An anesthesiologist was administering a controlled mixture of oxygen and gas to a patient in a New York hospital. When one of the tanks was empty, the doctor used a new one clearly marked “Oxygen.” Almost immediately the patient died.

The coroner’s autopsy revealed carbon dioxide poisoning. Upon investigation, the second tank was found to contain pure carbon dioxide and had been mislabeled.

The manufacturer denied any wrongdoing. No one knew how this tragic mistake could have gotten by the inspectors.

Fortunately, such errors are rare. But in the spiritual realm they occur all the time. Regarding salvation, many people will say, “As long as I’m sincere, I’ll come out all right in the end.” They believe they can get to heaven by their good works; but no matter how right it may seem, it’s “the way of death” (Prov. 14:12). Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6).

Don’t make the mistake of being sincere but sincerely wrong! Acknowledge your sin and guilt before God and ask Jesus to save you today.

  — Henry G. Bosch