Sincerity Alone Not Enough to Please God?

It is absolutely essential for religions that make the claim of being God’s one true church to convince those outside of its membership that sincerity alone is not enough to please God. Unless you accept their interpretation of scripture and live in harmony with what they teach, you have no hope of salvation. In order to secure their claim of exclusivity, the worship of anyone outside of their group must be seen to be automatically rejected by God no matter how sincerely they believe they are doing what God requires. They want to convey to every non-member, or anyone desiring to leave the group, that they are in danger of everlasting destruction. For example, note these statements in the Watchtower:

Is Sincerity Enough?

MANY persons say that if you are sincere in your belief that is enough. They argue that divine judgment swings on the hinges of sincerity rather than correctness. It is not so much a matter of right belief as it is of sincere belief. Sincerity is necessary, but is it enough?

“There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” The wrong way does not lead to the right destination just because the lost one is sincere.—Prov. 14:12, RS.

Jesus said to his followers: “The hour is coming when everyone that kills you will imagine he has rendered a sacred service to God.” Will Jehovah approve the killing of Christians on the grounds of sincerity?—John 16:2, NW.

The apostle Paul said of those who were sincere but incorrect: “I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God; but not according to accurate knowledge; for, because of not knowing the righteousness of God but seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God.”—Rom. 10:2, 3, NW.

These persons were sincere; they were also stubborn. They were so intent in proving that they were right they had no time to learn what God said was right. They were not sincerely meek, but were sincerely stubborn, idolizing their own will and way and refusing to subject themselves to the will and way of God.

Sincerity is necessary, but it is not enough. Those who are truly sincere will change when they learn they are wrong. Because of their sincerity Jehovah extends them mercy. So it was in the case of the apostle Paul, who wrote: “Formerly I was a blasphemer and a persecutor and an insolent man. Nevertheless, I was shown mercy, because I was ignorant and acted with a lack of faith.”—1 Tim. 1:13, NW.

Jehovah requires more than sincerity: “What doth Jehovah require of thee, but to do justly, and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with thy God?” How is it possible to do justly and to practice goodness without knowing what Jehovah considers just and good? How can one walk humbly with God unless he knows the way or path of God? He cannot walk stubbornly in his own way and at the same time walk humbly in God’s way.—Mic. 6:8, Da.

A person who is truly sincere will change when he is proved to be wrong. How sincere, actually, is the person who is shown from his own Bible that “the soul that sinneth, it shall die,” yet continues to believe the soul is immortal? How sincere is the one who still believes God and Christ are equal in a trinity after reading in his own Bible Jesus’ words: “My Father is greater than I”? How sincere is the one who is shown from his own Bible that “the wages of sin is death,” but continues to argue that sin’s punishment is eternal torment?—Ezek. 18:4; John 14:28; Rom. 6:23.

Is it not possible that many who say sincerity is enough are just wanting to take their own course while giving it the stamp of God’s approval? It is so easy to go your own way complacently while hiding behind the claim of sincerity. Oftentimes stubbornness lurks behind the cloak of sincerity. When it does not, when the sincerity is genuine through and through, its possessor changes when ways are proved wrong. If there is no effort to learn what is right, if there is no change when belief is proved wrong, then there was never present any genuine sincerity. (The Watchtower June 1, 1956 pages 323-324)

Even though this quote is taken from 1956 it still appears as a current teaching on the society’s official website jw.org

We must ask, however, is it sincerity that God condemns? Note that in the Watchtower it is stated: “A person who is truly sincere will change when he is proved to be wrong” and “if there is no change when belief is proved wrong, then there was never present any genuine sincerity”. Hence the question is not whether or not sincerity alone will please God but whether or not genuine sincerity will do so. Note how another Watchtower attempts to illustrate this:

“Paul urged Christians: “Let us keep the festival, not with old leaven, neither with leaven of badness and wickedness, but with unfermented cakes of sincerity and truth.” (1 Corinthians 5:8) For our worship to be acceptable to God, sincerity is not only desirable but also essential. Yet, note that sincerity alone is not enough. It must be complemented with truth.

