Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of conscience is a significant theme in the Bible, reflecting the inner sense of right and wrong that guides human behavior. The term "conscience" is derived from the Latin "conscientia," meaning "with knowledge." In the biblical context, conscience is understood as the God-given faculty that discerns moral and ethical choices, often prompting individuals to align their actions with divine standards.
Old Testament ContextWhile the specific term "conscience" is not explicitly used in the Old Testament, the concept is present. The Hebrew Scriptures often refer to the "heart" as the seat of moral and ethical decision-making. For instance, in
1 Samuel 24:5, David's heart smote him after he cut off a corner of Saul's robe, indicating an inner conviction of wrongdoing. This reflects the function of conscience as an internal witness to one's actions.
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, the Greek word "suneidēsis" is used to denote conscience. The Apostle Paul frequently addresses the role of conscience in the believer's life. In
Romans 2:15, Paul explains that even Gentiles, who do not have the Law, demonstrate the work of the Law written in their hearts, "their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts either accusing or defending them." This passage highlights the universal nature of conscience as an innate moral compass.
Paul further elaborates on the role of conscience in
1 Corinthians 8 and 10, discussing the issue of eating food offered to idols. He emphasizes the importance of respecting the consciences of others, particularly those who are weaker in faith. In
1 Corinthians 8:12, he warns, "When you sin against your brothers in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ." Here, conscience is portrayed as sensitive and easily influenced by the actions of others.
Conscience and the Holy SpiritThe New Testament also links conscience with the work of the Holy Spirit. In
John 16:8, Jesus speaks of the Holy Spirit convicting the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. This conviction is closely related to the function of conscience, as the Spirit works within believers to guide and correct their moral choices.
A Clear ConscienceMaintaining a clear conscience is a recurring exhortation in the New Testament. Paul, in
Acts 24:16, states, "In this hope, I strive always to maintain a clear conscience before God and man." A clear conscience is associated with living a life of integrity and faithfulness to God's commands. In
1 Timothy 1:5, Paul writes, "The goal of our instruction is the love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and a sincere faith."
Seared and Weak ConsciencesThe Bible also warns against the dangers of a seared or defiled conscience. In
1 Timothy 4:2, Paul describes individuals whose consciences have been "seared as with a hot iron," indicating a state of moral insensitivity due to persistent sin. Conversely, a weak conscience, as mentioned in
1 Corinthians 8:7, is one that is overly sensitive and easily troubled by matters of personal conviction.
Conscience in the Life of BelieversFor believers, conscience plays a crucial role in spiritual growth and ethical living.
Hebrews 9:14 speaks of the cleansing of the conscience through the blood of Christ, enabling believers to serve the living God. This cleansing is essential for a vibrant and effective Christian witness.
In summary, the biblical understanding of conscience encompasses the inner awareness of moral truth, the influence of the Holy Spirit, and the call to live with integrity before God and others. The conscience serves as a vital component of the believer's spiritual life, guiding decisions and actions in accordance with divine principles.
Greek
4893. suneidesis -- consciousness, spec. conscience... Word Origin from suneidon Definition consciousness, spec. conscience NASB Word Usage
conscience (24), conscience' (4),
consciences (1), consciousness (1).
...Library
Answering the Reasons which those Ministers Give, which Hinder the...
... the Reasons which those Ministers give, which hinder the Faithful from Communicating,
and the Priest from Celebrating, having theirConsciences free from...
How St Francis was Acquainted with the Secrets of theConsciences...
... HERE BEGIN THE LITTLE FLOWERS OF SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI CHAPTER XXXI HOW ST FRANCIS
WAS ACQUAINTED WITH THE SECRETS OF THECONSCIENCES OF ALL HIS BRETHREN....
Article xi: of Confession.
... and taught in a manner so Christian, correct, and pure] the benefit of absolution
and the power of the keys that many distressedconsciences have derived...
Of the Distinction of Meats.
... instituted, and the teachers in the churches did exact these works as a service
necessary to merit grace, and did greatly terrify men'sconsciences, if they...
Of Good Works.
... But, although this doctrine is despised by the inexperienced, nevertheless God-fearing
and anxiousconsciences find by experience that it brings the greatest...
Article xvi: of Political Order.
... between the kingdom of Christ and a political kingdom has been explained to advantage
[to the remarkably great consolation of manyconsciences] in the...
Article xxviii: of Ecclesiastical Power.
... tumults have resulted, while the Pontiffs, emboldened by the power of the Keys,
not only have instituted new services and burdenedconsciences with reservation...
Of Confession.
... The power of the Keys is set forth in its beauty and they are reminded what great
consolation it brings to anxiousconsciences, also, that God requires faith...
Confessio Fidei Scotican?? ii.
... We all, and every ane of us underwritten, protest, That after lang and dew examination
of our awneconsciences in matters of trew and false religion, we ar now...
Chapter I Beginning and Early Days of the Orphan Work.
... "Another class of persons were brethren in business, who suffered in their souls,
and brought guilt on theirconsciences, by carrying on their business, almost...
Thesaurus
Consciences (12 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Consciences (12 Occurrences). Romans 2:15 since
they exhibit proof that a knowledge of the conduct which
...Polluted (80 Occurrences)
... Some, from force of habit in relation to the idol, even now eat idol sacrifices
as such, and theirconsciences, being but weak, are polluted. (WEY)....
Sacrifices (186 Occurrences)
... Some, from force of habit in relation to the idol, even now eat idol sacrifices
as such, and theirconsciences, being but weak, are polluted. (WEY)....
Conscience (36 Occurrences)
... Not only does a man's own conscience pass sentence on his conduct, but theconsciences
of others pass sentence on it too; and to this may be due a great...
Nobly (5 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Hebrews 13:18 Keep on praying for us; for we are sure that we have clear
consciences, and we desire to live nobly in every respect. (WEY)....
Unfaltering (1 Occurrence)
... Hebrews 10:22 let us draw near with sincerity and unfaltering faith, having had
our hearts sprinkled, once for all, fromconsciences oppressed with sin, and...
Oppressed (81 Occurrences)
... Hebrews 10:22 let us draw near with sincerity and unfaltering faith, having had
our hearts sprinkled, once for all, fromconsciences oppressed with sin, and...
Lifeless (10 Occurrences)
... certainly shall the blood of Christ, who strengthened by the eternal Spirit offered
Himself to God, free from blemish, purify yourconsciences from lifeless...
Loyal (15 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). 1 John 3:19 And in this way we shall come to know that we are loyal to
the truth, and shall satisfy ourconsciences in His presence (WEY)....
Win (27 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 5:11 Knowing therefore the fear of the Lord, we persuade men, but
we are revealed to God; and I hope that we are revealed also in yourconsciences...
Resources
What is the conscience? | GotQuestions.orgHow can I get a clear conscience? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to have a seared conscience? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
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