Conscience
reveals what each man believes he "ought" to be
(Acts 23:1,24; 24:16; 26:9-11).
It is indicative of his inward feeling of moral right, of the noble
ideal for which he feels he should strive. It is his prod toward his
conception of moral heights, and his brakes against doing what he
believes is wrong. Conscience is not the ultimate standard of truth, for
that must come from God via revelation; but conscience toward God tells
the individual's attitude toward God. That is why man must do what he
truly believes God wants him to do
(Rom. 14).
While one
is trying to do what he believes God wants him to do, (1) he may have an
erroneous concept of what God desires (that was the case of Saul, in
persecuting Christians), or, (2) he may, through weakness of the flesh,
act contrary to his good intentions
(Rom. 7:22-f).
In this case, he is made miserable by his conscience - is humbled before
God, and appreciative of forgiveness in Christ. We are all imperfect
creatures, and should, at times, feel these pangs.
But what of
those who take part in, condone, and support that which is contrary to
God's word, or without any divine authority? They may know no better,
and be acting in good conscience before God. In this case, further
information from God's word is most welcomed. Because they truly want to
do His will, they gladly open their Bible, investigate, and change their
conduct to fit the evidence. In this way they maintain a good conscience
before God
(1 Pet. 3:21).
Sadly,
however, we must acknowledge that there are those who have no such noble
character
(Acts 17:11).
They are angered if their practice is questioned. They love the praise
of men more that the praise of God
(Jn. 12:42-43).
If their conscience toward God continues to function, they lead a
miserable life, fighting with themselves, overwhelmed with feelings of
guilt. Undesirable - yes, but there is yet hope while the battle rages.
How terribly sad to see some whose conscience is seared
(I Tim. 4:2),
and who can reject God without a qualm.
Other
Articles by Greg Gwin
"You're
not Going to Change Me!"
Complaints About the Church
Did Jesus Use Carnal Methods
to Attract Crowds?
I Don't Love Her Anymore
A Problem Area For Preachers
The Mark of the Beast
How to Know What God Wants Me to Do
Role Models
Would You Allow This?
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www.aubeacon.com/Bulletins.htm
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