The builders and the passengers of the Titanic might sincerely have believed that the ocean liner was unsinkable. On its maiden voyage in 1912, however, it struck an iceberg and 1,517 people lost their lives. Certain first-century Jews might sincerely have believed in their way of worshiping God, but their zeal was “not according to accurate knowledge.” (Romans 10:2) For us to be acceptable to God, our sincere beliefs must be based on accurate information. (The Watchtower February 1, 2003 page 32)

The Watchtower attempts to make the basis of whether or not God would judge a person as worthy of everlasting life a matter of knowledge. That no matter how sincere a person was in his/her worship he/she would be condemned for lack of knowledge.

But, in order for this illustration to have anything to do with sincerity, the captain of the Titanic, prior to boarding, would have to be presented with irrefutable evidence that the ship could sink if it hit an iceberg at high speed. It would then be foolhardy for him to dismiss that evidence, board the ship and sail at that speed through iceberg infested waters risking the lives of all the passengers and crew. If tried in court after the disaster for the death of the 1,517 persons that lost their lives it were discovered that he concealed such knowledge, would he be judged as sincere? Could he escape a criminal charge of manslaughter due to negligence? No. Only if he had not known could he possibly have been viewed as sincere. Likewise with the passengers. If they willingly boarded the ship knowing of these circumstances would we call them sincere?

The lack of knowledge really has nothing to do with God’s evaluation of us as a person. Rather it is how we respond to his guidance when it comes. If that guidance is not clear enough for us to understand what he requires, he takes the initiative to provide the necessary information for us to come to the right conclusion. It would be unfair for him to condemn any person, for what they do not know. Earlier, the June 1956 Watchtower quoted Jesus words in John 16:2 “The hour is coming when everyone that kills you will imagine he has rendered a sacred service to God.” They then asked the question: “Will Jehovah approve the killing of Christians on the grounds of sincerity?”

The question does not really address the issue of judgment. While it is true that God would certainly not approve the killing of Christians on the part of persons who sincerely thought they were doing his will, we cannot take that to mean that he would not forgive them for doing so. Otherwise Jesus would never pray in behalf of those killing him:

But Jesus was saying: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Furthermore, they cast lots to distribute his garments. Luke 23:34

We have an example of this in how Jesus dealt with Saul who later became the apostle Paul:

I am grateful to Christ Jesus our Lord, who imparted power to me, because he considered me faithful by assigning me to a ministry, although formerly I was a blasphemer and a persecutor and an insolent man. Nevertheless, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and with a lack of faith. 1 Timothy 1:12, 13

The Bible shows that God does not reject individuals that sincerely desire to worship him but he makes himself known to them, thereafter observing how they respond to this knowledge.

At this Peter began to speak, and he said: “Now I truly understand that God is not partial, but in every nation the man who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. Acts 10:34, 35

Paul now stood in the midst of the Ar·e·opʹa·gus and said: “Men of Athens, I see that in all things you seem to be more given to the fear of the deities than others are. For instance, while passing along and carefully observing your objects of veneration, I found even an altar on which had been inscribed ‘To an Unknown God.’ Therefore, what you are unknowingly worshipping, this I am declaring to you. The God who made the world and all the things in it, being, as he is, Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in handmade temples; nor is he served by human hands as if he needed anything, because he himself gives to all people life and breath and all things. And he made out of one man every nation of men to dwell on the entire surface of the earth, and he decreed the appointed times and the set limits of where men would dwell, so that they would seek God, if they might grope for him and really find him, although, in fact, he is not far off from each one of us. For by him we have life and move and exist, even as some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also his children.’ “Therefore, since we are the children of God, we should not think that the Divine Being is like gold or silver or stone, like something sculptured by the art and design of humans. True, God has overlooked the times of such ignorance; but now he is declaring to all people everywhere that they should repent. Acts 17:22-30

Moreover, the Lord said to Paul in a vision by night: “Do not be afraid, but keep on speaking and do not keep silent, for I am with you and no man will assault you to harm you; for I have many people in this city.” So he stayed there for a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them. Acts 18:9-11

Although the Corinthians were not yet believers, Jesus recognized their potential and referred to them as his people.

