by R. L. Morrison

Honesty is one of the greatest virtues a man can possess. It is also appreciated by God, for the Bible repeatedly demands honesty of every child of God.

Perhaps for this reason many people come to think honesty is all God requires of man to escape the consequences of sin. The idea is frequently expressed, "Just so long as a man is honest and does not violate his conscience, he is OK. That man will be saved eternally."

Religion is the only thing in the world in which many want to apply this principle. Let us illustrate: A man is driving down the highway. He plans to go to a certain city. He thinks he is traveling in the right direction to reach that city. He is honest and sincere, but he is traveling in the wrong direction. Every mile he drives takes him farther away from his destination. Will his honest sincerity in thinking he is right bring him to the city he desires to visit? Certainly not!

Why should one expect a rule to work in religion that will not work anywhere else? Common sense tells us that to reach the desired destination the man must, when he learns of his error, turn and drive in the other direction. Just so, one can be wrong religiously, and when the error is learned, the honest, sincere person will "turn around"; leave the error, and embrace truth.

There are numerous examples in the Bible of people who were honestly mistaken. Many of them show conclusively that sincerity and honesty did not save them from the consequences of the error they believed.

In 1 Kings 13, we find the record of a prophet commanded by God to go from Judah to Bethel to denounce Jeroboam, King of Israel, for his idolatry. The prophet heard, understood God's words, and set out to obey. He proved his honesty and sincerity by refusing to eat, drink, or remain in Israel. He further proved it by beginning his return journey by a different way than that traveled from Judah. These things God had commanded.

But as he traveled, an old prophet, who dwelt in Israel, followed and overtook him as he rested. The old prophet lied to this man from Judah, saying that God had changed his commands, and that he was to return to Bethel and eat. The prophet believed the old man, acted in harmony with what he believed, and brought about his own death by his disobedience to what God told him to do. Honesty alone was not enough.

Many false prophets (teachers) are in the world today (1 John 4:1). We are to try these teachers - that is, to test or compare their doctrine to the word of God. Peter, speaking of the same kind of false teachers, said they shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord (2 Peter 2:1). Honestly believing a lie does not make one right, nor does honesty change error into truth.

Saul of Tarsus is another example of being honestly mistaken. He said, "I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day" (Acts 23:1). But previously, he had persecuted Christians even unto death. He was honest. He thought he was right, but later called himself chief of sinners because he persecuted the church.

When Saul learned he was wrong in so doing, he remained honest. He asked, "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?" (Acts 9:6). When he was told, he obeyed. He arose, was baptized, and washed away his sins, calling on the name of the Lord (Acts 22:16). Common sense demanded that he cease doing evil and do right.

Long ago, God rebuked his people, Israel, through the words of the prophet Isaiah. He described these people as children whom he had nourished and brought up. And indeed, God had done so. Any Bible student is aware of what God had done for these people. He brought them out of slavery in Egypt, into a land described as flowing with milk and honey. He enabled them to drive out the idolatrous people who dwelt there and possess the land as their own. He protected them from all enemies when they were obedient to His will, caring for them as a father does for his children. But God said they have rebelled against me. Then God made this statement against them: "The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his masters crib. but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider. Oh sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evil doers, children that are corrupters; they have forsaken the Lord, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward" (Isa. 1: 3-4). Beginning with verse 18 of the same chapter, God pleads with them: "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land."

As one considers this situation, what does common sense dictate? God simply asked them to think, to consider, to reason! Then choose what you will do! Will you be willing and obedient? If so, you will be forgiven, and continue in the land and be partakers of its blessings! Or if you choose to rebel, to refuse my invitation, you shall be devoured with the sword! Reasoning and common sense suggest repentance and obedience! Surely no one disagrees!

In Romans 15:4, Paul said those things written afore time were written for our learning. As God invited Israel to reason, so He invites us today. Jesus has provided for our forgiveness of sins. He is our sacrifice for sin. And He invites all men to come to him for that salvation. If one ever comes to God, it must be through Christ (John 14:6). To refuse is to be eternally lost, to be cast out in judgment (Matt. 25:46).

However, we realize that many people today know very little about the Bible. Some may believe that it came from God. They might believe it is the only source of information that reveals where man came from and where he is going. But it seems that few are really interested in learning. Then others reject it completely: they do not believe it is a God-inspired book. But these seem to show little interest, not enough to give a reason for their disbelief. There are those who willingly accept the doctrines of men, and those who feel that they do not need God and become a god unto themselves.

I imagine that every living person knows that some day his life will come to an end. The Bible so teaches (Heb. 9:27). It seems this would cause some to want to learn more about man and what the Bible teaches about himself but apparently few are really interested.

The Bible teaches that some sins men commit are destructive to the human body. For example, consider the use of alcohol. Another, quite common today is homosexuality. It would seem that common sense, when exercised, would agree with the Bible. But few indeed are those who practice common sense, that show any concern for it. Actually, they seem to reject it, and devise a religion of their own which allows them to do as they please. Surely no one believes that they who do such things exercise "common sense".

Then there are the "Humanists" who reject the Bible, but have prepared one of their own. They call it "The Humanist Manifesto". They accept it as a guide in this life. It is their "Bible". But it is the wisdom of men. Common sense will realize that the history of men's wisdom is foolishness. But such things as these continue, and it seems that with the passing of time they become more popular with many people. Actually, in these things there is neither religion nor common sense.

What does common sense and reason suggest in view of these things? To continue in sin? To reap corruption? To be lost eternally? Surely not! Rather, does reason not urge one to believe on Jesus Christ, obey his will, obtain forgiveness of sin, and then continue in faithful obedience to gain life eternal? Surely no one would disagree! Remember, "There is a way which seemeth right to a man, but the ends thereof are the ways of death" (Prov. 14:12).

True religion is reasonable. The fact that we have a Bible shows that honesty is not enough. God's word contains information not available elsewhere. It alone reveals the right way to please God. We must so regard the Truth, and live by its commandments to obtain eternal salvation. This is common sense in religion!

Do you live within God's law?