Can We Always Trust Our Conscience?
A person may sincerely believe that a religious teaching is correct. Another person may feel guilty about something God has permitted. Someone else may feel comfortable practicing something Scripture condemns.
What do these different experiences tell us about the conscience?
The conscience is important, but its judgment must be examined. What we believe to be right can influence whether we feel approval or guilt. If our understanding is mistaken, our conscience may respond according to that mistaken understanding.
Paul recognized that his own assessment could not replace the Lord’s judgment.
1 Corinthians 4:4 — KJV
“For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.”
In context, Paul was discussing the evaluation of his service. Even being unaware of a charge against himself did not make his personal assessment the final verdict. The Lord was his judge.
We should therefore ask more than whether our conscience feels clear. We must ask whether our understanding and conduct agree with God’s revealed word.
Four connected principles guide this study:
Recognize Its Limits → Let Scripture Correct You → Obey the Gospel → Preserve a Good Conscience.
Recognize Its Limits
A strong conviction does not establish that its object is true. Paul’s account of his earlier conduct demonstrates this clearly.
Saul Believed He Ought to Oppose Jesus
Acts 26:9–11 — KJV
9. “I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.”
10. “Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them.”
11. “And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities.”
Saul’s conviction concerned what he believed he ought to do. He regarded opposition to Jesus as an obligation and acted forcefully upon it.
Nevertheless, his conviction was wrong. He persecuted the Lord’s people and opposed the name of Jesus.
He later described that conduct plainly.
1 Timothy 1:13 — KJV
“Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.”
Paul acknowledged ignorance and unbelief while identifying his conduct as blasphemous, persecuting, and injurious. His mistaken conviction did not transform those actions into acceptable service.
God’s mercy provided an opportunity for correction and salvation. Saul needed to receive the truth and respond to the Lord.
Saying that we sincerely believe something does not establish its scriptural authority. Neither does the absence of personal discomfort establish God’s approval.
A belief may have been inherited, repeatedly taught, or accepted without careful investigation. The strength of our attachment to it cannot replace examination.
Recognizing the conscience’s limits means admitting that our convictions may need correction.
Let Scripture Correct You
The conscience needs a reliable standard by which its judgments can be examined. God has supplied instruction that teaches, exposes error, and directs righteous conduct.
2 Timothy 3:16–17 — KJV
16. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”
17. “That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”
These functions require us to approach Scripture with a willingness to learn. We must allow its teaching to shape our understanding of what is right.
That involves reading passages in context, considering related Scriptures, and distinguishing God’s instruction from human tradition.
Our conscience should become more accurately informed as we study and practice the truth.
Conviction Should Lead Us to Receive Instruction
At Pentecost, Peter confronted his hearers with the truth concerning Jesus. They were pricked in their hearts and asked what they should do.
Their response, recorded in Acts 2:37, illustrates a willingness to receive correction. The apostolic message exposed their situation and supplied the instruction they needed.
Their feeling of conviction was significant, but the account did not end with that feeling. Their question called for an answer.
We should respond similarly when Scripture reveals a problem in our understanding or conduct. We must investigate what the passage teaches and receive the instruction necessary to correct the problem.
Letting Scripture correct us means allowing God’s word to determine our convictions and direct our response.
Obey the Gospel
Before discussing obedience to the gospel, we must understand what the gospel is and the response Christ requires.
What Is the Gospel?
The gospel is the good news concerning Jesus Christ and the salvation God provides through Him. Its central saving events are Christ’s death for our sins, His burial, and His resurrection.
1 Corinthians 15:1–4 — KJV
1. “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;”
2. “By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.”
3. “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;”
4. “And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:”
Christ died for our sins. He was buried, and He rose again the third day. These events fulfilled Scripture and provide the foundation of the saving message.
Paul connected salvation with receiving and continuing in that message.
Romans 1:16 — KJV
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”
A mistaken conscience cannot remove guilt. God provides salvation through the gospel of His Son.
Confession Is Part of the Required Response
The believer must confess faith in Jesus Christ.