Even after learning the truth about God, the first century Christians held erroneous views. Did God reject their worship? Not according to the Watchtower:

“In guiding the first-century Christians, Jehovah did not make clear to them at one time all the truths related to his purposes. As an example, consider the Bible’s central doctrine, God’s kingdom. Jesus taught his followers to pray: “Let your kingdom come.” (Matt. 6:10) He urged: “Keep on, then, seeking first the kingdom and his righteousness.” (Matt. 6:33) But during those years that he was on earth, did his followers understand all the details about Kingdom rule? Could they accurately answer questions about it, such as: What is God’s kingdom? Who will rule in it, and how many rulers will there be? When will it come? What will it do for the earth and for humans?

That those who talked with Jesus did not have all this knowledge is evidenced by the question that they asked him after his resurrection: “Lord, are you restoring the kingdom to Israel at this time?” (Acts 1:6) Instead of answering by telling them about every aspect of Kingdom rule, Jesus declared: “It does not belong to you to get knowledge of the times or seasons which the Father has placed in his own jurisdiction.” (Acts 1:7) Why did Jesus handle the matter in this way? Because the disciples held deep-seated but erroneous views of the Kingdom. They believed that the Kingdom would be an earthly rule that would throw off Roman domination. Yet the truth was that the Kingdom was to be heavenly, and that those chosen to rule with Christ would be taken from the earth to heaven. (Rev. 5:9, 10; 14:3; 20:4) Further, their question shows that they expected the Kingdom to be established immediately. But that was not to be, for many centuries would pass instead.

Although his disciples held incorrect views, Jesus did not condemn them and cast them off. He knew that their gaining understanding of God’s truths would be gradual, and that holy spirit would progressively guide his followers so that they would get clear understanding in due time. Ultimately, complete knowledge concerning the Kingdom rule would be theirs. But, in the meantime, Jesus inculcated in those early followers a profound interest and zeal for seeking the Kingdom first, and a willingness to make adjustments in their views about it. So although limited in accurate knowledge about Kingdom truths, what they did know enabled them, as they waited, to ‘keep close in mind the presence of the day of Jehovah.’ (2 Pet. 3:12) Today, our knowledge of God’s Kingdom rule, what it is and what it will accomplish, is far more advanced, but still not entirely complete. (The Watchtower July 1, 1979 pages 26-27 paragraphs 5-7)

While I do not agree with all the statements made in this article, particularly those concerning God’s Kingdom, the main point is this: God approved of the sincere worship of the apostles despite their lack of accurate knowledge. Notice that today, not even those among what is considered by witnesses to be God’s spirit directed organization have complete knowledge. If not genuine sincerity, what then, forms the basis for God’s approval of them? Today, according to the society it is vital for all to recognize God’s channel.

“The timely spiritual food we receive is proof that Jesus, the Head of the congregation, is keeping his promise to feed us. Through whom is he doing so? When giving the sign of his presence, Jesus said that he would use “the faithful and discreet slave” to give “food at the proper time” to his domestics. (Read Matthew 24:45-47.) That faithful slave is the channel through which Jesus is feeding his true followers in this time of the end. It is vital that we recognize the faithful slave. Our spiritual health and our relationship with God depend on this channel.—Matt. 4:4; John 17:3. (The Watchtower July 15, 2013 page 20 paragraph 2)

