John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that

heareth my word, and believeth on him that

sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not

come into condemnation; but is passed from

death unto life.

Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to

them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not

after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Romans 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ

Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin

and death.

Romans 8:3 For what the law could not do, in that it

was weak through the flesh, God sending his

own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and

for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: (KJV)

Romans 8:4 That the righteousness of the law might be

fulfilled in us, who walk not after the

flesh, but after the Spirit. (KJV)

THIS MORNING WE WILL FINISH WITH OVERCOMING FEELINGS OF

CONDEMNATION AND THEN CONCLUDE THIS ENTIRE SERIES ON

OVERCOMING FEELINS OF REJECTION NEXT WEEK.

IMMORAL. GUILT IS A COMPLEX COGNATIVE, EMOTIONAL

REACTION WE EXPERIENCE OVER THE DISPARITY BETWEEN WHO

WE ARE (OR HOW WE ACT) AND WHO WE THINK WE OUGHT TO BE.

THE APOSTLE PAUL EMPHATICALLY STATES THAT THERE IS NOW

NO CONDEMNATION TO THOSE WHO ARE IN CHRIST. KNOWING

THAT AND EXPERIENCING THAT ARE TWO DIFFERENT THINGS.

GOD WANT US O ENTER INTO THE EXPERIENCE OF LIVING FREE

FROM FEELINGS OF CONDEMNATION. IN ORDER TO DO THAT WE

MUST UNDERSTAND THE NATURE OF CONDEMNATION, THE ORIGIN

OF CONDEMNATION AND THE REMEDY OF CONDEMNATION. WE

OVERCOME ALL THESE FEELINGS OF GUILT BY THESE FOUR

THINGS:

1. A REVELATION AND EXPERIENCE WITH THE LOVE OF GOD

2. BY THE POWER OF THE BLOOD OF JESUS TO PROVIDE A

COVERING FOR OUR SIN--TO ATONE FOR OUR SIN AND BRING

CLEANSING AND FORGIVENESS.

3. WE OBTAIN VICTORY OVER GUILT BY THE MINISTRY OF THE

HOLY SPIRIT IN ADOPTION AND CONFIRMATION--A BEARING

WITNESS WITH OUR SPIRIT REGARDING THE WORD OF GOD,

OUR POSITION AS SONS AND DAUGHTERS AND THE CONFIRMA-

TION OF THE THOUGHTS THAT GOD THINKS TOWARDS US.

4. A REVELATION OF THE WORD OF GOD THAT CAN CORRECT OUR

STINKIN THINKING SINCE GUILT IS THE BY-PRODUCT OF

OUR NATURAL, UNREGENERATE MIND AND CONSCIOUS.

1 John 3:19 And hereby we know that we are of the

truth, and shall assure our hearts before

him. (KJV)

1 John 3:20 For if our heart condemn us, God is greater

than our heart, and knoweth all things.

1 John 3:21 Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then

have we confidence toward God. (KJV)

1 John 3:22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him,

because we keep his commandments, and do

those things that are pleasing in his

sight. (KJV)

THE ABSCENCE OF FEELINGS OF CONDEMNATION PROVIDES

EVERY BELIEVER WITH AN OVERWHELMING ASSURANCE OF THEIR

HEARTS BEFORE A GOD. THIS ASSURANCE CAN BE TRANSLATED

INTO A SENSE OF BOLDNESS AND CONFIDENCE IN OUR APPROACH

TO GOD. THE AUTHOR TO THE BOOK OF HEBREWS PUT IT THIS

WAY:

Heb 10:15 Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to

us: for after that he had said before, (KJV)

Heb 10:16 This is the covenant that I will make with

them after those days, saith the Lord, I will

put my laws into their hearts, and in their

minds will I write them; (KJV)

Heb 10:17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember

no more. (KJV)

Heb 10:18 Now where remission of these is, there is no

more offering for sin. (KJV)

Heb 10:19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter

into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,

Heb 10:20 By a new and living way, which he hath

consecrated for us, through the veil, that is

to say, his flesh; (KJV)

Heb 10:21 And having an high priest over the house of

God; (KJV)

Heb 10:22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full

assurance of faith, having our hearts

sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our

bodies washed with pure water. (KJV)

Heb 10:23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith

without wavering; (for he is faithful that

promised;) (KJV)

AND

Heb 4:14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest,

that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son

of God, let us hold fast our profession.

