Topical Encyclopedia The concept of conscience is integral to understanding human morality and ethical decision-making from a biblical perspective. Conscience, as understood in Scripture, is the inner sense of right and wrong that guides an individual's actions and judgments. However, when conscience operates without spiritual illumination, it can become a false guide, leading individuals away from the truth of God's Word.Biblical Understanding of Conscience The Bible acknowledges the role of conscience in moral discernment. In Romans 2:14-15 , the Apostle Paul writes, "Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them." This passage highlights that conscience can reflect God's moral law, even in those who do not have direct access to Scripture. The Limitations of Conscience Despite its role, conscience is not infallible. It can be seared, corrupted, or misled. In 1 Timothy 4:1-2 , Paul warns, "The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron." A seared conscience is one that has become insensitive to moral truth, often due to repeated sin or exposure to false teachings. Conscience and Spiritual Illumination For conscience to be a reliable guide, it must be informed and illuminated by the Holy Spirit and the truth of Scripture. In John 16:13 , Jesus promises, "But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on His own; He will speak only what He hears, and He will tell you what is yet to come." The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in enlightening the conscience, ensuring it aligns with God's will. The Danger of a Misguided Conscience A conscience devoid of spiritual illumination can lead to moral relativism and subjective truth. Proverbs 14:12 warns, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death." Without the guiding light of Scripture and the Holy Spirit, individuals may follow paths that seem right by human standards but ultimately lead to spiritual ruin. Examples from Scripture The Bible provides examples of individuals whose consciences led them astray due to a lack of spiritual insight. Saul of Tarsus, before his conversion, believed he was serving God by persecuting Christians (Acts 9:1-2). His conscience was misguided until he encountered Christ and received spiritual illumination. Similarly, the Pharisees, who prided themselves on their adherence to the law, often acted with a misguided conscience, as they lacked the true understanding of God's heart (Matthew 23:23-24). The Role of Scripture in Guiding Conscience Scripture serves as the ultimate standard for evaluating the dictates of conscience. Hebrews 4:12 states, "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. It penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." The Word of God provides the necessary framework for a well-informed conscience, ensuring it aligns with divine truth. Conclusion While conscience is a God-given faculty for moral discernment, it requires the illumination of the Holy Spirit and the guidance of Scripture to function as a true and reliable guide. Without these, conscience can lead individuals astray, emphasizing the importance of spiritual growth and biblical understanding in the life of a believer. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 23:1And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brothers, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 26:9 Library Sebastian Franck: an Apostle of Inward Religion Coornhert and the Collegiants --A Movement for Spiritual Religion ... All Internal Livers Obliged to Attend to God's Inspirations. ... Enthusiasm. Papal Infallibility Explained, and Tested by Tradition and ... The Confession of the Society of Friends, Commonly Called Quakers. ... The Approbation of Goodness is not the Love of It. The Ark of his Covenant Introduction Directions to Awakened Sinners. Resources Why should the Bible be our source for morality? | GotQuestions.orgDoes 1 Peter 3:21 teach that baptism is necessary for salvation? | GotQuestions.org How can I learn to distinguish right from wrong? | 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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