Romans 10:9–10 — KJV
9. “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”
10. “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”
Paul identifies both believing in the heart and confessing with the mouth. Confession is the spoken acknowledgment of the Lord Jesus.
Acts 8:37, examined below, supplies a direct example: the Ethiopian confessed that Jesus Christ is the Son of God before Philip baptized him.
This confession of Christ must be distinguished from the confession of sins addressed to Christians in 1 John 1:9. Both are important, but their circumstances and purposes differ.
The complete response to the gospel must include hearing, believing, repentance, confession, baptism, and continued faithfulness. The death–burial–resurrection correspondence explained later does not remove any of those requirements.
Peter Preached the Gospel at Pentecost
Peter proclaimed Jesus’ identity, His crucifixion, and His resurrection.
Acts 2:22–24 — KJV
22. “Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:”
23. “Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:”
24. “Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.”
Peter’s message dealt with actual events. Jesus had been crucified and slain, and God had raised Him.
Peter also explained David’s prophecy concerning Christ’s resurrection.
Acts 2:31–32 — KJV
31. “He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.”
32. “This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.”
The apostles bore witness to the risen Jesus. Peter’s preaching called his hearers to recognize the authority of the One they had crucified.
Acts 2:36–42 — KJV
36. “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.”
37. “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?”
38. “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
39. “For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.”
40. “And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.”
41. “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.”
42. “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.”
The account connects the message with the response.
The people heard the truth concerning the crucified and risen Christ. They were convicted and asked for instruction. Peter commanded repentance and baptism for remission of sins. Those who gladly received his word were baptized, and they continued in apostolic teaching and practice.
Peter preached Christ’s saving work and explained what his hearers must do. Their distress of conscience led them to receive and obey that instruction.
Acts 2 does not separately narrate each person’s spoken confession. That does not cancel the requirement established in Romans 10:9–10 and illustrated in Acts 8:37. We must receive the complementary details supplied throughout Scripture.
Philip Preached Christ in Samaria
Acts 8:4–8 — KJV
4. “Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.”
5. “Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.”
6. “And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.”
7. “For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.”
8. “And there was great joy in that city.”
Philip preached Christ, and the people paid attention to his message. The miracles accompanied his preaching and demonstrated divine power.
Luke then describes the content of that preaching and the people’s response.
Acts 8:12 — KJV
“But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.”
Preaching Christ included teaching concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ. Those who believed were baptized.
We should retain that connection. The account identifies hearing, believing, and baptism as part of what happened when Philip preached Christ.
The passage does not describe baptism as an unrelated ceremony added after the preaching had accomplished everything necessary. Their baptism was their response to what they believed.
Philip Preached Jesus to the Ethiopian
The Ethiopian supplies an especially clear account of instruction, faith, confession, and baptism.
Acts 8:26–39 — KJV
26. “And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.”
27. “And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,”
28. “Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.”
29. “Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.”
30. “And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?”
31. “And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.”
32. “The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:”
33. “In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.”
34. “And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?”
35. “Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.”
36. “And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?”
37. “And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”
38. “And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.”
39. “And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.”
The Ethiopian was religiously devoted and reading Scripture, but he needed instruction concerning the person described in the prophecy.
Philip began with that Scripture and preached Jesus.
The man then asked about baptism. Philip addressed the necessity of wholehearted belief. The Ethiopian confessed his faith that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and Philip baptized him.
His confession preceded his baptism. His rejoicing followed their coming up out of the water.
The account connects preaching Jesus with understanding, faith, confession, and baptism. A faithful explanation of preaching Christ must account for those details.
The Accounts Supply Complementary Details
At Pentecost, Peter explicitly commanded repentance and baptism. In Samaria, Luke explicitly records belief and baptism. In the Ethiopian’s account, Luke explicitly records faith, spoken confession, and baptism.
Each account contributes to our understanding. We cannot remove a requirement simply because every account does not repeat every detail.
Jesus’ commission likewise joins preaching the gospel with the required response.
Mark 16:15–16 — KJV
15. “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”
16. “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.”
