"A Clear Conscience"

"A Clear Conscience"

    "Herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God and toward men" (Acts 24:16).

    As referenced in yesterday's message, the Lord Jesus Christ provides a clear conscience to those who trust in the mercy provided by His atonement and intercession on our behalf.  He forgives our sins when we believe in order to provide forgiveness, relationship with God, and peace of heart.  He thereafter leads us by His Spirit to walk in the faith and faithfulness that keeps our conscience clear.  Moreover, in those times when we sin, the Holy Spirit leads us to avail ourselves of the forgiveness that maintains our fellowship with God through "having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience" (Hebrews 10:22).

   The believer's clear conscience results from dedication to obedience and confidence in Christ's intercession for us.  Obedience is best, but sacrifice (His sacrifice) avails for us to provide quick restoration if we distrust and disobey our Lord.  Our sensibility must therefore involve the determination to trust and obey God at all times, through the power of the Holy Spirit.  "Now the God of peace… make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ" (Hebrews 13:20; 21).  We maintain the confidence and conviction, however, that the Lord promises restorative forgiveness and cleansing for His children as necessary.  "Let us come boldly to the throne of grace to obtain mercy" (Hebrews 4:16).   Thereby we join the Apostle Paul in seeking "to have always a conscience void of offence toward God and toward men."  

   A Christ-maintained tranquility of heart means that we will far more likely abide in His Word, in prayerful communication, and in the joyful determination to honor the Lord Jesus in all things.  Such a walk with God will foster ongoing growth in His grace and truth, and a growing, consistency in faith and faithfulness.  The Spirit, the Word, and the Blood make possible such a gift of peace, and such a life of glory to God that results from a Christ-maintained conscience.

"My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous."

(I John 2:1)

"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed upon Thee, because He trusteth in Thee."

(Isaiah 26:3)

Weekly Memory Verse

   Now the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.

(II Thessalonians 3:16)