Topical Encyclopedia The concept of conscience in relation to submitting to authority is a significant theme in the Bible, reflecting the divine order and the believer's responsibility to adhere to established governance. The conscience, as understood in Scripture, is the inner faculty that discerns right from wrong, guiding individuals in moral and ethical decision-making. In the context of authority, the Bible provides clear instructions on the believer's duty to submit to governing bodies as an expression of obedience to God.Biblical Foundation The primary scriptural basis for submitting to authority is found in Romans 13:1-5. The Apostle Paul writes, "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves" . This passage underscores the belief that all authority is instituted by God, and therefore, submission to such authority is an act of obedience to Him. Paul further elaborates that rulers are "God’s servants for your good" (Romans 13:4), indicating that the purpose of authority is to maintain order and promote the welfare of society. The conscience plays a crucial role here, as it compels believers to submit not only out of fear of punishment but also as a matter of principle and moral duty. "Therefore, it is necessary to submit to authority, not only to avoid punishment, but also as a matter of conscience" (Romans 13:5). The Role of Conscience The conscience acts as a witness to the believer's intentions and actions, aligning them with God's will. In 1 Peter 2:13-15, the apostle Peter echoes Paul's teaching, urging believers to "submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority, or to governors" . This submission is not merely a civic duty but a reflection of the believer's commitment to God's order, as it is "God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorance of foolish men" (1 Peter 2:15). The conscience, therefore, serves as a guide to ensure that submission to authority is carried out with integrity and sincerity. It is not a blind adherence but a thoughtful and deliberate act that honors God. The believer's conscience must be informed by Scripture and sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading, ensuring that submission does not contradict God's commands. Exceptions and Limitations While the Bible emphasizes submission to authority, it also acknowledges situations where obedience to human authority may conflict with God's commands. In such cases, the conscience must discern the higher obligation to God. Acts 5:29 records the apostles' response to the Sanhedrin's command to stop teaching in Jesus' name: "We must obey God rather than men" . This principle highlights the supremacy of God's authority when human laws contradict divine mandates. Practical Implications In practical terms, the believer's conscience should be continually nurtured through prayer, study of Scripture, and fellowship with other believers. This ensures that submission to authority is not only a legalistic obligation but a heartfelt commitment to God's order. The conscience, informed by biblical truth, enables believers to navigate complex situations where the demands of authority and the commands of God may appear to be in tension. In summary, the Bible presents a clear mandate for believers to submit to authority as an expression of their conscience and obedience to God. This submission is rooted in the recognition of God's sovereignty over all human institutions and the believer's responsibility to uphold His order in society. Torrey's Topical Textbook Romans 13:5Why you must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Significance of Compulsory Service. The Testimony of the Spirit Necessary to Give Full Authority to ... Match-Making. The Last Days of Augusta, 1560-1572. The School of Obedience "Now the End of the Commandment is Charity Out of a Pure Heart ... On Obedience to Parents Peter and John Examined by the Council. The Life of Mr. James Guthrie. The Substance of Some Discourse had Between the Clerk of the Peace ... 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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