The response taught across these passages is:
Hear the Gospel → Believe in Christ → Repent of Sins → Confess Christ → Be Baptized into Christ → Remain Faithful.
| Required response | Supporting Scripture | What the passage establishes |
|---|---|---|
| Hear the Gospel | Mark 16:15; Acts 2:22, 37; Acts 8:35 | The message concerning Christ must be proclaimed and received. |
| Believe in Christ | Mark 16:16; Acts 8:12, 37 | The hearer must believe the message and believe in Jesus Christ. |
| Repent of Sins | Acts 2:38; Acts 3:19 | The sinner must turn from sin and submit to God. |
| Confess Christ | Romans 10:9–10; Acts 8:37 | Faith in the heart must be confessed with the mouth. |
| Be Baptized into Christ | Acts 2:38; Acts 8:38; Romans 6:3–4 | The penitent believer is baptized for remission of sins, entering Christ and His death. |
| Remain Faithful | Acts 2:42; 1 Corinthians 15:1–2 | Those who receive the gospel must continue in its teaching and practice. |
Our Obedience Mirrors the Gospel: Death, Burial, and Resurrection
Paul explained how the believer’s response corresponds to Christ’s saving work.
Romans 6:1–7 — KJV
1. “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?”
2. “God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?”
3. “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?”
4. “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”
5. “For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:”
6. “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.”
7. “For he that is dead is freed from sin.”
The gospel contains a death, a burial, and a resurrection. Our obedience corresponds to that pattern.
Our Death: We Repent and Die to Sin
Christ died for our sins. In repentance, we die to sin by turning away from its rule and surrendering our lives to God.
Repentance involves a change of mind that produces a change of direction. We renounce the sinful life we previously followed and resolve to obey the Lord.
Acts 3:19 — KJV
“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;”
Romans 6:2 describes Christians as dead to sin. Verse 6 explains that the old man is crucified with Christ so that we should no longer serve sin.
This death to sin must have practical consequences. A person cannot sincerely repent while intending to continue willingly under sin’s rule.
Having heard and believed the gospel, we repent, confess our faith in Christ, and submit to baptism. Repentance and confession must remain explicit parts of the response.
Our Burial: We Are Buried with Christ in Baptism
A burial follows a death. Having turned from sin in repentance and confessed Christ, the believer is buried with Him in baptism.
Romans 6:3–4 identifies both the relationship and the action: we are baptized into Jesus Christ, baptized into His death, and buried with Him by baptism into death.
The Ethiopian’s account supplies a concrete example of the confessed believer going into the water and being baptized.
This burial belongs to the obedient response of one who has renounced the old life and is submitting to the Lord’s promise concerning forgiveness.
Christ’s Blood Provides the Forgiveness Received in Baptism
Christ shed His blood in His death on the cross.
Matthew 26:28 — KJV
“For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.”
His blood was shed for the remission of sins. Acts 2:38 commands repentance and baptism for the remission of sins.
Romans 6 explains the connection: we are baptized into Christ and into His death—the death in which His saving blood was shed.
Paul identifies where redemption and forgiveness are found:
Ephesians 1:7 — KJV
“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;”
Redemption is in Christ, through His blood. Paul also explains our entrance into Christ.
Galatians 3:26–27 — KJV
26. “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.”
27. “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”
Read together, these passages explain why baptism and Christ’s blood must be taught together. The believer is baptized into Christ and His death, receiving the forgiveness provided through His blood.
The cleansing rests upon Christ’s sacrifice and God’s grace. In baptism, the penitent believer submits in faith to the response God has appointed.
Our conscience can have a sound basis for assurance because forgiveness rests upon the Lord’s saving work and promise.
Our Resurrection: We Are Raised to Walk in Newness of Life
Christ rose from the dead. After our burial with Him in baptism, we are raised to walk in newness of life.
Colossians 2:12 — KJV
“Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.”
We are buried with Him in baptism and risen with Him through faith in God’s operation. God performs the saving work as we respond in faith.
Romans 6:4 explains the purpose of this new life: we should walk in newness of life. Our conduct after baptism must reflect the change we have made.
