The concept of conscience is a significant theme in the Bible, reflecting the inner sense of right and wrong that guides human behavior. The term "conscience" is derived from the Latin "conscientia," meaning "with knowledge." In the biblical context, conscience is understood as the God-given faculty that discerns moral and ethical choices, often prompting individuals to align their actions with divine standards.

Old Testament Context

While the specific term "conscience" is not explicitly used in the Old Testament, the concept is present. The Hebrew Scriptures often refer to the "heart" as the seat of moral and ethical decision-making. For instance, in 1 Samuel 24:5, David's heart smote him after he cut off a corner of Saul's robe, indicating an inner conviction of wrongdoing. This reflects the function of conscience as an internal witness to one's actions.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the Greek word "suneidēsis" is used to denote conscience. The Apostle Paul frequently addresses the role of conscience in the believer's life. In Romans 2:15, Paul explains that even Gentiles, who do not have the Law, demonstrate the work of the Law written in their hearts, "their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts either accusing or defending them." This passage highlights the universal nature of conscience as an innate moral compass.

Paul further elaborates on the role of conscience in 1 Corinthians 8 and 10, discussing the issue of eating food offered to idols. He emphasizes the importance of respecting the consciences of others, particularly those who are weaker in faith. In 1 Corinthians 8:12, he warns, "When you sin against your brothers in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ." Here, conscience is portrayed as sensitive and easily influenced by the actions of others.

Conscience and the Holy Spirit

The New Testament also links conscience with the work of the Holy Spirit. In John 16:8, Jesus speaks of the Holy Spirit convicting the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. This conviction is closely related to the function of conscience, as the Spirit works within believers to guide and correct their moral choices.

A Clear Conscience

Maintaining a clear conscience is a recurring exhortation in the New Testament. Paul, in Acts 24:16, states, "In this hope, I strive always to maintain a clear conscience before God and man." A clear conscience is associated with living a life of integrity and faithfulness to God's commands. In 1 Timothy 1:5, Paul writes, "The goal of our instruction is the love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and a sincere faith."

Seared and Weak Consciences

The Bible also warns against the dangers of a seared or defiled conscience. In 1 Timothy 4:2, Paul describes individuals whose consciences have been "seared as with a hot iron," indicating a state of moral insensitivity due to persistent sin. Conversely, a weak conscience, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 8:7, is one that is overly sensitive and easily troubled by matters of personal conviction.

Conscience in the Life of Believers

For believers, conscience plays a crucial role in spiritual growth and ethical living. Hebrews 9:14 speaks of the cleansing of the conscience through the blood of Christ, enabling believers to serve the living God. This cleansing is essential for a vibrant and effective Christian witness.

In summary, the biblical understanding of conscience encompasses the inner awareness of moral truth, the influence of the Holy Spirit, and the call to live with integrity before God and others. The conscience serves as a vital component of the believer's spiritual life, guiding decisions and actions in accordance with divine principles.4893. suneidesis -- consciousness, spec. conscience
... Word Origin from suneidon Definition consciousness, spec. conscience NASB Word Usage
conscience (24), conscience' (4), consciences (1), consciousness (1). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4893.htm - 7k

Answering the Reasons which those Ministers Give, which Hinder the ...
... the Reasons which those Ministers give, which hinder the Faithful from Communicating,
and the Priest from Celebrating, having their Consciences free from ...
/.../chap ii answering the reasons.htm

How St Francis was Acquainted with the Secrets of the Consciences ...
... HERE BEGIN THE LITTLE FLOWERS OF SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI CHAPTER XXXI HOW ST FRANCIS
WAS ACQUAINTED WITH THE SECRETS OF THE CONSCIENCES OF ALL HIS BRETHREN. ...
/.../the little flowers of st francis of assisi/chapter xxxi how st francis.htm

Article xi: of Confession.
... and taught in a manner so Christian, correct, and pure] the benefit of absolution
and the power of the keys that many distressed consciences have derived ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 14 article xi of.htm