Heb 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be

touched with the feeling of our infirmities;

but was in all points tempted like as we are,

yet without sin. (KJV)

Heb 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne

of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find

grace to help in time of need. (KJV)

ARATE US FROM GOD. HOWEVER, GETTING VICTORY OVER THIS

FEAR AND THESE FEELINGS OF CONDEMNATION WILL RESULT IN

A SENSE OF BOLDNESS. ASSURANCE AND CONFIDENCE WHEN WE

COME TO GOD.

John 8:3 And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him

a woman taken in adultery; and when they had

set her in the midst, (KJV)

John 8:4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was

taken in adultery, in the very act. (KJV)

John 8:5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such

should be stoned: but what sayest thou? (KJV)

John 8:6 This they said, tempting him, that they might

have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down,

and with his finger wrote on the ground, as

though he heard them not. (KJV)

John 8:7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted

up himself, and said unto them, He that is

without sin among you, let him first cast a

stone at her. (KJV)

John 8:8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the

ground. (KJV)

John 8:9 And they which heard it, being convicted by

their own conscience, went out one by one,

beginning at the eldest, even unto the last:

and Jesus was left alone, and the woman

standing in the midst. (KJV)

John 8:10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw

none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman,

where are those thine accusers? hath no man

condemned thee? (KJV)

John 8:11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto

her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin

no more. (KJV)

AND

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his

only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth

in him should not perish, but have

everlasting life. (KJV)

John 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to

condemn the world; but that the world through

him might be saved. (KJV)

John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned:

but he that believeth not is condemned

already, because he hath not believed in the

name of the only begotten Son of God. (KJV)

John 3:19 And this is the condemnation, that light is

come into the world, and men loved darkness

rather than light, because their deeds were

evil. (KJV)

John 3:20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the

light, neither cometh to the light, lest his

deeds should be reproved. (KJV)

John 3:21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light,

that his deeds may be made manifest, that

they are wrought in God. (KJV)

DO I CONDEMN THEE GO AND SIN NO MORE. RELIGIOUS PEOPLE

ARE QUICK TO JUDGE, CRITICIZE AND CONDEMN PEOPLE WHO

ARE OVERTAKEN IN A FAULT AND THIS WAS ALSO THE CASE

WITH THE SCRIBES AND PHARISEES. THEY WANTED JESUS TO

CONDEMN THE WOMAN BUT HE CHOSE TO FORGIVE HER AND

RELEASE HER FROM CONDEMNATION. NOW ITS IMPORTANT TO

SEE THE DYNAMICSC OF CONDEMNATION AT WORK HERE: FIRST

OF ALL CONDEMNATION WAS RESIDENT IN THE SCRIBES AND

PAHISEES. SECONDLY, THESE FEELINGS OF CONDENATION WERE

EVIDENCED IN THE WOMAN WHO STOOD QUIETLY AWAITING JUD-

GEMENT IN A POSTURE OF SHAME OR GUILT. THE IMPORTANT

THING TO SEE HERE IS THAT JESUS NEVER CONDEMNED THIS

WOMAN THUS PROVING THAT GUILT AND CONDEMNATION DOES NOT

FIND ITS ORIGIN WITH GOD AND THAT HE DOESN'T USE IT AS A

MEANS TO CORRECT MISCONDUCT OR TO PROMOTE GOOD BEHAVIOR.

CONDEMNATION HAS NO PLACE IN THE DIVINE ECONOMY AND THIS

IS THE VERY REASON WHY GOD SENT HIS SON INTO THE WORLD:

NOT TO CONDEMN IT BUT TO PROVIDE FORGIVENESS AND SALVATION!

CONDEMN: Strong's # 2919 krino (kree'-no);

properly, to distinguish, i.e. decide

(mentally or judicially); by

implication, to try, condemn, punish:

render a verdict. The is technically

a legal term which means to judge, to

bring to judgement or to condemn. When

Divine Judicial Authority is used the

meaning is not only judgement but

condemnation, damnation and punishment.

