if any one shall endeavour to offer a sacrifice merely to…
““if any one shall endeavour to offer a sacrifice merely to outward appearance, unexceptionably, in due order, and according to appointment, while in his soul he does not assign to his neighbour that fellowship with him which is right and proper, nor is under the fear of God;—he who thus cherishes secret sin does not deceive God by that sacrifice which is offered correctly as to outward appearance; nor will such an oblation profit him anything, but [only] the giving up of that evil which has been conceived within him, so that sin may not the more, by means of the hypocritical action, render him the destroyer of himself. Wherefore””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
External rituals without inner sincerity are hollow; true repentance requires inner moral transformation.
In simple terms: Rituals need genuine heart change.
Key Takeaway
Seek inner moral renewal, not just outward rites.
Themes
religion
morality
hypocrisy
spirituality
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
theological
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal confession
- spiritual counseling
- ethical decision‑making
Key Concepts
inner transformation
authenticity
sin
sacrifice
Questions to Reflect On
- What inner changes are needed before performing rituals?
- Can outward actions ever truly reflect inner purity?
A Different Perspective
External rites cannot compensate for inner corruption.