p. 327 | The Sincerity Plea by William N. Glenn

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · May 29, 1884

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 10, No. 21.

The Sincerity Plea.

By William N. Glenn

WE often meet the argument that it is no matter what we believe if we are only sincere. The fallacy of this sentiment is well illustrated in the case of Paul. He was "zealous toward God" while persecuting the church of Christ "unto the death." Acts 8:1; 9:1, 2; 22:3, 4; 26:9-11; Gal. 1:13, 14; Phil. 3:6. He verily thought that he "ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth." Suppose Paul had continued in this way, who will argue that his sincerity, which cannot be doubted, would have been "counted to him for righteousness?"

Jesus had foretold just such a state of things: "They shall put you out of the synagogue; yea, the time cometh that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me." John 16:2, 3. This ignorance is proof of sincerity, but there is not a hint of a justification on that account. Here is a class, and Paul had been one of the class, who would in their zeal for God ("not according to knowledge," Rom. 10:2), deliberately violate his commandments. This class made many outward sacrifices; but that was of no avail in their behalf, for God had said that "to obey is better than sacrifice." 1 Sam. 15:22, etc. Sacrifice implies sincerity.

This doctrine of the apostle is also illustrated in his argument, 1 Cor. 15, on the resurrection. "Then [if Christ be not risen] they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished." Now suppose Christ had been an impostor, and had not been risen at all, why should these poor dupes, who had died in the faith of him, perish? They were sincere; many of them had sacrificed their lives. But Paul says, on the condition specified, they had perished.

But we learn, from Rev. 13 and other scriptures, that there will yet be more persecution of the saints through a false zeal for God. And those who will not worship the "image" shall be forbidden to buy or sell, and it will be decreed that they shall be put to death. And we see the party now rising to do this work; they are very zealous for God, and they are marking out a very unmerciful course toward those who will stand by the commandments of God, including his holy Sabbath. Sincerity is a good thing if coupled with obedience; but contrary to knowledge, it is a dangerous guide.

W. N. GLENN.