As human beings, we were undoubtedly created with a capacity to know right from wrong. Every time we do what is contrary to God’s expectation, our belief system, and what is socially accepted, we feel a sense of guilt and shame right from a young age. To live with a clear conscience means to live in accordance with our belief system and what others in the community consider acceptable.
Definition of Conscience
Conscience is the inner moral compass that helps us define what is right and wrong. All human beings, whether believing or non-believing, have this moral compass, having been created in the image of God. Hence, Paul could confidently say that even the Gentiles who do not have the written law show that the law is written in their hearts, with their conscience bearing evidence to that fact (Romans 2:15).
From the scriptures, we can deduce that the conscience is fallible. Our conscience can either be sensitive or seared. Our response to the Gospel and the truth of God’s words determines the nature of our conscience. Rationalizing sin or ignoring the conviction of God’s word and the Holy Spirit’s promptings leads to the desensitization of our conscience. The scriptures thus warn those with a seared conscience, calling believers to keep their hearts pure (1 Timothy 4:2).
Cleansing of the Conscience
While the scriptures are clear that we all have a conscience that judges our actions, rendering us either guilty or at peace, it cannot make us acceptable before God. Trying to earn salvation or a clean conscience by our own strength is futile. Our righteousness is like filthy rags before God (Isaiah 64:6). The Gentiles had fallen short of God’s righteous standard, despite their consciences bearing witness to the law written in their hearts (Romans 2:15).
Our hearts condemn us because, by nature, we are sinners and have fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). While putting on a front of being good could win men’s approval, before God, our sinful nature remains evident. Our consciences cannot be lulled on account of false impressions. Only the blood of Christ shed on Calvary, who by the Spirit of God offered himself blamelessly to God for our redemption, can cleanse our consciences from dead works to serve the living God (Romans 9:14). One of the ways of knowing if God is with us is when our conscience holds nothing against us (1 John 3:21). The blood of Christ not only brings about the forgiveness of our sins but also removes the burden of guilt and shame (Romans 8:1). It cleanses us from all unrighteousness as we sincerely confess our sins before God and repent (1 John 1:9). We must fully trust that what Christ did on the cross was enough for our redemption.
A Clear Conscience Before God and Man
Paul, before the Sanhedrin, defending himself, stated that he sought to maintain a clear conscience before God and man (Acts 24:16). Living with a clear conscience before God and man ought to be among the top goals of every Christian. Paul tells the Corinthians that we boast in the testimony of our conscience that we behaved in the world with simplicity and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God (1 Corinthians 1:12).
First, we shall address what God expects of us. God expects us to worship him with a clean conscience (2 Timothy 1:3). We are to serve him without hidden sins or hypocrisy. To achieve such a life, we are called to be holy because God is holy (1 Peter 1:14-16). The Bible calls us, for example, to walk in the light as he is in the light (1 John 1:7). God desires sincerity, not instant perfection; he is the one who sanctifies us, and the journey will continue until he returns. Unconfessed sin usually clouds our hearts and hinders our fellowship with God. We cannot live in sin and claim to know God or to have fellowship with him (1 John 3:6). Therefore, every believer must genuinely pray like David and ask God to search our hearts, see if there are any unclean things in us, and lead us on the way everlasting (Psalm 139:24). May God help us to say like Paul when we face judgment on the last day, that we have lived our lives before God in good conscience to this day (Acts 23:1).
Secondly, to live with a clear conscience before human beings, we need to walk in the light. Jesus said that we are the light of the world and that a city on a hill cannot be hidden. He demanded that we live such good lives among the non-believers so that once people see our good deeds, they can glorify our Father in heaven (Matthew 5:14-16). Keeping a good conscience, even before non-believers, will put to shame those who slander and revile us (1 Peter 3:16). The Bible instructs us that, as long as it depends on us, we live at peace with everyone (Romans 12:18). Striving to live in peace and keep a clear conscience with people does not mean we compromise on truth. We need to be humble, forgiving, and maintain integrity in our relationships. A clean conscience cannot coexist with unresolved grudges towards others.
Blessings of a Clear Conscience
Among the greatest blessings and treasures of being a believer is the ability to live with a clear conscience. In a world that constantly seeks approval from others and celebrates winning, regardless of the means used, God calls us to be different; to strive to keep a clear conscience before him and others (1 Peter 3:16). While material blessings can be observed and other measurables, a clear conscience is the deepest source of peace and spiritual stability for a believer. While the world may misunderstand us, seeking God’s approval in how we live and treat others must be our primary focus (Galatians 1:10). It is a blessing to be approved by God rather than being accepted by mere mortals. It brings forth great joy to know that our hearts are right before God, since he is the One who will ultimately judge both the living and the dead. In a world that values image over integrity, where people are always self-seeking, living with a clear conscience equates to swimming against the tide.
Even so, may we continually pursue a clean conscience as we journey along. Let us study and meditate on God’s word day and night (Joshua 1:8), striving to hide God’s word in our hearts at all times so that we do not sin against God (Psalm 119:9-11).