Conscience, Our Inner Judge ∙∙
The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith. – 1 Timothy 1:5
Romans 2:14-15
14 Even Gentiles, who do not have God’s written law, show that they know his law when they instinctively obey it, even without having heard it.
15 They demonstrate that God’s law is written in their hearts, for their own conscience and thoughts either accuse them or tell them they are doing right.
Tyrants and the Fear of Faith
Autocratic rulers tend to distrust certain forms of Christianity that teach people to obey their consciences. This fear is well-founded, as few worldviews can withstand the scrutiny of biblical truth. When the Scriptures free minds, laws are transformed, and oppressive governments are compelled to either give in or collapse.
Communism, more than any other system, has good reason to fear Christianity. Its atheistic foundation directly opposes faith in God. Ironically, Marxist ideals mirror Christian doctrine and eschatology in twisted ways. Yet, Communism cannot tolerate a conscience shaped by faith in the living God, as it undermines its control.
Christianity Under Soviet Rule
In Russia, on January 23, 1918, the Bolsheviks issued a decree separating church and state. Evangelical Christians, who had suffered under Orthodox persecution, initially welcomed this change. Under Vladimir Lenin, they experienced some degree of freedom. However, after Lenin’s death, this policy was reversed, and strict restrictions were imposed.
The Soviet constitution embraced atheism and banned the teaching of religion in schools. Church property was confiscated and rented back at exorbitant rates, making it unaffordable for congregations. Home churches were outlawed, and the printing of the Bible became illegal. Ministers were labeled “nonproductive citizens,” and congregations were taxed excessively if they wanted to support their pastors.
Christians who defied these laws were sent to labor camps, where many died. Worship was obstructed at every turn, yet faith endured. Believers boldly declared, “Suffering is testimony to Jesus.” Instead of praying for relief, they prayed for strength to endure their trials.
Understanding Conscience
Conscience is the inner sense of right and wrong that allows us to approve or disapprove of our actions based on personal standards. However, if those standards do not align with God’s, our moral compass can become distorted. Furthermore, the conscience can become “seared,” meaning it becomes numb and ineffective.
1 Timothy 4:2: “Consciences are seared.”
The Greek word for “seared” is kausteriazo, meaning “to become unfeeling or callous, as if burned with a hot iron.” This describes “a conscience that has lost its ability to discern right from wrong.” The English word “cauterize” is derived from this term. “It indicates the permanent damage done to a seared conscience.”
The Greek verb used here is in the perfect tense, indicating that the action was completed in the past but its effects continue into the present. It emphasizes the lasting significance or enduring state resulting from a past event. This suggests that a seared conscience is irreversibly damaged and cannot regain its sensitivity.
The Role of Conscience in Decision-Making
The human conscience acts as an impartial judge, evaluating actions and thoughts based on the standards it has been given. However, it is not infallible. Many mistake their conscience’s voice for God’s, but the two are not always aligned.
Your conscience may condone what God does not, or it may condemn you for what God does not. Only God has the final authority in all matters. As Paul warns: 1 Corinthians 4:5: “So don’t make judgments about anyone ahead of time, before the Lord returns. For he will bring our darkest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives. Then God will give to each one whatever praise is due.”
While conscience serves as a valuable guide, it must be informed by the truth of God. When we ignore its voice or allow it to stray from divine principles, we risk spiritual ruin. An enlightened conscience rooted in the truth of God’s Word can guide us towards righteousness and deepen our walk with Him.
1 Timothy 1:19: “Cling to your faith in Christ and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked.”
REFLECT & PRAY
The conscience does not inherently “know” anything. It assesses what we believe to be right or wrong and passes judgment accordingly. Its reliability depends entirely on the standards it uses to reach its conclusions. Therefore, it is essential to align our conscience with God’s truth rather than personal or societal “truths.”
Father, encourage me to learn Your Truth and exchange it for my “truth.” Help me make wise and right decisions based on Your standards, not my own.
INSIGHT
The Conscience is Like a Computer Program
The conscience is similar to a computer in that it processes and reacts to information according to its programming. Its responses are influenced by the moral and ethical standards we’ve internalized. Charles Stanley adds, “The conscience functions something like a computer. A computer is programmed to respond in specific ways to specific information.”
The Conscience as a Witness
Paul explains in Romans 2:15 that Gentiles “show that the work of the law is written in their hearts, as their conscience bears witness and their conflicting thoughts accuse or else defend them.”
The phrase “written in their hearts” can also be understood as “exists in their hearts” or “found in their minds.” This emphasizes the internal aspect of the conscience. It acts as a witness, much like in a courtroom. It testifies regarding our actions, sometimes accusing and sometimes defending us based on our moral understanding.
The Greek word for “conscience,” suneidesis, which is derived soon with an annoyed to know meaning from sun (with) and oida (to know), meaning “a knowing with.” This indicates “an inner awareness or shared knowledge within ourselves.”
The Inner Conflict of Conscience
Paul describes the conscience as a battleground within, suggesting a divided nature. Within our hearts and minds, opposing forces continuously debate our moral choices. One side condemns, while the other condones. This ongoing internal dialogue illustrates the conscience’s role in helping us navigate right and wrong.
The Conscience and Its Source of Light
The conscience functions based on the light and truth it has access to. Its reliability depends on the moral standards to which it has been exposed. As Kruse explains, “We cannot reject the voice of conscience with impunity, but we can modify the highest standard to which it relates by gaining for ourselves a greater understanding of the truth.”
As we spend time reflecting on the Scriptures and applying their teachings to our lives, we cultivate a greater awareness of right and wrong. This transformation not only guides our personal decisions but also influences how we interact with others, encouraging us to embody the values that reflect our faith in daily life. Ultimately, a well-informed conscience helps us to make decisions that reflect the Father’s standards.
Aligning the Conscience with Truth
The conscience, being fallible and subject to error, must be guided by the truth of Scripture. As children of the King, we are called to deepen our understanding of God’s Word, which shapes our conscience into a dependable guide for moral choices. By aligning our sense of right and wrong with God’s standards, we are empowered to honor Him in our lives.
A clear conscience is essential for a life of faith, but it must be in harmony with God’s standards. Without this guidance, the conscience can become skewed, leading to spiritual and moral failure. By maintaining faith in Christ and seeking God’s truth, we can ensure our conscience stays a trustworthy guide for wise and righteous decisions.
1 Timothy 1:19: “Cling to your faith in Christ and keep your conscience clear.”
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© Dr. H 2025
Dr H Reflections 