KJV-- avenge, conclude, condemn, damn,

decree, determine, esteem, judge, go to

(sue at the) law, ordain, call in

question, sentence to, think. (DIC)

CONDEMNATION: Strong's # 2631 katakrima (kat-ak'-ree-mah);

from 2632; an adverse sentence (the

verdict):

KJV-- condemnation. (DIC)

con-demn (k…n-dµm") v.

1. To express disapproval of.

AND FOUND GUILT AND CONDEMNED. SO THE VERY DEFINITION

OF THE WORD INDICATES THE CONCLUSION OR DETERMINATION

OR THE FINALITY OF A SENTENCE OF CONDEMNATION THAT HAS

BEEN PASSED. PEOPLE WHO ARE SUFFERING FROM THE GUILT

OF CONDEMNATION EXPERIENCE THE HOPELESSNESS AND DESPAIR

OF BEING TRIED, SENTENCED AND FOUND GUILTY AND WORTHY

OF CONDEMNATION. THAT IS WHY PAUL STATES SO

EMPHATICALLY IN ROM.8:1 THAT THERE IS NOW NO

CONDEMNATION TO THOSE WHO ARE IN CHRIST AND WHO LIVE

AND WALK AFTER THE SPIRIT. BECAUSE THEN THE SPIRIT CAN

CONFIRM THAT THE SENTENCE OF CONDEMNATION IS NON-APPLIC-

ABLE TO US. WHAT IS THE BASIS FOR THIS SENTENCE OF

AQUITAL:

Matt 20:18 Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son

of man shall be betrayed unto the chief

priests and unto the scribes, and they shall

condemn him to death, (KJV)

Romans 8:3 For what the law could not do, in that it

was weak through the flesh, God sending his

own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and

for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: (KJV)

Romans 8:4 That the righteousness of the law might be

fulfilled in us, who walk not after the

flesh, but after the Spirit. (KJV)

SO STOP CONDEMNING YOURSELF AND PLAYING GOD!

Phil 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always

obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now

much more in my absence, work out your own

salvation with fear and trembling. (KJV)

Phil 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to

will and to do of his good pleasure. (KJV)

FREEDOM FROM CONDEMNATION. HOWEVER, THE EXPERIENCE

WILL REQUIRE SOME "WORKING OUT OF OUR OWN SALVATION."

IN ORDER TO "WORK SOMETHING OUT" WE MUST FIND THE PLACE

OF ITS ORIGIN OR THE ROOT SYSTEM OF CONDEMNATION. THIS

BRINGS US INTO THE STUDY OF CONSCIENCE AND GETS A

LITTLE COMPLEX BUT THAT IS ESSENTIAL TO OUR VICTORY

OVER GUILT FEELINGS OF CONDEMNATION. LET'S RETURN TO

A PASSAGE OF SCRIPTURE WE HAVE ALREADY READ IN:

1 John 3:20 For if our heart condemn us, God is greater

than our heart, and knoweth all things.

1 John 3:21 Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then

have we confidence toward God. (KJV)

BEGIN TO TRACE THE ORIGIN OF CONDEMNATION. ITS OUR

HEART THAT CONDMNS US. NOW REMEMBER, ALL OF GUILT IS

THE RESULT OF SELF-BLAME AND HERE WE SEE THE ORIGIN OF

CONDEMNATION: ITS OUR HEART OR OUR CONSCIENCE. OUR

SPIRIT IS COMPRISED OF THREE FACULTIES: OUR INTUITION,

OUR PLACE OF COMMUNION WITH GOD AND THE SUBJECTIVE

WITNESS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT AND CONSCIENCE.

Titus 1:15 Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto

them that are defiled and unbelieving is

nothing pure; but even their mind and

conscience is defiled. (KJV)

Heb 9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who

through the eternal Spirit offered himself

without spot to God, purge your conscience

from dead works to serve the living God?

