The conscience is important and is a great help for every believer. However, you must understand that your conscience is malleable. It is not a safe guide because it can be fashioned by outside influences. Therefore, the Word of God is the only safe guide for you.
All men have a conscience. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them (Romans 1:18-19). For when Gentiles who do not have the Law do instinctively the things of the Law, these, not having the Law, are a law to themselves, in that they show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness and their thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them (Romans 2:14-15). Let us thank God that He has done this; for without any awareness of law, evil would undo any semblance of society.
The unbeliever’s conscience brings the weight of the Law to bear upon the soul. This, while not sufficient to save him, is a good thing because the law can reveal a man’s need for Christ. Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith (Galatians 3:24).
Now, let us turn our attention to the role of the conscience in a believer’s life. As stated earlier, it is malleable, it can be influenced. RC Sproul in one of his podcasts gives an example of a young lady who for years was told that wearing lipstick was a sin. However, now she wanted to wear lipstick but her conscience was bothering her. Does the Word of God forbid wearing lipstick? You may decide that on your own time. However, if it doesn’t this lady’s conscience was holding her to a false prohibition. This, in turn, creates another problem.
It is a sin to go against conscience. Consider what Paul wrote concerning food. But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and whatever is not from faith is sin (Romans 14:23). So, this lady who wanted to wear lipstick can’t because it would violate her conscience. However, all is not lost.
Again, the conscience is malleable. Therefore, as believers, we must use the Word of God to mold our consciences. The Word is our only safe guide. Paul puts this way: And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect (Romans 12:2). And Peter wrote,Like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation (1 Peter 2:2). May God Bless the reading of His Word.
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