We define sincerity as a strong desire to know the truth... so strong that you are willing to change your life to conform to it. This is the essence of saving faith in God.
1. Romans 2:14-15 Sincere non-Christians are living Bibles. People (like Abra-ham) who do not know of Jesus, but who have true faith in the highest revelation of God that they have, are saved by God's grace.
2. 1 John 2:27 If you follow Jesus, you don't need teachers. God's Spirit talks to us through our conscience. In general, this is more reliable than any human teacher.
3. Matthew 25:31-46 As we help others, we help Jesus. Jesus said that when he returns, some people will be surprised to learn that they were serving him. This shows that they will not be judged by their religion.
4. Matthew 10:40-41, John 13:20, 1 John 4:6 If they receive us, they receive Jesus. If people accept the truth in what we are saying, they are accepting Jesus. They do not need to say ritual prayers to do it.
5. Romans 2:29 True circumcision is in your attitudes. Circumcision is one of many outward signs that religions use to identify the good guys. But God is not limited to them.
6. Galatians 3:7 True Jews are those who have true faith. The people of God are people of faith and sincerity... everywhere. Christianity marked the end of religion.
7. 1 John 4:7-8 Anyone who loves is born of God. Hindus, Muslims, even atheists can show love. On the other hand, strict religionists often do not shows love.
8. Galatians 5:14, Matthew 22:37-40 All the Bible is summed up in loving God and others. This is called the Royal Law in James 2:8. Love is the evidence that we have faith in something higher than ourselves.
9. 1 Peter 2:2-3 Find the sincere truth of any teaching. We should pray for a clear understanding of what the Bible says, and not just learn facts and proof texts.
10. Titus 1:15 To the pure, all things are pure. A sincere person will see the truth in every situation, and concentrate on that, while religious people waste time reacting to evil.
11. 1 John 1:7 All who walk in the light have fellowship with each other. The more we seek to be sincere, the more fellowship we will find with others who are sincere. All of theological imperfections will disappear under the blood of Jesus. Amazing grace, eh?
(See also Faith and Sincerity.)
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