Conscience is a moral sense of right and wrong.For example his guilty conscience was troubling him all the time.In other words conscience is the light of the soul that burns within the chambers of our psychological heart.We hear a lot about conscience,but what exactly does it mean? The general concept of conscience an be found in almost every human culture,but it has a unique and distinctive meaning for Christians.
The term Conscience is not found in the Old Testament.Perhaps the closest Old Testament term to conscience is heart. 1 Sam.24:5 "Afterward David was stricken to the heart because he had cut off a corner of Saul's cloak." In the New Testament conscience is used 31 times,mostly by Paul.The key passage in Rom.2:14-15 "When Gentiles,who do not possess the law,do instinctively what the law requires,these,through not having the law,are a law to themselves.They show that what the law requires is written on their hearts,to which their own conscience also bears witness;and their conflicting thoughts will accuse or perhaps excuse them." Scripture teaches that humans,made in the image of God,have an innate sense of right and wrong,a moral monitor that either approves or accuses.
It protests whenever anything unrighteous is done or thought of.Conscience is truth transferred through our genetic stock.It is also a ledger where our offences are recorded.Conscience threatens,promises,rewards and punishes,keeping all under its control.If conscience stings once,it is an admonition,and twice,it is condemnation.
Conscience is an internal rational capacity that bears witness to our value system.It is a trustworthy guide only when it is informed and ruled by God.It is to be subordinated to,and informed by,the revealed word of God.To willfully act against conscience is always a sin,it can be suppressed by sin.
What does the Bible say about conscience.Heb.10:22 "Let us approach with a true heart in full assurance of faith,with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water." 1Tim.1:5 "But the aim of such instruction is love that comes from a pure heart,a good conscience,and sincere faith." 1Pet.3:16 " Yet do it with gentleness and reverence.Keep your conscience clear,so that,when you are maligned,those who abuse you for your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame."
Rom.9:1 "I am speaking the truth in Christ-I am not lying;my conscience confirms it by the Holy Spirit."
Spiritual leaders have evolved morals,codes and teachings of righteousness.Songs and prayers have been written and composed. But the possible annihilation of conscience by corruption is frightening.Religion has not been effective in evoking conscience.Can our conscience be redeemed.
Corruption is an assault on consciousness.It has become a way of life,affecting all aspects of living;it is not restricted to the pecuniary .It takes other forms too.Immoral ways of people in high positions have taken the sense of guilt away from lesser mortals.
A virtuous man alone can hear the soul's inner voice clearly.In a wicked man,this faculty is dead.The sensitive nature of his conscience have been destroyed by corruption.Hence,he is unable to discriminate right from wrong.This applies also to organisations,business enterprises,institutions and governments.Is it not wise to have a clean conscience and enjoy freedom from anxiety and worry.