His Spirit give us a new direction. His Spirit gives witness in us that we are His children. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God" Romans 8:14,16.
For additional Christian Literature write to the address below:
GOSPEL TRACT AND BIBLE SOCIETY
P.O. Box 700
Moundridge, Kansas 67107 U.S.A.
Likewise, our lives and beliefs need to be guided by the plumb-line of God's Word. (Read Psalms 119:105, 2 Timothy 3:15-17, Amos 7:8).
A popular/common concept is, "It doesn't matter what you believe, as long as you are sincere." However, one must be sincere in believing the right thing. We have great respect for a man who is so earnestly sincere in his convictions that he is willing to die for them. But sincerity is not sufficient.
There was an incident that took place many years ago in the Borough of Manhattan, New York, wherein a prescription called for a quantity of Barium Sulfate, but the druggist (pharmacist) used Barium Sulfite instead. There was only the difference of one letter between the names of the two drugs; one of them is used for curative purposes, but the other is a deadly poison. The woman who took the 'medicine' died. Evidently, the druggist/pharmacist was sincere, thinking that he gave the right medicine. In cases where the consequence(s) are so serious, certainty is demanded/required.
A certain lady (sincerely) believed it was a dose of medicine that she was taking from the medicine cabinet, but it turned to be poison and she died. Sincerity will not save your soul if you believe the wrong thing. It may be much more dangerous to believe the wrong thing than to take poison by mistake. Losing one's life is serious, but to take chances with our own soul(s) may make the difference as to where we'll spend eternity.
The statement, "It doesn't matter what you believe, just be as sincere as possible," assumes that any (and every) faith is all right and legitimate and will get you into heaven if you follow it sincerely. But this is not true! Many people are deceived and therefore as wrong as wrong can be in spite of how sincere they are.
The Apostle Paul was very zealous and sincere when he persecuted the Christians; but he needed a new heart -- The New Birth [and he received it]. No matter how long and how sincerely he would have pursued that way, he would have been lost Acts 9.
The five Foolish Virgins were very sincere when they came to the marriage feast and said "Lord, Lord, open unto us," but He answered, "I know you not" Matthew 25:1-13.
The prophets of Baal were most sincere when they called upon their 'god' to answer with fire on Mount Carmel. In fact, they were so sincere that they cried aloud and cut themselves with knives and lancets 'til the blood gushed upon them, but they received not answer 1 Kings 18.
Many people are very zealous and fervent/fanatical as they worship their images/idols of gold, silver, wood, stone, etc. Some go on pilgrimages, lie on beds of spikes, walk on coals barefooted, sacrifice their loved ones (and even their beloved pets) on alters, etc. Individuals are even willing to be martyred [or give their lives] for what they believe to be right. Does their sincerity and willingness to sacrifice and suffer prove the validity (truth) of their religion (or beliefs)?
Jesus says, "Not everyone 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" Matthew 7:21. Many will sincerely think heaven's door will open for them because they prophesied in the name of the Lord, case out devils in His name, and did many wonderful works. But He will answer unto them, "I never knew you; depart from me, ye that work iniquity" (v. 23).
To be saved it is necessary to know the Lord Jesus and to do His will. This takes a total commitment to what God reveals. Then God's Word will guide unerringly as you search out the truth in the Scriptures. We read, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path" Psalm 119:105. Also, Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me" John 5:39.
The Bible clearly teaches that a follower of Christ must live a life of cross-bearing, self-denial, unselfishness/selflessness, and submission. To disregard those teachings is to be tragically mistaken in our understanding of God's will.
When we repent and Jesus enters our hearts, His Spirit give us a new direction. His Spirit gives witness in us that we are His children. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God" Romans 8:14,16.
For additional Christian Literature write to the address below:
GOSPEL TRACT AND BIBLE SOCIETY
P.O. Box 700
Moundridge, Kansas 67107 U.S.A.
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