1 The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. 2 Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.
3 I thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. 4 Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy.
13 He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
14 Blessed is the man who always fears the LORD, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.
6 I will maintain my righteousness and never let go of it; my conscience will not reproach me as long as I live.
1 Six days before the Passover, Jesus arrived at Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. 3 Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4 But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, 5 “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” 6 He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it. 7 “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “[It was intended] that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. 8 You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”
3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. 4 For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience.
1 Paul looked straight at the Sanhedrin and said, “My brothers, I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day.”
15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
12 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.
3 As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer 4 nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. These promote controversies rather than God's work--which is by faith. 5 The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 6 Some have wandered away from these and turned to meaningless talk.
16 So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.
“Get and keep a tender conscience. Be sensible of the least sin. Some men’s consciences are like the stomach of the ostrich that can digest iron: they can swallow the most notorious sins without regret. A good conscience is very delicate. It feels the least touch of known sin, and is grieved at the thought of grieving God’s Spirit. It will choose the greatest of suffering before the least of sinning.” John Gibbon
“He who makes a small matter of small sins is in danger of falling into the greater. Even the godly are subject to a fall. Yet a truly regenerate soul rooted in Christ can never fall away totally or finally… How can we keep from falling so we do not crucify afresh the Son of God and tread on His blood? Watch and pray that you do not enter into temptation. Keep your conscience tender and flee the first motion and occasion of sin. Don’t think of sin as a little thing and don’t take mercy for granted. Don’t trust in your own strength. Don’t trust in light repentance. True repentance flees further stumblings. Remember that yielding to sin increases its power to rise higher. Every time the bone is broken, the mending is more difficult and the limp more pronounced.” John Sheffield
“Grace remits sin and peace quiets the conscience. Sin and conscience torment us, but Christ has overcome these fiends now and forever. Only Christians possess this victorious knowledge given from above. These two terms, grace and peace, constitute Christianity. Grace involves the remission of sins, peace and a happy conscience. Sin is not canceled by lawful living, for no person is able to live up to the law… the fact is the more a person seeks credit for himself by his own efforts, the deeper he goes into debt. Nothing can take away sin except the grace of God. In actual living, however it is not so easy to persuade oneself that by grace alone, in opposition to every other means, we obtain the forgiveness of our sins and peace with God.” Martin Luther
“The ‘pure in heart’ are those who have had their sins forgiven and are resting in the merits of Christ’s efficacious blood shed on the cross on their behalf. They are those who, clothed in Christ’s righteousness, rest secure in Him. It is only they who are bestowed upon the peace that passes all understanding.” BHY
“A bad example may kindle a flame that years of amended character cannot quench.” C.H. Spurgeon
“Admit no peace with sin. Satan will tell you that sin is pleasant. Ask yourself if the gripping of conscience is also pleasant? Ask yourself if it is pleasant to be in hell, and be under the wrath of God? Ask yourself if the pleasures of sin for a season compare with the rivers of God’s pleasures? How do they compare to a weight of glory, an incorruptible crown, and a heavenly kingdom? God alone is enough, but without Him, nothing is enough for your happiness. His love, grace, and the comforts of his Spirit will certainly sweeten your way to heaven. Sometimes you will experience joy unutterable and full of glory. God is a good Master and in His service is a perfect freedom.” John Gibbon
“Everything of duty and sin is the object of the conscience. There is no way to get rid of your conscience. The wicked try to extinguish it. They flatter it with carnal reasoning, bribe it with mock devotions, wound it with heinous provocations, and trample it under foot by sinning in spite of it. They run from it, and will not listen to it. They seek to blind it by diversions, yet it is still active. The conscience can stir the heart to see sin, perhaps forty years ago, as if it was yesterday. Even emperors of the world are troubled. Why don’t they shake it off? Is it the fear of men or shame? No! It was a secret sin. They are haunted by the fury of their own consciences. Even the atheist cannot relieve himself of God’s deputy, the conscience. They cannot sin in peace, and blow out the candle of conscience. Your conscience is your best friend. There is no greater riches, pleasure, or safety, than a good conscience.” Samuel Annesley
“Bring your lusts under the rule of your sanctified reason. What a silly thing is man in a fleshly passion. Nothing is more ridiculous and contemptible. If your lust overcomes reason, bid your conscience to do its work, and look to Scripture for support. If the love of God’s commands will not restrain you, let the terrors and the thunders of His threats persuade you. God will not be mocked. Seek to draw the stream of your lusts in a different direction.” John Gibbon
“How shall we get a good conscience? Take heed of every sin, and do not count any small. Renew repentance every day, being serious and frequent in heart examinations. Live as under God’s eye. All things are bare before Him. Be much in secret prayer. Consider every action as a part of your life purpose. Enjoy Christ more and entertain good thoughts of God. Whatever you do, do it out of love for God.” Samuel Annesley