We have died to sin, been buried with Christ, and been raised to live faithfully in Him.
| The gospel of Christ | Our corresponding response | Supporting Scripture |
|---|---|---|
| Christ died for our sins, shedding His blood for remission. | We repent and die to sin, turning away from its rule and submitting to God. | 1 Corinthians 15:3; Matthew 26:28; Acts 3:19; Romans 6:2, 6 |
| Christ was buried. | Having believed, repented, and confessed Christ, we are buried with Him in baptism, entering Christ and His death, where His saving blood was shed. | Acts 8:37–38; Romans 6:3–4; Galatians 3:27 |
| Christ rose from the dead. | We are raised with Him to walk in newness of life, continuing faithfully in righteousness. | Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12; Acts 2:42 |
Paul described the Romans’ response as obedience from the heart.
Romans 6:17–18 — KJV
17. “But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.”
18. “Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.”
Their obedience involved the heart and the teaching delivered to them. Freedom from sin called them into a life of righteousness.
Peter Connected Baptism with a Good Conscience toward God
In a passage that recalls Noah’s deliverance, Peter wrote:
1 Peter 3:21 — KJV
“The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:”
Peter connected baptism with salvation, a good conscience toward God, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
His parenthetical explanation distinguishes its spiritual significance from ordinary bodily washing. Baptism brings the believer into the relationship with Christ described in Romans 6.
The saving power rests upon the risen Lord and His shed blood. Our response must therefore be guided by His word.
We cannot faithfully explain this passage by removing baptism from it or treating personal assurance as a substitute for obedience.
Saul Was Told to Be Baptized and Wash Away His Sins
The man who had once believed he ought to oppose Jesus received this instruction through Ananias:
Acts 22:16 — KJV
“And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.”
Saul needed more than the correction of his earlier opinion about Jesus. He needed to respond to the Lord’s instruction concerning his sins.
Christ’s blood supplies the cleansing, and Ananias directed Saul to the baptism in which that promised washing was to be received.
His account connects the first three principles in this study. His earlier conviction was mistaken. He received the truth concerning Christ. He was then instructed to be baptized and wash away his sins.
Obeying the gospel requires hearing, faith, repentance, confession, and baptism, followed by continued faithfulness. Within that response, we die to sin, are buried with Christ in baptism into His death, and are raised to new life. His saving blood provides remission.
Preserve a Good Conscience
The conscience remains important after conversion. Christians must continue examining their conduct and responding faithfully to God.
Paul described his ongoing effort:
Acts 24:16 — KJV
“And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.”
Paul’s words describe deliberate attention to his responsibility before God and other people. A good conscience was something he sought to maintain through faithful conduct.
A Good Conscience Can Be Rejected
Paul charged Timothy:
1 Timothy 1:18–19 — KJV
18. “This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare;”
19. “Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:”
Timothy was to hold faith and a good conscience. Paul warned that some had put away a good conscience and made shipwreck concerning faith.
Past obedience did not make continued faithfulness unnecessary. A Christian must remain responsive when God’s word exposes sin.
Repeatedly excusing what Scripture condemns moves us away from the conduct Paul urged Timothy to maintain.
Simon Needed to Repent after His Baptism
Acts records Simon’s initial response to the gospel:
Acts 8:13 — KJV
“Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.”
Later, Simon offered money in an attempt to obtain the power associated with the apostles’ laying on of hands. Peter exposed the wickedness of his request and instructed him:
Acts 8:22 — KJV
“Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.”
Simon’s earlier belief and baptism did not make his later sin harmless. He needed repentance and prayer.
This account helps us distinguish the initial response to the gospel from the response required when a Christian sins. Peter directed the baptized Simon to repent and pray.
John likewise instructed Christians concerning confession and forgiveness.
1 John 1:9 — KJV
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Here, John addresses confession of sins. This should be distinguished from the Ethiopian’s confession of faith in Christ before baptism.
A good conscience is preserved through continued faithfulness, honest acknowledgment of sin, and the response God directs.
His promises provide grounds for assurance. When we respond as He requires, we should trust His faithfulness rather than make the intensity of our emotions the measure of His forgiveness.
Preserving a good conscience means remaining teachable, correcting sinful conduct, and continuing faithfully before God.
