Introduction. In recent years, at the end of an intense discussion about differences of opinion over Scripture, someone will sigh, and quote the novel proverb created to remove any need for further study: “It doesn’t matter what you believe as long as you’re sincere.” Although there is not a shred of evidence in the Bible to validate this conclusion, it has been accepted by many as a truth that justifies error on the basis of blissful ignorance.
The hypocrisy of this proverb is obvious in any other realm of life. We won’t balance our checkbook, take our prescriptions, or accept the advice of a doctor or lawyer based on sincerity alone. We want facts because we want to be right and we know that assuming we are right can lead to terrible consequences if we are wrong. In such cases ignorant sincerity is only the curse of the foolish.
When Paul and Barnabas encountered error, they sought to change the opinion of those who held it because they were wrong. As the discussion heated up, there was “no small dissension and dispute with them.” Yet it didn’t end with “it doesn’t matter...” Instead, Paul “went up by revelation” to Jerusalem to create a united decision about the truth (Acts 15; Gal. 2:1-5). The reason: “But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed” (Gal. 1:8-9). Paul sought to change their opinion because it would bring this curse upon them. Can we really believe it wouldn’t bring the same curse today?
The hypocrisy of this proverb is obvious in any other realm of life. We won’t balance our checkbook, take our prescriptions, or accept the advice of a doctor or lawyer based on sincerity alone. We want facts because we want to be right and we know that assuming we are right can lead to terrible consequences if we are wrong. In such cases ignorant sincerity is only the curse of the foolish.
When Paul and Barnabas encountered error, they sought to change the opinion of those who held it because they were wrong. As the discussion heated up, there was “no small dissension and dispute with them.” Yet it didn’t end with “it doesn’t matter...” Instead, Paul “went up by revelation” to Jerusalem to create a united decision about the truth (Acts 15; Gal. 2:1-5). The reason: “But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed” (Gal. 1:8-9). Paul sought to change their opinion because it would bring this curse upon them. Can we really believe it wouldn’t bring the same curse today?
My Disciples Indeed! Jesus said, it is only when we “abide in My word,” that we are “My disciples indeed.” Only when we abide in His word will we “know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” Hence Paul pleaded “that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (Jn. 8:31-32; 1Cor. 1:10).
Genuine sincerity cannot exist until after we learn the truth and know we are following the words of Jesus. How can anyone be sincere without knowing the truth? When making an important decision, we can only feel sincere and secure about it if we know we are right. If there were any doubt, sincerity would vanish in the need to reevaluate. Any doubt about truth should destroy any sense of sincerity. Spiritual sincerity is bought with a study of Scripture and knowledge of truth.
Can Ignorance really be Bliss? If the proverb “it doesn’t matter...” is true, willful ignorance is rewarded and love for truth minimized. Truly, the less one knows the better. The fruit of this proverb would lead one to avoid the very knowledge that would lead us to repent. How can that be right? God commended the Bereans for a “more noble” attitude because when challenged, “they received the word with all readiness of the mind, examining the Scriptures daily, whether these things were so.” (Acts 17:11).
Genuine Sincerity comes from Knowledge, not Ignorance. The Bible discusses sincerity, but in a very different way than “it doesn’t matter...” Paul tied sincerity to “knowledge and all discernment.” Only after we “examine the Scriptures daily” and understand the truth can we be “sincere and void of offence” (Phil. 1:9-10). This single verse explodes the myth that ignorance can make one sincere. Genuine sincerity is based on knowledge and discernment, not ignorance. Sincerity is purchased by testing things and accepting only excellent things. Those using ignorance as a shield are actually only masking their insincerity, ignoring the basic command: “Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil” (1Th. 5:21-22).
Before we stand in judgment, Jesus warned us that God’s will is higher than human sincerity! Calling Jesus "Lord" in blissful ignorance gained them nothing. Only those who “do the will of My Father” will enter the “kingdom of heaven.” Not even a sincere conviction they performed miracles would change this. Jesus only had one answer to the “many” who relied on sincerity. “Then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’" (Mt. 7:21-23)
How can anyone claim to be sincere and ignore these things? If someone tells us our house is on fire, can we be sincere if we don’t seek to find out and put it out? In the same way, John warned us that if we go beyond the teachings of Christ we have not God. Can we really be sincere if we have not studied to see if what we believe is within our outside of Jesus’ teaching?
Conclusion. Sincerity is the possession of those who hold fast to truth. It can only be purchased with diligence. “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2Tim. 2:15). How can anyone feel secure and sincere in their beliefs until they have sought to rightly divide the word of truth? If we sincerely follow blind guides, there can only be one outcome. “If the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch.”
Genuine sincerity cannot exist until after we learn the truth and know we are following the words of Jesus. How can anyone be sincere without knowing the truth? When making an important decision, we can only feel sincere and secure about it if we know we are right. If there were any doubt, sincerity would vanish in the need to reevaluate. Any doubt about truth should destroy any sense of sincerity. Spiritual sincerity is bought with a study of Scripture and knowledge of truth.
Can Ignorance really be Bliss? If the proverb “it doesn’t matter...” is true, willful ignorance is rewarded and love for truth minimized. Truly, the less one knows the better. The fruit of this proverb would lead one to avoid the very knowledge that would lead us to repent. How can that be right? God commended the Bereans for a “more noble” attitude because when challenged, “they received the word with all readiness of the mind, examining the Scriptures daily, whether these things were so.” (Acts 17:11).
Genuine Sincerity comes from Knowledge, not Ignorance. The Bible discusses sincerity, but in a very different way than “it doesn’t matter...” Paul tied sincerity to “knowledge and all discernment.” Only after we “examine the Scriptures daily” and understand the truth can we be “sincere and void of offence” (Phil. 1:9-10). This single verse explodes the myth that ignorance can make one sincere. Genuine sincerity is based on knowledge and discernment, not ignorance. Sincerity is purchased by testing things and accepting only excellent things. Those using ignorance as a shield are actually only masking their insincerity, ignoring the basic command: “Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil” (1Th. 5:21-22).
Before we stand in judgment, Jesus warned us that God’s will is higher than human sincerity! Calling Jesus "Lord" in blissful ignorance gained them nothing. Only those who “do the will of My Father” will enter the “kingdom of heaven.” Not even a sincere conviction they performed miracles would change this. Jesus only had one answer to the “many” who relied on sincerity. “Then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’" (Mt. 7:21-23)
How can anyone claim to be sincere and ignore these things? If someone tells us our house is on fire, can we be sincere if we don’t seek to find out and put it out? In the same way, John warned us that if we go beyond the teachings of Christ we have not God. Can we really be sincere if we have not studied to see if what we believe is within our outside of Jesus’ teaching?
Conclusion. Sincerity is the possession of those who hold fast to truth. It can only be purchased with diligence. “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2Tim. 2:15). How can anyone feel secure and sincere in their beliefs until they have sought to rightly divide the word of truth? If we sincerely follow blind guides, there can only be one outcome. “If the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch.”