Heb 10:22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full

assurance of faith, having our hearts

sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our

bodies washed with pure water. (KJV)

Rom 2:13 (For not the hearers of the law are just

before God, but the doers of the law shall

be justified. (KJV)

Rom 2:14 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law,

do by nature the things contained in the law,

these, having not the law, are a law unto

themselves: (KJV)

Rom 2:15 Which shew the work of the law written in

their hearts, their conscience also bearing

witness, and their thoughts the mean while

accusing or else excusing one another;) (KJV)

SYNEIDESIS: (ETOMOLOGY) APPEARS TO FOCUS ON KNOW-

LEDGE: THE CAPACITY TO RELATE TO ONESELF, ESPECIALLY

WHEN ONE LOOKS BACK AT HIS OWN PAST. THIS LOOKING BACK

DID NOT STOP SHORT OF ASCERTAINING FACTS, BUT LED TO

EVALUATIONS AND JUDGEMENTS ABOUT THE CRITERION OF GOOD

AND EVIL. HENCE, THLE WORD GRADUALLY ACQUIRED THE

CURRENT MORAL MEANING OF CONSCIENCE. PRE-CHRISTIAN

GK. LIT. SPOKE OF A BAD CONSCIENCE WHEREAS THE ROMANS

SPOKE OF A GOOD CONSCIENCE OR A CLEAR CONSCIENCE OR A

BEST CONSCIENCE.

AS CRITICAL ORGANS. THEY ENABLE THE GENTILES TO LIVE A

LIFE THAT CORRESPONDS TO THAT OF THE JEWS ACCORDING TO

THE LAW. CONSCIENCE IS ASSIGNED THE ROLE OF AWAKENING

AWARENESS OF THE LAW THAT IS WRITTEN ON THE HEART.

HENCE THE CONSCIENCE ACTS AS A COURT OF APPEAL WHICH IS

NOT ABLE TO MAKE ANY NEW LAWS (FOR ONLY GOD CAN DO

THIS) BUT IS ABLE TO DELIVER JUDGEMENT ON THE CASES

BEFORE IT.

FACULTY BY WHICH WE APPREHEND THE WILL OF GOD, AS THAT

WHICH IS DESIGNED TO GOVERN OUR LIVES. THAT PROCESS OF

INTUITION WHICH DISTINGUISHES WHAT IT CONSIDERS MORALLY

GOOD OR BAD AND SO PROMPTING TO DO THE GOOD AND WARNING

US TO REFUSE THE BAD.

1. MORAL SETTLEMENT: THE POWER TO FEEL SELF-BLAME AND

GUILT OR MORAL CONTENT, IN CONSEQUENCE OF PERSOANL

CONDUCT.

2. MORAL DISTINCTION: THE POWER TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN

RIGHT AND WRONG.

3. MORAL OBLIGATION: THE POWER TO FEEL THE OBLIGATION

TO FIND THE RIGHT, JOIN THE RIGHT AND TO DO THE RIGHT.

BRAIN THAT WE HAVE DONE SOMETHING WRONG. IT IS THEN

THAT WE EXPERIENCE FEELINGS CONDEMNATION. SO THE ORIGN

OF CONDEMNATION IS OUR CONSCIENCE. THE BLOOD OF JESUS

CHRIST MUST BE APPLIED TO OUR CONSCIENCE IN ORDER FOR

US TO OBTAIN VICTORY OVER GUILT FEELINGS OF

CONDEMNATION.

1 Tim 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in

the latter times some shall depart from the

faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and

doctrines of devils; (KJV)

1 Tim 4:2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their

conscience seared with a hot iron; (KJV)

1 Tim 4:3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to

abstain from meats, which God hath created to

be received with thanksgiving of them which

believe and know the truth. (KJV)

Titus 1:15 Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto

them that are defiled and unbelieving is

nothing pure; but even their mind and

conscience is defiled. (KJV)

CONSIDERS MORALLY RIGHT OR WRONG. THE CONSCIENCE

BECOMES SEARED BY CONTINUAL DISOBEDIENCE TO THE VOICE

OF CONSCIENCE. ALSO, A MAN MAY HAVE A CLEAR CONSCIENCE

AND BE MORALLY WRONG BECAUSE HIS CONSCIENCE IS DEAD OR

INADEQUATELY EDUCATED.

