True and False Theories Contrasted
7
Self-righteousness Condemned
Our Saviour ever condemned self-righteousness. He taught His
disciples that the highest type of religion is that which manifests itself
in a quiet, unobtrusive manner. He cautioned them to perform their
deeds of charity quietly; not for display, not to be praised or honored
of men, but for the glory of God, expecting their reward hereafter. If
they should perform good deeds to be lauded by men, no reward would
be given them by their Father in heaven.
The followers of Christ were instructed not to pray for the purpose
of being heard of men. “But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy
closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in
secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly”
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(
Matthew 6:6
). Such expressions as this from the lips of Christ show
that He did not regard with approval that kind of piety so prevalent
among the Pharisees. His teachings upon the mount show that deeds
of benevolence assume a noble form and acts of religious worship
shed a most precious fragrance when performed in an unpretending
manner, in penitence and humility. The pure motive sanctifies the act.
True sanctification is an entire conformity to the will of God.
Rebellious thoughts and feelings are overcome, and the voice of Jesus
awakens a new life, which pervades the entire being. Those who are
truly sanctified will not set up their own opinion as a standard of right
and wrong. They are not bigoted or self-righteousness; but they are
jealous of self, ever fearing lest, a promise being left them, they should
come short of complying with the conditions upon which the promises
are based.
Substituting Feeling for Reason
Many who profess sanctification are entirely ignorant of the work
of grace upon the heart. When proved and tested, they are found to be
like the self-righteous Pharisee. They will bear no contradiction. They
lay aside reason and judgment, and depend wholly upon their feelings,
basing their claims to sanctification upon emotions which they have
at some time experienced. They are stubborn and perverse in urging
their tenacious claims of holiness, giving many words, but bearing no
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precious fruit as proof. These professedly sanctified persons are not