It has been referred to as the ‘still small voice” that Elijah heard (1 Kings 19:12). It has been mentioned in secular society as one’s moral compass telling them when something is right or wrong. It has been equated with the Holy Spirit speaking to us from within. It has also been referred to as the voice of the human spirit. From the Scriptures listed below, it seems that at various times and circumstances, it could be referred to as all of these things.
The word “conscience” is not mentioned in the Old Testament. The NT Greek word is suneidesis.
HERE IS A LISTING OF ALL 32 TIMES IT IS MENTIONED IN THE NEW TESTAMENT
John 8:9 (when Jesus dealt with the woman caught in adultery) “being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one.”
Acts 23:1 (Paul speaking to the council) I have lived in all good conscience before God unto this day.”
Acts 24:16 (Paul speaking before Felix) “ I do exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offense toward God,”
Romans 2:15 (Paul writing to the Roman church) “their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the meanwhile accusing or excusing them.”
Romans 9:1 “I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 13:5 “not only because of wrath, but also for conscience sake.”
1 Corinthians 8:7 (Paul writing to the church in Corinth) “that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour”
1 Corinthians 8:8 ” And their conscience being weak is defiled.”
1 Corinthians 8:10 “The idol’s temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened.”
1 Corinthians 8:12 “But when you sin against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ.”
1 Corinthians 10:25 “Eat whatever is sold in the meat market, asking no question for conscience sake:”
1 Corinthians 10:27 “Eat whatever is set before you, asking no question for conscience sake.”
1 Corinthians 10:28 “But if someone says to you, this was offered to idols, do not eat it for the sake of him who told you, and for conscience’s sake, for the earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness.”
1 Corinthians 10:29 “Conscience, I say, not your own, but of the other. For why is my liberty judged by another man’s conscience?’
2 Corinthians 1:12 “For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience, that we conduct ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity..”
2 Corinthians 4:2 “but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God”
2 Corinthians 5:11″ But we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences.”
1 Timothy 1:5 “Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from a sincere faith.”
1 Timothy 1:19 “having faith, and a good conscience; which some having rejected”
1 Timothy 3:9 “holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.”
1 Timothy 4:2 ” speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;”
2 Timothy 1:3 “I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did,”
Titus 1:15 “To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure, but their mind and conscience are defiled.”
Hebrews 9:9 “Which cannot make him who performed the service perfect, regarding the conscience;”
Hebrews 9:14 “How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot, to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works, to serve the living God!”
Hebrews 10:2 “For the worshipers, once purified, would have no more consciousness of sins.”
Hebrews 10:22: “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our heart sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.”
Hebrews 13:18 “Pray for us, for we are confident that we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.”
1 Peter 2:19 “For this is commendable if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully.”
1 Peter 3:16 “having a good conscience; that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.”
1 Peter 3:21 ” (..baptism…but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”
WHAT CAN WE DO TO HAVE A GOOD CONSCIENCE?
-Be born again through trusting Jesus’ work on the Cross and Resurrection.
-Realize that Jesus has forgiven us of all sin, and we stand justified clothed in His righteousness.
-Fill our mind and spirit with the Word of God.
-Make every effort to obey the Word of God.
—–AI produced these statements about conscience that I thought were interesting—-
What is Conscience?
Conscience is a cognitive process that involves both emotion and rational associations. It is shaped by an individual’s moral philosophy or value system. Here are some key points about conscience:
- Definition: Conscience elicits feelings and thoughts related to morality. It stands in contrast to immediate sensory perceptions and reflexive responses. When a person commits an act that conflicts with their moral values, conscience often leads to feelings of remorse.
- Religious Views: Many religious traditions view conscience as linked to inherent human morality, a beneficent universe, or divinity.
- Secular Views: Common secular perspectives suggest that the capacity for conscience is genetically determined, while its content is learned or imprinted through culture.
- Metaphors: Metaphors used for conscience include the “voice within” or the “inner light.” Socrates relied on his “daimōnic sign,” an inner voice that guided him away from mistakes.
How Does Conscience Work?
- Evaluation: Conscience arises when we evaluate our actions as “correct” or “wrong.” It serves as our moral compass, informing us of our values and principles.
- Individual Development: Conscience develops at a personal level. It helps us understand moral principles and motivates us to act accordingly. Through conscience, we assess our character and behavior.
- Ethical Judgment: Conscience becomes the standard by which we judge whether our actions are ethical. It guides us toward right conduct and encourages empathy and compassion.
In summary, conscience is more than mere “gut instinct.” It reflects our inner moral compass, shaping our choices and influencing our interactions with the world. Whether informed by religion, culture, or personal reflection, conscience plays a crucial role in ethical decision-making.
Remember, it’s the quiet voice within us that nudges us toward goodness and compassion. 🌟