An Approving Conscience Devotion 7 of 11

"For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?" (Hebrews 9:14). "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water" (Hebrews 10:22)

MAINTAIN IT AT ALL COST! (Number 2)

If this appears irrelevant, you must not fail to see the principle at work here. The point is that the individual is protected by maintaining sensitivity toward God. That sensitivity, or good conscience, is like a channel through which divine strength is passed. This is why Paul extended himself to maintain a good and clear conscience. "And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men" (Acts 24:16, KJV) "So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man" (NIV). The conscience is like a vessel in which faith resides. "Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck" (1 Tim. 1:19, KJV); "holding on to faith and a good conscience. Some have rejected these and so have shipwrecked their faith" (NIV). I know of very few people that teach on this matter. The results of such neglect are far greater than one dares to imagine. The conscience played a central role in our conversion. Our baptism into Christ was an appeal for a good conscience. "The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ" (1 Pet. 3:21, KJV). Again, the NASV translates the latter phrase, "but an appeal to God for a good conscience." Those who believe and are baptized are, indeed, granted a "good conscience." This is the point of reference in the tenth chapter of Hebrews. We are urged to draw near to God with a true, or uncondemning, conscience. "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water" (Heb. 10:22, KJV). "Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water" (NIV). No person is safe that ignores this admonition, religious or not! Paul declared that he had maintained a "good conscience" throughout his life. In my judgment, this is what made it difficult for him to kick against the divine goads (Acts 9:5). Hear his testimony, and determine to follow his example. "And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day" (Acts 23:1 ). His phenomenal spiritual progress and insights can be traced to this most comely trait. O, that it were more prevalent among professed believers. A good conscience is one that can validate your standing with God. This in no way detracts from the centrality of God's Word. It does, however, allow for individual identity with God--something, without which, one cannot be saved. Even when men oppress you because of your faith, a good conscience will protect you, giving you access to divine strength. This is the meaning of 1 Peter 3:16. "Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ" (KJV). "Keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander" (NIV). Maintain that clear conscience at all cost! You will be glad you did. Let these words become yours: "For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward" (2 Cor. 1:12, KJV). "Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God. We have done so not according to worldly wisdom but according to God's grace" (NIV). And what is the testimony of your conscience?

--TOMORROW: THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CHRIST'S BLOOD --