An Approving Conscience Devotion 10 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)

You can be persuaded of good things in God's people

"But, beloved, we are persuaded (convinced of) better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak" (Heb. 6:9). How can a persuasion like this exist when people had failed to grow. The writer had severely rebuked the readers because of their spiritual retardation, only to express confidence in their recovery. Throughout Hebrews the Spirit appeals to the sensitivity of the people. The writer was confident that such an approach would yield good results.

Confidence in God's people can be great

"And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which I have in you" (2 Cor. 8:22). If you maintain a good conscience, godly people will also have great confidence in you. The powerful effect of this upon the soul is remarkable. An expression of personal confidence in your spiritual growth will contribute to your spiritual stamina and stability.

Our confidence is in the Lord concerning believers

"And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you" (2 Thess. 3:4). Those that live by faith know that the Lord will work in the tender hearted "both to will and to do of His good pleasure" (Phil. 2:13).

You can have confidence in the obedience of your brethren

"Having confidence in thy obedience, I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say" (Phile. 21). The legalist cannot boast a confidence like this. Those that rule by regulation cannot rely upon obedience without threats and coercion. How different for those that live by faith! The Gospel is perceived as powerful, and believers as directable.

CONCLUSION

It is not possible to maintain a good conscience and ultimately depart from God. We are not talking about self-delusion here, but of a genuine effort to please God. The approving conscience is a cleansed one. It is a good conscience that results from giving heed to the command of God. It is not to be taken lightly.he blood of Christ purges the conscience initially, and can keep it clean continually. But mark this well, the approving conscience is not an end of itself. It is the objective of the commandment, but not the end of the matter. The real purpose is to clear the way between you and your God. If you can keep that way clear, the Lord will direct you. This is precisely the meaning of the well known proverb, "Trust in the Lord with all of your heart, and lean not unto thy own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct thy paths" (Prov. 3:5-6). It is not possible for God to fail you if you meet this condition. A good conscience not only allows trust in God, it mandates it. It also makes trusting joyous and refreshing. Now, keep the charge; maintain a good conscience before your Savior.