THE CONSCIENCE

Conscience by definition ... 

1. the inner sense of what is right or wrong in one's conduct or motives, impelling one toward right action.

2. the complex of ethical and moral principles that control or inhibit the actions or thoughts of an individual.

Every human being is born with a 'conscience'. That in itself proves we are created by God. The concept of 'good versus evil' would not exist if the Lord had not placed a 'moral compass' in the heart of man. 

And since we are made aware of the difference between 'right and wrong', we are held responsible for our every thought, word, and deed. Adam failed to be obedient to the commands of God and the 'sin nature' has been passed down to us ... 

Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, so death spread to all people [no one being able to stop it or escape its power] because they all sinned. Romans 5:12

As darkness is defined as the absence of light, sin is defined by the absence of goodness. Since God is the perfect standard for that which is 'good', anything contrary to His nature is considered evil. Due to our inherited penchant for sin, we often excuse our behavior and push aside the stings of guilt. If we stubbornly continue down this road, the 'conscience' becomes seared ... 

And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting. Romans 1:28 

There is a point when God lets go. Those who insist on living in sin will eventually suffer no pangs from their conscience. In arrogance and egocentric pride, they believe they are 'transcendent' somehow ... having outsmarted their Creator. 

Men may seem to be getting away with (and even 'glorying in') evil ... but judgment will come when they stand before Christ.

True Christians know that the closer they draw to the Lord, the worse sin appears. Our attempts at goodness look filthy when placed next to His holiness. As we enter His presence, we observe how self-centered our thoughts and actions are. It is only in God’s light that we begin to see ourselves as He sees us.

We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. Isaiah 64:6

The Bible is filled with examples of those who did right and those who did wrong. They are there for us to learn what God is like and what He desires ...

These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come. 1 Corinthians 10:11

If 'good' is defined as serving God, then 'evil' is a rejection of the same. Regardless of how philanthropic a person may appear to be, his 'good works' don't amount to much if they are done for selfish reasons. When one surrenders his life to Christ, all credit for any goodness goes to the Lord ... 

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20

Only by this 'abiding', does the 'conscience' become clear.