It is explained that God chose this channel in 1919

In 1919, three years after Brother Russell’s death, Jesus appointed “the faithful and discreet slave.” For what purpose? To give his domestics “food at the proper time.” (Matt. 24:45) Even in those early years, a small group of anointed brothers who served at headquarters in Brooklyn, New York, prepared and distributed spiritual food to Jesus’ followers. The expression “governing body” began appearing in our publications in the 1940’s, when it was understood to be closely connected with the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society. However, in 1971, the Governing Body was distinguished from the Watch Tower Society—a legal instrument rather than a Scriptural entity—and its directors. The Governing Body henceforth included anointed brothers who were not Society directors. In recent years, responsible brothers of the “other sheep” have served as directors of the legal Society and of other corporations used by God’s people, thus allowing the Governing Body to focus on providing spiritual instruction and direction. (John 10:16; Acts 6:4) The July 15, 2013, issue of The Watchtower explained that “the faithful and discreet slave” is a small group of anointed brothers who make up the Governing Body. (The Watchtower February 2017 study edition pages 25-26 paragraph 10)

But It Was Understood That Russell Was That Slave in 1919

“There was some resistance from those who were not progressive and who did not have a vision of the work that lay ahead. Some insisted on living in the past, in the time of Pastor Russell, when the brothers in general had viewed him as the sole channel of Scriptural enlightenment. It was the published and accepted thought down till 1927 that he was “that servant” of Matthew 24:45.” -Jehovah’s Witnesses in the Divine Purpose page 95.

So, if it is vitally important that we recognize the faithful slave. If indeed our spiritual health and our relationship with God depend on this channel, we would have to conclude since in 1919, the year the slave was selected, no one at the time recognized it, this placed the spiritual health of many Christians and their relationship with God in danger. This danger continued for 8 more years until it was finally recognized that C.T. Russell was no longer that slave. But this is not all. It was not until 2013 that it was understood that the slave was not comprised of all anointed ones but only the small group of brothers who make up the governing body. Without this knowledge, how can it be claimed that their worship was acceptable to God during that entire time?

However, when it comes to the appointment of the “Faithful and Discreet Slave”, amazingly the Watchtower society claims sincerity is enough. Despite their own past failings and doctrinal errors the Watchtower society would claim that Jesus has had complete trust in that slave for decades and continues to use it. Why? It obviously could not be because everything that was taught at the time was true. It had to be because those Christians at the time were sincere. So now the society would claim for itself what it denies others:

The Governing Body is neither inspired nor infallible. Therefore, it can err in doctrinal matters or in organizational direction. In fact, the Watch Tower Publications Index includes the heading “Beliefs Clarified,” which lists adjustments in our Scriptural understanding since 1870. Of course, Jesus did not tell us that his faithful slave would produce perfect spiritual food. (The Watchtower February 2017 study edition page 26 paragraph 12)

Although the slave class is defined as “faithful and discreet,” Jesus did not say that it would be infallible. This group of faithful anointed brothers still consists of imperfect Christians. Even with the best of intentions, they can be mistaken, as such men sometimes were in the first century. (Acts 10:9-15; Galatians 2:8, 11-14) However, their motive is pure, and Jehovah is using them to supply us with Bible study aids to build up our faith in God’s Word and promises. (The Watchtower December 1, 2002 page 17 paragraph 18)

OUR VIEW OF THE “SLAVE”

We can benefit from this consideration. If we have once established what instrument God is using as his “slave” to dispense spiritual food to his people, surely Jehovah is not pleased if we receive that food as though it might contain something harmful. We should have confidence in the channel God is using. At the Brooklyn headquarters from which the Bible publications of Jehovah’s Witnesses emanate there are more mature Christian elders, both of the “remnant” and of the “other sheep,” than anywhere else upon earth.