Scripture-Comparison Table
The explanations below summarize the passages; they are not Scripture quotations.
| Connected principle | Scripture | Teaching in context | Biblical example or connection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recognize Its Limits | Acts 26:9–11; 1 Timothy 1:13; 1 Corinthians 4:4 | Personal conviction and self-assessment do not establish God’s approval. | Saul believed he ought to oppose Jesus, but later identified his conduct as sinful. |
| Let Scripture Correct You | 2 Timothy 3:16–17; Acts 2:37 | Inspired Scripture corrects understanding and directs righteous conduct. | The Pentecost hearers received the message, were convicted, and asked what they should do. |
| Obey the Gospel | 1 Corinthians 15:1–4; Acts 2:22–42; Acts 8:4–12, 26–39; Romans 10:9–10; Romans 6:1–7 | The gospel proclaims Christ’s saving work. Hearers must believe, repent, confess Christ, and be baptized into Him, then continue faithfully. | Peter’s hearers obeyed; the Samaritans believed and were baptized; the Ethiopian confessed Christ and was baptized. |
| Preserve a Good Conscience | Acts 24:16; 1 Timothy 1:18–19; Acts 8:13, 22; 1 John 1:9 | Christians must maintain faithfulness and respond to sin through repentance and confession. | Paul exercised himself toward a clear conscience; the baptized Simon needed to repent and pray. |
Personal-Examination and Application Table
| Connected principle | Question for personal examination | Practical application |
|---|---|---|
| Recognize Its Limits | Have I treated a sincere conviction or comfortable feeling as sufficient proof that I am right? | Identify the scriptural evidence supporting the belief or practice. |
| Let Scripture Correct You | Am I willing to change when a passage exposes an error? | Read the context, compare related passages, and receive the correction the evidence establishes. |
| Obey the Gospel | Have I responded to the preached Christ as Scripture requires? | Hear the gospel, believe in Christ, repent of sins, confess Christ, be baptized into Him for remission of sins, and remain faithful. |
| Preserve a Good Conscience | Am I promptly correcting sin or gradually learning to excuse it? | Continue faithfully; repent, confess sin to God, seek forgiveness as He directs, and correct harmful conduct. |
The Connected Biblical Pattern
Recognize Its Limits → Let Scripture Correct You → Obey the Gospel → Preserve a Good Conscience.
Recognizing the conscience’s limits prepares us to investigate our convictions honestly. Letting Scripture correct us supplies the reliable standard we need.
Obeying the gospel responds to Christ’s death for our sins, burial, and resurrection. We hear and believe the message, repent and die to sin, confess Christ, and are buried with Him in baptism into His death. We are raised to walk in newness of life, receiving the forgiveness His blood provides.
Preserving a good conscience continues that submission throughout the Christian life.
Saul’s mistaken convictions, Peter’s preaching, Philip’s teaching, the Ethiopian’s confession and baptism, and Simon’s need for repentance show these principles in practice.
Conclusion
A good conscience is valuable, but its judgment must remain subject to God’s word.
Saul’s conviction did not make persecution righteous. The Pentecost hearers needed instruction concerning their response to the crucified and risen Christ. The Samaritans believed Philip’s preaching and were baptized. The Ethiopian confessed that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and was baptized.
These accounts show that preaching Christ includes the message of His saving work and the response He requires.
Our response must include hearing, believing, repentance, confession, baptism, and continued faithfulness. We die to sin in repentance, are buried with Christ in baptism into His death, and are raised to newness of life. Christ’s blood provides the remission of sins.
Ask yourself: Have I examined what I believe? Am I receiving the correction Scripture supplies? Have I obeyed the gospel? Am I continuing faithfully?
Let the Lord’s revealed word inform your conscience, direct your response, and provide the basis for your confidence.
Open the Scriptures. Examine the teaching. Follow what God has revealed.
THAT IS THE BIBLICAL PATTERN.
ALLOW SCRIPTURE TO INTERPRET SCRIPTURE.
The Biblical Pattern
Biblical Studies & Books by Kevin L. Walker
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