Topical Encyclopedia Conscience money refers to money paid to alleviate the guilt of having obtained wealth through dishonest or unethical means. This concept is rooted in the biblical understanding of repentance, restitution, and the moral obligation to rectify wrongs. The Bible addresses the principles underlying conscience money through various scriptures that emphasize honesty, integrity, and the importance of a clear conscience before God and man.Restitution and Repentance The Bible underscores the importance of restitution as a tangible expression of repentance. In the Old Testament, the Law provided specific instructions for making amends for wrongs committed. Numbers 5:6-7 states, "Tell the Israelites that when a man or woman acts unfaithfully against the LORD by committing any sin against another, that person is guilty and must confess the sin he has committed. He must make full restitution for his wrong, add a fifth of the value to it, and give it all to the person he has wronged." This passage highlights the necessity of not only confessing one's sins but also taking concrete steps to rectify the harm done. The addition of a fifth of the value serves as a form of compensation for the wrongdoing, reflecting the seriousness with which God views justice and fairness. Integrity and Honesty The Bible consistently calls for integrity and honesty in all dealings. Proverbs 11:1 declares, "Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but an accurate weight is His delight." This verse illustrates God's disdain for deceit and His pleasure in fairness and truthfulness. The principle of honest dealings is foundational to the concept of conscience money, as it seeks to address and correct past dishonesty. The Example of Zacchaeus A notable New Testament example of conscience money is found in the account of Zacchaeus, the tax collector. In Luke 19:8 , Zacchaeus, upon encountering Jesus, declares, "Look, Lord, half of my possessions I give to the poor, and if I have cheated anyone, I will repay it fourfold." Zacchaeus's response to his encounter with Christ demonstrates a profound transformation and a commitment to making amends for his past fraudulent actions. His willingness to repay four times the amount he had wrongfully taken exemplifies the spirit of restitution and the cleansing of one's conscience. A Clear Conscience Before God The New Testament further emphasizes the importance of maintaining a clear conscience. In Acts 24:16 , the Apostle Paul states, "In this hope, I strive always to maintain a clear conscience before God and man." This verse reflects the Christian duty to live in a manner that is blameless and upright, ensuring that one's actions align with God's standards of righteousness. Generosity and the Heart The act of giving conscience money is also tied to the broader biblical theme of generosity and the condition of the heart. 2 Corinthians 9:7 advises, "Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." While this verse primarily addresses voluntary giving, it underscores the importance of the heart's attitude in all forms of giving, including restitution. The act of returning ill-gotten gains should be done willingly and with a sincere desire to do what is right in the eyes of God. In summary, the concept of conscience money is deeply rooted in biblical teachings on repentance, restitution, and the pursuit of a clear conscience. Through various scriptures, the Bible provides guidance on the importance of honesty, integrity, and the moral responsibility to rectify past wrongs, reflecting a life transformed by faith and obedience to God's commands. Nave's Topical Index Judges 17:2And he said to his mother, The eleven hundred shekels of silver that were taken from you, about which you cursed, and spoke of also in my ears, behold, the silver is with me; I took it. And his mother said, Blessed be you of the LORD, my son. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 12:16 Matthew 27:3-5 Library Concerning the Ministry. General Index. General Principles of Interpretation. 1 Since the Bible Addresses ... Concerning the Sacrament of Baptism Peculiarities of Tennessee Synod. Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ... Concerning Christian Liberty An Account of the Several Annual Conferences, and of the General ... From the Close of the General Conference of 1828 to the Beginning ... Concerning the Lord's Supper Resources What is the dispensation of Conscience? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about eating food/meat that has been sacrificed to idols? | GotQuestions.org Who were Hymenaeus and Alexander, and what does it mean that their faith was shipwrecked? | GotQuestions.org Conscience: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Conscience for Having Cut off Saul's Skirt Conscience for Having Numbered the People of Israel Conscience for his Adultery and the Murder of Uriah Conscience Money: General Scriptures Concerning Conscience of Adam and Eve, After They Sinned Conscience of Herod for Beheading John the Baptist Conscience of Jacob, After he Defrauded Esau Conscience of Joab, for Numbering Israel Conscience of Joseph's Brethren Conscience of Judas, After Betraying the Lord Jesus Conscience of Micah, After Stealing Conscience of Others, not to be offended Conscience of Peter, After Denying the Lord Conscience of Pharaoh, After the Plagues Conscience of Saints, Pure and Good Conscience of the Lepers of Samaria Conscience of the Old Prophet of Beth-El Conscience of the Wicked, Defiled Conscience of the Wicked, Seared Conscience without Spiritual Illumination, a False Guide Conscience: Faithful of Abimelech, when he Took Isaac's Wife for a Concubine Conscience: Faithful of Daniel, in Refusing to Eat of the King's Meat and Wine Conscience: Faithful of Jacob, in his Care of Laban's Property Conscience: Faithful of Joseph, when Potiphar's Wife Tried to Seduce Him Conscience: Faithful of Nehemiah, in the Matter of Taxes Conscience: Faithful of Peter, in Declaring the Whole Counsel of God Conscience: Faithful of Pharaoh, when he Took Abraham's Wife for a Concubine Conscience: General Scriptures Concerning Conscience: Keep the Faith in Purity of Conscience: Ministers should Commend Themselves to That of Their People Conscience: Submit to Authority For Conscience: Suffer Patiently For Conscience: Testimony of, a Source of Joy Conscience: The Accusers of the Woman Taken in Adultery Conscience: The Blood of Christ Alone Can Purify Conscience: we should Have the Approval of Related Terms Conscience-stricken (2 Occurrences) Sin-offering (115 Occurrences) |
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