Applying the Principle of Having a Clear Conscience Daily
The concept of maintaining a clear conscience daily is rooted in biblical teachings that emphasize moral integrity and spiritual renewal. Paul, in Acts 24:16, states, "In this hope, I strive always to maintain a clear conscience before God and man" [1]. This verse serves as a foundational text for understanding the importance of a conscience "void of offence" [2].
A clear conscience is understood as a faculty of the mind, an inborn sense of right and wrong, that judges the moral character of human conduct [2]. While common to all people, this faculty has been affected by the Fall, leading to consciences that can be "defiled" or "seared" [2]. The pursuit of a clear conscience involves discharging duties required by God and giving to every person what is due to them [4]. It is a continuous effort, described as an "exercise" or a diligent study of one's conduct [6].
The renewal of the conscience is an ongoing process. John Gill notes that the "new man" in believers is "renewed in knowledge" daily by the Spirit of God, growing in holiness, righteousness, and understanding of oneself [5]. This daily renovation helps in keeping the conscience pure and good [3]. The blood of Christ is considered essential for purifying the conscience, cleansing it from dead works [3, 8].
Maintaining a good conscience is also linked to faith. Paul suggests that keeping faith in purity is intertwined with a good conscience [3]. John Calvin, commenting on 1 Timothy, explains that a good conscience acts as a safeguard for faith, preventing individuals from falling into error or wicked sects. He suggests that a genuine fear of God strengthens perseverance in maintaining a clear conscience [10].
The practical application of having a clear conscience extends to one's interactions with others. It involves living a life of simplicity and godly sincerity [7]. Christians are encouraged to avoid offending the consciences of others, particularly in matters of disputable practices [3, 9]. This principle underscores the importance of considering the impact of one's actions on the spiritual well-being of fellow believers [3]. The testimony of a good conscience can be a source of joy and assurance [3].
Sources
- Acts “Acts 24:16 (BSB) — In this hope, I strive always to maintain a clear conscience before God and man.”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Conscience — That faculty of the mind, or inborn sense of right and wrong, by which we judge of the moral character of human conduct. It is common to all men. Like all our other faculties, it has been perverted by the Fall (John 16:2; Acts 26:9; Rom. 2:15). It is spoken of as "defiled" (Titus 1:15), and "seared" (1 Tim. 4:2). A "conscience void of offence" is to be sought and cultivated (Acts 24:16; Rom. 9:1; 2 Cor. 1:12; 1 Tim. 1:5, 19; 1 Pet. 3:21).”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Conscience — Witnesses in man -- Pr 20:27; Ro 2:15. Accuses of sin -- Ge 42:21; 2Sa 24:10; Mt 27:3; Ac 2:37. We should have the approval of -- Job 27:6; Ac 24:16; Ro 9:1; 14:22. The blood of Christ alone can purify -- Heb 9:14; 10:2-10,22. Keep the faith in purity of -- 1Ti 1:19; 3:9. Of saints, pure and good -- Heb 13:18; 1Pe 3:16,21. Submit to authority for -- Ro 13:5. Suffer patiently for -- 1Pe 2:19. Testimony of, a source of joy -- 2Co 1:12; 1Jo 3:21. Of others, not to be offended -- Ro 14:21; 1Co 10:28-32. Ministers should commend themselves to that of their pe”
- Acts (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Acts 24:15: And herein do I exercise myself,.... Or because of this; on account of this doctrine of the resurrection of the dead, which is a doctrine according to godliness, and promotes and engages to a holy life and conversation, as the contrary tends to encourage a dissolute and sinful manner of living; see Co1 15:32 The apostle studied, and laboured, and bent himself, and employed his thought, care, and time, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God and toward man; that is, to discharge every duty which God requires, and to give to every man what is due to him;”
- Colossians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Colossians 3:10: And have put on the new man,.... Concerning which, and the putting it on; see Gill on Eph 4:24, which is renewed in knowledge; this man, or principle of grace in the soul, is a new one, which never was there before; and there is a daily renovation of it in the spirit of the mind, by the Spirit of God; for as the outward man decays, the inward man, which is the same with this new man, is renewed day by day, increases in holiness and righteousness, grows in grace, and particularly in "knowledge"; light and knowledge of a man's self, of his lost state and condition”
- Acts (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Acts 24:16: And herein--On this account, accordingly; that is, looking forward to that awful day (compare Co2 5:10). I exercise myself--The "I" here is emphatic; "Whatever they do, this is my study." to have always a conscience void of offence, &c.--See Act 23:1; Co2 1:12; Co2 2:17, &c.; that is, "These are the great principles of my life and conduct--how different from turbulence and sectarianism!"”
- 1 Peter (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 1 Peter 3:16: Having a good conscience - The testimony of God in your own soul, that in simplicity and godly sincerity you have your conversation in the world. See on the term conscience at the end of Hebrews. Whereas they speak evil of you - See the same sentiment in Pe1 2:11 and the note there.”
- 1 Peter (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Peter 3:15: Having a good conscience,.... Meaning not the faculty of the conscience itself, which is naturally evil, and defiled with sin, and is only made good by the sanctification of the Spirit, and the sprinkling of the blood of Jesus, by which the heart is sprinkled from it, and that itself purged from dead works; but a life and conversation according to the dictates of such a conscience, in the uprightness and sincerity of it, and by the grace of God, and according to the Gospel, and whereby the doctrines of it are adorned; for, as besides internal sanctification of God, o”
- Romans (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Romans 14:14: I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus - After reasoning so long and so much with these contending parties on the subject of their mutual misunderstandings, without attempting to give any opinion, but merely to show them the folly and uncharitableness of their conduct, he now expresses himself fully, and tells them that nothing is unclean of itself, and that he has the inspiration and authority of Jesus Christ to say so; for to such an inspiration he must refer in such words as, I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus. And yet, after having given them this d”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on 1-2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, section 8.4: more than to have it taken from us. But Paul here informs us, that there is only one way of keeping it safe; and that is, to secure it by the locks and bars of a good conscience. This is what we experience every day; for how comes it that there are so many who, laying aside the gospel, rush into wicked sects, or become involved in monstrous errors? It is because, by this kind of blindness, God punishes hypocrisy; as, on the other hand, a genuine fear of God gives strength for perseverance. Hence we may learn two lessons. First, T”