Of the Distinction of Meats.
... instituted, and the teachers in the churches did exact these works as a service
necessary to merit grace, and did greatly terrify men's consciences, if they ...
/.../various/the augsburg confession of faith/article xxvi of the distinction.htm

Of Good Works.
... But, although this doctrine is despised by the inexperienced, nevertheless God-fearing
and anxious consciences find by experience that it brings the greatest ...
/.../various/the augsburg confession of faith/article xx of good works.htm

Article xvi: of Political Order.
... between the kingdom of Christ and a political kingdom has been explained to advantage
[to the remarkably great consolation of many consciences] in the ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 21 article xvi of.htm

Article xxviii: of Ecclesiastical Power.
... tumults have resulted, while the Pontiffs, emboldened by the power of the Keys,
not only have instituted new services and burdened consciences with reservation ...
/.../the augsburg confession of faith/article xxviii of ecclesiastical power.htm

Of Confession.
... The power of the Keys is set forth in its beauty and they are reminded what great
consolation it brings to anxious consciences, also, that God requires faith ...
/.../various/the augsburg confession of faith/article xxv of confession.htm

Confessio Fidei Scotican?? ii.
... We all, and every ane of us underwritten, protest, That after lang and dew examination
of our awne consciences in matters of trew and false religion, we ar now ...
/.../confessio fidei scoticanae ii.htm

Chapter I Beginning and Early Days of the Orphan Work.
... "Another class of persons were brethren in business, who suffered in their souls,
and brought guilt on their consciences, by carrying on their business, almost ...
/.../muller/answers to prayer/chapter i beginning and early.htm

Consciences (12 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Consciences (12 Occurrences). Romans 2:15 since
they exhibit proof that a knowledge of the conduct which ...
/c/consciences.htm - 10k

Polluted (80 Occurrences)
... Some, from force of habit in relation to the idol, even now eat idol sacrifices
as such, and their consciences, being but weak, are polluted. (WEY). ...
/p/polluted.htm - 31k

Sacrifices (186 Occurrences)
... Some, from force of habit in relation to the idol, even now eat idol sacrifices
as such, and their consciences, being but weak, are polluted. (WEY). ...
/s/sacrifices.htm - 39k

Conscience (36 Occurrences)
... Not only does a man's own conscience pass sentence on his conduct, but the consciences
of others pass sentence on it too; and to this may be due a great ...
/c/conscience.htm - 37k

Nobly (5 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Hebrews 13:18 Keep on praying for us; for we are sure that we have clear
consciences, and we desire to live nobly in every respect. (WEY). ...
/n/nobly.htm - 7k

Unfaltering (1 Occurrence)
... Hebrews 10:22 let us draw near with sincerity and unfaltering faith, having had
our hearts sprinkled, once for all, from consciences oppressed with sin, and ...
/u/unfaltering.htm - 6k

Oppressed (81 Occurrences)
... Hebrews 10:22 let us draw near with sincerity and unfaltering faith, having had
our hearts sprinkled, once for all, from consciences oppressed with sin, and ...
/o/oppressed.htm - 31k

Lifeless (10 Occurrences)
... certainly shall the blood of Christ, who strengthened by the eternal Spirit offered
Himself to God, free from blemish, purify your consciences from lifeless ...
/l/lifeless.htm - 9k

Loyal (15 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). 1 John 3:19 And in this way we shall come to know that we are loyal to
the truth, and shall satisfy our consciences in His presence (WEY). ...
/l/loyal.htm - 11k

Win (27 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 5:11 Knowing therefore the fear of the Lord, we persuade men, but
we are revealed to God; and I hope that we are revealed also in your consciences...
/w/win.htm - 14k

What is the conscience? | GotQuestions.org

How can I get a clear conscience? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean to have a seared conscience? | GotQuestions.org

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