Topical Encyclopedia 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, it refers to the God-given ability to discern moral and ethical choices, often acting as an internal witness to one's actions and thoughts.Old Testament Context While the specific term "conscience" is not explicitly used in the Old Testament, the concept is present. The Hebrew Scriptures often speak of the "heart" as the seat of moral and spiritual life. For example, in 1 Samuel 24:5, David's heart smote him after he cut off a piece of Saul's robe, indicating an inner conviction of wrongdoing. Similarly, in Psalm 51:10, David prays, "Create in me a clean heart, O God," reflecting a desire for a pure conscience. New Testament Context The New Testament provides a more explicit treatment of the conscience. The Apostle Paul frequently addresses the role of conscience in the believer's life. In Romans 2:15, Paul writes, "They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts either accusing or defending them." Here, conscience is depicted as an innate moral compass, even among those who do not have the Law. In 1 Timothy 1:5, Paul emphasizes the importance of a good conscience, stating, "The goal of our instruction is the love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and a sincere faith." A clear conscience is integral to Christian love and faith, serving as a guide for ethical living. Conscience and Christian Liberty The issue of conscience is particularly relevant in discussions of Christian liberty. In 1 Corinthians 8 and Romans 14, Paul addresses matters of personal conviction, such as eating food offered to idols. He advises believers to act according to their conscience while being mindful of others' consciences. 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." Thus, the conscience is not only a personal guide but also a communal responsibility. The Defiled and Seared Conscience The New Testament also warns against a defiled or seared conscience. In Titus 1:15, Paul states, "To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; in fact, both their minds and consciences are defiled." A defiled conscience results from persistent sin and unbelief, leading to moral insensitivity. Similarly, in 1 Timothy 4:2, Paul speaks of those whose consciences are "seared as with a hot iron," indicating a state of moral callousness. This condition results from habitual sin and false teaching, rendering the individual insensitive to moral truth. The Cleansing of the Conscience The cleansing of the conscience is a central theme in the New Testament, particularly in the context of Christ's redemptive work. Hebrews 9:14 declares, "How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from dead works, so that we may serve the living God!" The sacrificial death of Christ purifies the conscience, enabling believers to serve God with sincerity and truth. In 1 Peter 3:21, baptism is described as "the pledge of a good conscience toward God," signifying the believer's commitment to a life of righteousness and obedience. Through faith in Christ, the conscience is renewed and aligned with God's will. Practical Implications The conscience plays a vital role in the believer's daily life, guiding ethical decisions and fostering spiritual growth. Christians are called to maintain a clear conscience before God and others, as Paul testifies in Acts 24:16, "So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man." This involves regular self-examination, repentance, and reliance on the Holy Spirit for guidance. In summary, the biblical understanding of conscience encompasses both an innate moral awareness and a divinely informed guide for righteous living. It is a crucial aspect of the believer's relationship with God, reflecting the transformative power of the Gospel in shaping moral character and conduct. Topical Bible Verses Hebrews 13:18Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly. Topicalbible.org 1 Timothy 1:19 1 Corinthians 4:4 1 Peter 3:16 Titus 1:15 1 Timothy 4:2 Hebrews 10:22 Greek 4893. suneidesis -- consciousness, spec. conscience ... conscience. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: suneidesis Phonetic Spelling: (soon-i'-day-sis) Short Definition: the conscience Definition: the ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4893.htm - 7k 3053. logismos -- a reasoning, a thought 2743. kauteriazo -- sear with a hot iron. 3852. paraggelia -- an instruction, a command 5180. tupto -- to strike, smite, beat 771. asthenema -- an infirmity 3510. nephros -- a kidney, fig. the (inmost) mind Strong's Hebrew 3820. leb -- inner man, mind, will, heart... 1), bravest* (1), brokenhearted* (3), care* (2), celebrating* (1), chests* (1), completely* (1), concern* (1), concerned* (1), conscience (1), consider* (2 ... /hebrew/3820.htm - 7k Library Whether Conscience be a Power? Conscience. Struggles of Conscience Herod --A Startled Conscience "On Conscience" The Love of the People, the Conscience of the Citizen... A Peaceful Conscience. The Law of Christian Conscience. A Good Conscience Of the Examination of Conscience, and Purpose of Amendment Resources The: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics the Epistle of Paul To Philemon the First Epistle General Of John The Kingdom or Church of Christ the Second and Third Epistles Of John Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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