LIVING WITH A GOOD CONSCIENCE
ACTS 23:1
ACTS 23:1 NKJ
1 Then Paul, looking earnestly at the council, said, "Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day."
OBSERVATION:
Paul is addressing a big contingent of the Jewish leaders. They have been called in by the Roman commander in Jerusalem to determine why everyone is so upset with Paul.
Paul is not afraid of this group. The verse we are looking at today says that Paul looked earnestly at the council. He was not ashamed or timid. And his opening remark was very insightful.
I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.
Paul said he was living before God with a good or clear conscience. How was Paul able to make this bold statement? Paul had been an early enemy of the church. Paul was present and consenting to the death of Stephen when angry Jews stoned Stephen to death. Paul had caused a great deal of hurt to a great many people. So how could he live with a good conscience towards God?
Paul believed what he preached. He believed that his earlier aggression was a function of ignorance and that God was merciful to him.
Paul believed in the power of the new birth. That he truly was a new creation in Christ, and old things had passed away.
And Paul believed in the forgiveness of the Lord. That he did not have to look back, that the past was behind him, and he was pursuing God's high calling on his life.
Paul lived with a good conscience because he believed in a good God who forgives and the blood of Jesus that makes clean.
APPLICATION:
It's a blessing to have a good clear conscience. But we will need to develop the same beliefs as Paul to obtain this blessing.
Believe what you were before coming to Christ has passed away, and you are a new creation in Him.
Believe that His blood still cleanses you totally as you confess your sins and turn away from them.
Believe in God's complete forgiveness and your restoration and cleansing from all unrighteousness.
Believe in the goodness of God.
PRAYER:
Thank You, Father, for Your mercy, grace, and forgiveness. I can live before You with a good conscience.