Topical Bible: Conscience: Keep the Faith in Purity of

◄ Conscience: Keep the Faith in Purity of ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of conscience in the Bible is deeply intertwined with the call to maintain faith in purity. Conscience, as understood in Scripture, is the inner sense of right and wrong that guides a believer's actions and decisions. It is a God-given faculty that, when aligned with the teachings of Scripture, helps individuals discern moral choices and live in a manner pleasing to God.

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Paul frequently addresses the role of conscience in the life of a believer. In 1 Timothy 1:5, Paul emphasizes the importance of a pure heart, a good conscience, and sincere faith: "The goal of our instruction is the love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and a sincere faith." Here, a good conscience is linked with love and faith, suggesting that a clear conscience is essential for genuine Christian living.

In 1 Timothy 1:19, Paul warns Timothy to "hold on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and thereby shipwrecked their faith." This passage underscores the peril of neglecting one's conscience, equating such neglect with a spiritual shipwreck. The conscience must be nurtured and protected to maintain a steadfast faith.

Conscience and Moral Integrity

The Bible presents the conscience as a critical component of moral integrity. In Acts 24:16, Paul declares, "In this hope, I strive always to maintain a clear conscience before God and man." This statement reflects the dual responsibility of believers to uphold their conscience not only in their relationship with God but also in their interactions with others.

The conscience acts as a witness to one's actions, as seen in Romans 2:15, where 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." This internal witness is a testament to the moral law God has inscribed on every heart, guiding believers to live righteously.

Purity of Conscience

Maintaining a pure conscience is a recurring theme in the New Testament. Hebrews 9:14 speaks of the cleansing power of Christ's sacrifice: "How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!" This cleansing is essential for believers to serve God effectively, free from the guilt and defilement of sin.

In 1 Peter 3:16, believers are encouraged to maintain a clear conscience so that those who slander them may be put to shame by their good behavior in Christ: "Keeping a clear conscience, so that those who slander you may be put to shame by your good behavior in Christ." A pure conscience serves as a powerful testimony to the transformative work of Christ in a believer's life.

Conscience and Faith

The relationship between conscience and faith is further explored in 1 Timothy 3:9, where deacons are instructed to "hold to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience." This directive highlights the necessity of a clear conscience in upholding the truths of the faith. A compromised conscience can lead to a compromised faith, underscoring the importance of maintaining purity in both.

In summary, the Bible presents the conscience as an essential guide for believers, calling them to keep their faith in purity. Through the cleansing power of Christ and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, believers are equipped to maintain a clear conscience, enabling them to live out their faith with integrity and devotion.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Timothy 1:19
Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Timothy 3:9
Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Purity.
... on to the boundless ocean of eternity, "Keep thyself pure ... we look away, by an eye
of faith, and behold the ... of soul and heart and mind and conscience and thought ...
/.../orr/food for the lambs or helps for young christians/purity.htm

On Purity of Heart which is to be Sought Above all Things
... through love of Jesus Christ, with a pure heart, clean conscience and unfeigned
faith, and commit ... You must always keep the eye of your mind clear and still ...
//christianbookshelf.org/albert/on cleaving to god/chapter 5 on purity of.htm

Fear and Faith
... I to XII FEAR AND FAITH. ... wise with all this combustible material deep down in your
conscience, in paying ... and who, therefore, do their best to keep such thoughts ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/fear and faith.htm

The Subtraction Process
... the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.""Chap.3:9 ... in conversation, in charity,
in spirit, in faith, in purity ... In Chap.5:22, he says, "Keep thyself pure ...
/.../byers/sanctification/chapter vii the subtraction process.htm

The Pilgrim Fathers.
... and obey the convictions of his conscience, thousands flocked ... Though the primitive
faith and purity exerted a wide ... could not, as in former ages, keep God's word ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /16 the pilgrim fathers.htm

The Pilgrim Fathers
... and obey the convictions of his own conscience, thousands flocked ... Though the primitive
faith and purity exerted a ... could not, as in former ages, keep God's word ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 16 the pilgrim fathers.htm

The Sixth Chapter: the Joy of a Good Conscience
... Therefore, keep your conscience good and you will always enjoy ... great peace of heart
and, if his conscience is good ... a mark of great purity and deep faith to look ...
/.../kempis/the imitation of christ/the sixth chapter the joy.htm

"Now the End of the Commandment," &C.
... far as it gives the answer of a good conscience. ... What influence hath your faith had
upon your heart and ... thoughts and affections, that it cannot keep within the ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xiii now the end.htm

Passages of Scripture Respecting the Constancy, Patience, and Love ...
... is this, the testimony of a good conscience, that in ... is the love of God, that we
keep His commandments ... in word, in conversation, in love, in faith, in purity ...
/.../the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xvi passages of scripture respecting.htm

A Good Conscience
... own child, and destroy their child's good conscience toward God ... really taught all
this, and yet what faith and love ... God will not, and man cannot, keep them in it ...
/.../kingsley/sermons for the times/sermon iii a good conscience.htm