Sincerity and Obedience to the Gospel by J. H. Painter

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · May 13, 1889

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 15, No. 18.

Sincerity and Obedience to the Gospel

By J. H. Painter

THE frequent remark, "It doesn't make so much difference what you believe if you are sincere," and kindred statements, do about as much mischief in preventing obedience to the gospel as anything that skeptics may say. To exalt sincerity as a standard of righteousness causes it to usurp the place of God's holy truth, and changes sincere into sin sear. What sins have not been committed in the name of sincerity, and how many vainly imagine that it will convert any act into righteousness. Remember Paul, who, though one of the sincerest, was "chief of sinners." Let even sincerity, therefore, be brought into subjection to the gospel of Christ. 2 Cor. 10: 5.—J. H. Painter, in Christian Oracle.