p. 107 | CHAS. P. WHITFORD by Chas. P. Whitford

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 18, 1873

CHAS. P. WHITFORD

By Chas. P. Whitford

Sincerity.

SOME time since, in conversation with a friend on the subject of the Sabbath, he remarked that if we were only sincere in our faith it was all that was necessary; which was equivalent to saying that we may do things which are wrong, if we are only sincere, and think it is right, and that then we shall surely be saved.

When presenting the claims of God’s holy law, it is no uncommon thing to hear very zealous religionists assert that it matters but very little what we believe if we are only honest in our faith. These things are often said to excuse themselves from keeping the fourth commandment, which requires us to observe the seventh, instead of the first day, of the week. This course is often pursued by many to quiet the voice of conscience. The thought is presented to the mind, that if they are only honestly sincere in violating one of the plainest commands of God, it will fare just as well with them in the Judgment, and they will be passed right through the golden gates into the city.

How such a position can be made to harmonize with the words of our divine Lord and Master is more than I can at present understand. These are his words: “Blessed are they that do his [the Father’s] commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” Rev. 22: 14. This language of our Saviour is too plain to be misunderstood. Those who have a right to life’s fair tree, and enter in through the gates into the beautiful city of God, are those who have done his commandments. God has given commandments and ordinances, and promises salvation to those who will keep them.

Now if men can continue to do things which are violations of the commandments, and yet can be saved, why, then there are two ways to obtain salvation. We can obey God and be saved, or if this is not quite so convenient, we can disobey him and be saved, provided we are only sincere.

To us, this seems like a very doubtful kind of salvation. While we believe that it is a good thing to be truly sincere, we also believe that God will accept of nothing but strict obedience to his commandments. He will accept of none but godly sincerity. To be sincere in actions which are violations of the requirements of God, is dangerous sincerity. When once the understanding has been enlightened with regard to duty, the idea that we may postpone our obedience to God under the plea of “honest sincerity,” is not for one moment to be tolerated. After the truth has been fairly presented, and the conscience has become so thoroughly awakened as to make one feel uneasy in the neglect of obedience, the only safe course to pursue, is to do as David did: “I made haste and delayed not to keep thy commandments.” Ps. 119: 59, 60. He made no delay about it. He did not go to consult the wise men of the nation. He did not go to the work to see if there was not some way to get around the duty. He did not excuse himself with the plea of “honest sincerity.” he made haste to render obedience.

But it is objected by some that in the observance of the seventh day of the week, we are mistaken in regard to duty. In reply, we say that however doubtful may be the teachings of Scripture, and obscure the language in which its prophecies foretell coming events, yet, with regard to the common, practical duties of life, the word of God is so plain that there is no need for a child to be mistaken. Indeed, were it otherwise, it would be unsuited to the wants of mankind, because every one must give an account for himself; therefore it is necessary that each one should be able to decide his duty for himself. And in order that each individual decide understandingly, it becomes necessary that the duties growing out of the relations which we sustain to God be made so plain that a person of small intellectual capacity will be able to make this decision as well as those of more expanded powers. Hence we say that duty must be revealed in very simple language. Thus said the Lord, “The seventh day is the Sabbath.” Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: “Fear God, and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.”