True, the brothers preparing these publications are not infallible. Their writings are not inspired as are those of Paul and the other Bible writers. (2 Tim. 3:16) And so, at times, it has been necessary, as understanding became clearer, to correct views. (Prov. 4:18) However, this has resulted in a continual refining of the body of Bible-based truth to which Jehovah’s Witnesses subscribe. Over the years, as adjustments have been made to that body of truth, it has become ever more wonderful and applicable to our lives in these “last days.” Bible commentators of Christendom are not inspired either. Despite their claims to great knowledge, they have failed to highlight even basic Bible truths—such as the coming Paradise earth, the importance of God’s name, and the condition of the dead.

Rather, the record that the “faithful and discreet slave” organization has made for the past more than 100 years forces us to the conclusion that Peter expressed when Jesus asked if his apostles also wanted to leave him, namely, “Whom shall we go away to?” (John 6:66-69) No question about it. We all need help to understand the Bible, and we cannot find the Scriptural guidance we need outside the “faithful and discreet slave” organization. (The Watchtower February 15, 1981 page 19)

If God accepts the mature elders at headquarters as his channel for dispensing spiritual food despite their past failings, this also forces us to the conclusion that God can likewise accept the worship of others as long as they are truly sincere. The question is, what is meant by sincere? The society itself has given this definition: “not placing human tradition ahead of God’s requirements”, “avoiding pretense and hypocrisy”, “a willingness to make adjustments”. Hence, “a person who is truly sincere will change when he is proved to be wrong.”

Notice too the acknowledgment that the brothers preparing the publications are not infallible. Their writings are not inspired, so, at times, it has been necessary, as understanding became clearer, to correct views. But in the meantime Witnesses are expected to support those mistaken views even if it troubles their conscience. Apparently this sincere loyalty to imperfect men is all that is needed to be approved by God because they claim to be his channel. But the same allowance is not made for Christendom’s commentators. Why? Because they are not believed to be God’s channel? But just how is it possible for uninspired men to say who God has chosen to be his channel? Without proof would that not be nothing more than an arrogant claim? Jesus encouraged us to put to the test those who claim to represent God.

‘I know your deeds, and your labor and endurance, and that you cannot tolerate bad men, and that you put to the test those who say they are apostles, but they are not, and you found them to be liars. Revelation 2:2

Rather than the criteria for judgment being based on who claims to represent God, it should be on who represents him correctly. For one to knowingly support men that contradict God would not be viewed by God as sincere and would not gain his approval. ( 1 Kings 13:1-22; Acts 5:29)

Obviously, sincerity encompasses much more than merely believing you have the truth or are in the right religion. The true test of genuine sincerity is what is done when a person is faced with irrefutable evidence that his course is wrong. God would not look favorably on anyone who knowingly disregards his will.

How has the society responded when presented with clear evidence that it’s course is wrong? If it can be demonstrated that they have displayed an unwillingness to make adjustments, then, in God’s eyes, they themselves have failed the test. By their own definition they are not sincere. Hence, they cannot be pleasing God. (See the article entitled: “This Generation“)

So, is sincerity alone enough to please God? Since it is the will of God for all men to come to an accurate knowledge of the truth, the answer to the question is really no. (1 Tim. 2:4) As our Father, it would not please him for his children to languish in ignorance. (Acts 17:26,27) But it’s the wrong question to be asking if one is trying to determine which individual persons God will accept or reject for eternity.

God is not interested in what religion we adhere to. At one time, the nation of Israel could boast of being God’s chosen people. But eventually that religious system was rejected by God and came to an end. However, at that time and even centuries before, God showed his interest and approval toward individuals that sincerely lived in harmony with his will. Some of these persons were even non-Israelites. God did not send his Son to save a particular religion, but every individual person that exercises faith in him.

“He that exercises faith in him is not to be judged. He that does not exercise faith has been judged already, because he has not exercised faith in the name of the only-begotten Son of God.” (John 3:18)

The one who exercises faith in the Son has everlasting life; the one who disobeys the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains upon him. John 3:36

See also the article entitled “Who Are the True Worshipers?“