p. 117 | SELF-JUSTIFICATION by D. H. Sanborn

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 26, 1861

SELF-JUSTIFICATION

By D. H. Sanborn

“Ye are they that justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts.” Self-justification has always been a characteristic of sinners. Here is an instance which our Lord reproves: Luke xvi, 15. The Pharisees which were covetous (had an inordinate love of the world) did not like the plain declaration, “Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” And they derided him.

Perhaps there is nothing that stands more in the way of reform than this disposition of self-justification. No matter what the rule of justification or what the plea that is made for sin. How often do we see the plainest testimony of God’s word set aside; in one case by long established custom, as though age made sin venerable, and God would respect it.

Again, human wisdom is brought to make void the law of God; or human legislation is made to overrule the authority of the King of kings. Indeed, the servant of God seems continually called upon to demolish some refuge of lies, to tear away some tissue of falsehood, which may indeed justify them before men, but must always be only an aggravation to guilt in the sight of God. We can hardly withhold the tear of pity, and the Lord himself seems to lament over such, when he says, “Oh! that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! Then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea.”

But do not Sabbath-keepers sometimes manifest the same disposition to justify themselves? Now brethren and sisters, let us reason together. The word of God says [Tit. ii, 12] that we should live soberly, [1 Thess. v, 6, 8] that we should watch and be sober, [Tit. ii, 2] that the aged men be sober, [verse 4] that the young women be sober. Verse 6. Young men likewise exhort to be sober-minded. 1 Pet. v, 8: Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary, the Devil, as a roaring lion walketh about seeking whom he may devour. Again, 1 Pet. iv, 7. “But the end of all things is at hand; be ye therefore sober and watch unto prayer.”

When we read these and other portions of scripture of the same import, and remember that they are a part of the Word that alone is able to make us wise unto salvation, how is it that we can join the rude mirth of worldlings, and often vie with the wicked in foolish jesting? What apology dare we offer in palliation of this conduct? Let us see what is said by those that justify themselves: It is so natural for me I cannot avoid it. Let us ask, Is this a sufficient excuse? If so, try it in reference to anything that is forbidden by the word of God. It may be natural for some to tell falsehoods, and for others to steal. But to such the Lord says, Thou shalt not. No exceptions made in favor of natural proneness to sin. Another apology sometimes made for sin, is, I’m so habituated to it, I do not think, or, Its hard to break off. If these will justify in anything contrary to God’s word, how many hardened rebels against his government may escape by showing a natural inclination to sin and long continuance in it. For surely an excuse that will do for Christians ought to be allowed for men of the world. “Some men’s sins are open, going beforehand to judgment.” 1 Tim. v, 27. “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper; but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Prov. xxviii, 13.

Brethren let us beware of treating lightly the admonitions of the Lord, or trying to justify ourselves when he reproves us. Let the language of our hearts be, “Speak Lord, for thy servant heareth.” “Search me O God and know my heart; try me and know my thoughts; and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Let our conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ.

Do we feel our responsibilities? It will help us to be sober. Would we apply our hearts to wisdom, and devote ourselves to the service of our Lord? Let us gird up the loins of our minds and be sober.

The Lord is threatening the wicked with swift destruction. Can we see our fellow-men exposed to suffering and death, and instead of raising our voices to warn them of their danger, join them in foolish mirth? If we do this we are practically saying, “Peace and safety,” when the Lord declares that “sudden destruction cometh, and they shall not escape.” May the Lord strengthen the hearts of his ministers to bear a faithful testimony; that, like Paul, they may not shun “to declare the whole counsel of God.” And may we as a people be meek that the Lord may guide us in judgment and teach us his way. Ps. xxv, 9.

D. H. SANBORN.

North Branch, Mich.