Conscience: February 2007

 •  2 min. read  •  grade level: 6
The word “conscience” means “to know with, to know together.” Conscience is the inner “judge” or “witness” that approves when we do right and disapproves when we do wrong (Romans 2:1515Which show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;) (Romans 2:15)). Conscience does not set the standard; it only applies it. The Word of God is the true standard, which shines upon the conscience. It’s like a window that lets in light. The cleaner the window is, the more the light shines in. If the window gets dirty, the light gets dimmer, and finally darkness replaces the light. A good conscience, or pure conscience (1 Timothy 3:99Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. (1 Timothy 3:9)), is one that lets in God’s light so that we are convicted if we do wrong and encouraged if we do right. A defiled conscience (1 Corinthians 8:77Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled. (1 Corinthians 8:7)) results from doing what one believes is wrong. If a person continues to sin against his conscience, he may end up with a seared conscience (1 Timothy 4:22Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; (1 Timothy 4:2)). Then his hardened conscience would no longer bother him, even when he was doing wrong. Our conscience needs to be enlightened by the Word of God. Paul persecuted the church, so how could he claim to have a good conscience? He had lived up to the light he had, and that is all that a good conscience requires. After he became a Christian and the light of God’s glory shone into his heart (2 Corinthians 4:66For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 4:6)), Paul saw things differently and called himself the chief of sinners (1 Timothy 1:1515This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. (1 Timothy 1:15)).
1. Why did the people go out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the least? John 8:___
2. Do the Gentiles have something written in their hearts that bears witness to them? Romans 2:___
3. God’s purpose is that we have charity out of a pure heart and faith unfeigned. What else is found in this verse? 1 Timothy 1:___
4. How will the blood of Christ better enable us to serve the living God?
Hebrews 9:___
5. What is the commendation given for those who endure grief and suffer wrongfully? 1 Peter 2:___