Conscience refers to a person's inner awareness of conforming to the will of God or departing from it resulting in either a sense of approval or condemnation. The term does not appear in the Old Testament but the concept does, David, for example, was smitten in his heart because of his lack of trust in the power of God. - 2Sam. 24:10-17 - But his guilt turned to joy when he sought the Lord's forgiveness. - Psalms 32 -

In the New Testament the term conscience is found most frequently in the writings of the apostle Paul. Some people argue erroneously that conscience takes the place of the external law in the Old Testament. However, the conscience is not the ultimate standard of moral goodness.

True, my conscience does not reproach me at all but that does not prove that I am acquitted: the Lord alone is my judge. There must be no passing of premature judgment. Leave that until the Lord comes; he will light up all that is hidden in the dark and reveal the secret intentions of men hearts. Then will be the time for each one to have whatever praise he deserves, from God. - 1Cor. 4:4-5 -

Under both the old covenant and the new covenant the conscience must be formed by the will of God. The law given to Israel was inscribed on the hearts of believers; so the sensitized conscience is able to discern God's judgment against sin.

No, this is the covenant I will make
with the House of Israel
when those days arrive-it is the Lord who speaks.
I put my laws into their minds
and write them on their hearts.
Then I will be their God
and their shall be my people. - Heb. 8:10 -

This is the covenant I will make with them
when those days arrive - Heb. 10:16 -

For instance, pagans who never heard of the Law but are led by reason to do what the Law commands may not actually 'possess' the Law but they can be said to 'be' the Law. They can point to the substance of the Law engraved on their hearts-they can call a witness, that is, their own conscience-they have accusation and defence, that is, their own inner mental dialogue. ...on the day when, according to the Good News I preach, God, through Jesus Christ, judges the secrets of mankind. - Rom. 2:14-16 -

The conscience of the believers has been cleansed by the work of Jesus Christ; it no longer accuses and condemns.

So as we go in let us be sincere in heart and filled with faith, our minds sprinkled and free from any trace of bad conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us keep firm in the hope we profess because the one who made the promise is faithful. Let us be concerned for each other to stir a response in love and good works. - Heb. 10:22-24; 9:13-14 -

Believers are to work to maintain pure consciences. They also must be careful not to encourage others to act against their consciences. To act contrary to the urging of one's conscience is wrong, for actions that go against the conscience cannot arise out of faith.

Now about food sacrificed to idols. We all have knowledge; yes, that is so, but knowledge gives self-importance- it is love that makes the building grow. A man may imagine he understands something but still not understand anything in the way he ought to. But any man who loves God is known by him............................. By sinning in this way against your brothers and injuring their weak consciences it would be Christ against whom you sinned. - 1Cor. 8:1-12 -

For me there are no........................... there is no need to raise questions of conscience; for the earth and everything that is in it belong to the Lord..................... Why should my freedom depend on somebody else conscience?
..................... Take me for your model as I take Christ. - 1Cor. 10:23-33 -

                                                                        Page 1
If you wish to donate. Thank You. God bless.

By bank transfer/cheque deposit:
Name: Alex Chan Kok Wah
Bank: Public Bank Berhad account no: 4076577113
Country: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Sunday, May 24, 2009

I have through years of reading, pondering, reflecting and contemplating, the 3 things that last; FAITH . HOPE . LOVE and I would like to made available my sharing from the many thinkers, authors, scholars and theologians whose ideas and thoughts I have borrowed. God be with them always. Amen!

I STILL HAVE MANY THINGS TO SAY TO YOU BUT THEY WOULD BE TOO MUCH FOR YOU NOW. BUT WHEN THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH COMES, HE WILL LEAD YOU TO THE COMPLETE TRUTH, SINCE HE WILL NOT BE SPEAKING AS FROM HIMSELF, BUT WILL SAY ONLY WHAT HE HAS LEARNT; AND HE WILL TELL YOU OF THE THINGS TO COME.

HE WILL GLORIFY ME, SINCE ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. EVERYTHING THE FATHER HAS IS MINE; THAT IS WHY I SAID: ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. - JOHN 16:12-15 -