1 Cor 8:4 As concerning therefore the eating of those

things that are offered in sacrifice unto

idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the

world, and that there is none other God but

one. (KJV)

1 Cor 8:5 For though there be that are called gods,

whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be

gods many, and lords many,) (KJV)

1 Cor 8:6 But to us there is but one God, the Father,

of whom are all things, and we in him; and

one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all

things, and we by him. (KJV)

1 Cor 8:7 Howbeit there is not in every man that

knowledge: for some with conscience of the

idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered

unto an idol; and their conscience being weak

is defiled. (KJV)

1 Cor 8:8 But meat commendeth us not to God: for

neither, if we eat, are we the better;

neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.

1 Cor 8:9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty

of yours become a stumblingblock to them that

are weak. (KJV)

1 Cor 8:10 For if any man see thee which hast knowledge

sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not

the conscience of him which is weak be

emboldened to eat those things which are

offered to idols; (KJV)

1 Cor 8:11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak

brother perish, for whom Christ died? (KJV)

1 Cor 8:12 But when ye sin so against the brethren, and

wound their weak conscience, ye sin against

Christ. (KJV)

1 Cor 8:13 Wherefore, if meat make my brother to

offend, I will eat no flesh while the world

standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.

WHEN THIS IS THE CASE, THE BELIEVER WILL BE LIMITED IN

HIS FREEDOM IN CHRIST. THE ISSUE THAT IS DEALT WITH IN

1&2 CORINTHIANS IS A PRIME EXAMPLE. THE ISSUE WAS MEAT

OFFERED TO AN IDOL. IF A BELIEVER HAD A WEAK

CONSCIENCE AND BELIEVED THAT THE IDOL WAS A GOD HE WAS

FORBIDDEN TO EAT THAT MEAT BECAUSE HIS CONSCIENCE WOULD

CONDEMN HIM. IF, HOWEVER, A BELIEVER DIDN'T CONCLUDE

THAT THE IDOL WAS REALLY A GOD, HE WAS FREE TO EAT

AFTER HE RECEIVED IT FROM THE TRUE GOD WITH

THANKSGIVING. WHAT DO WE LEARN FROM THIS? WE LEARN

THAT CONSCIENCE IS NOT INERRANT AND INFALLIBLE, THAT IN

FACT OUR CONSCIENCE CAN BE WRONG IN ITS FINDINGS AND

DETERMINATIONS BASED ON INCORRECT INFORMATION.

Ezek 36:24 For I will take you from among the heathen,

and gather you out of all countries, and

will bring you into your own land. (KJV)

Ezek 36:25 Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you,

and ye shall be clean: from all your

filthiness, and from all your idols, will I

cleanse you. (KJV)

Ezek 36:26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new

spirit will I put within you: and I will

take away the stony heart out of your flesh,

and I will give you an heart of flesh.

Ezek 36:27 And I will put my spirit within you, and

cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye

shall keep my judgments, and do them. (KJV)

THAT IS USED TO ESTABLISH A FINDING OR JUDGEMENT. IF

THE INFORMATION IS WRONG THEN THE CONCLUSION WILL BE

WRONG ALSO. PRIOR TO SALVATION THE BELIEVER HAS AN

UNREGENERATE CONSCIENCE BUT AFTER SALVATION MAN RE-

CEIVES A **NEW HEART OR CONSCIENCE THAT MUST BE RE-PRO-

GRAMED BY THE REVELATION OF GOD'S WORD WHICH IS ENTERED,

RECEIVED AND SAVED IN THE DATA BANKS OF OUR COMPUTER OR

CONSCIENCE. IT IS ONLY THEN THAT CONSCIENCE CAN

FUNCTION IN A CORRECT WAY. AND THEN CONSCIENCE DOESN'T

FUNCTION TO PASS JUDGEMENT OR CONDEMNATION ON THE BELIEVER

BUT TO HELP THE BELIEVER DISTINGUISH BETWEEN WHAT IT

CONSIDERS MORALLY GOOD OR BAD AND THUS AIDING THE BELIEVER

IN HIS ABILTY TO BE LED BY THE SPIRIT IN OBEDIENCE TO

THE WILL OF GOD.

RED WARNING LIGHT. IT SERVES AS A SORT OF MORAL DOUBLE

CHECK ON OUR ACTIONS. IT OPERATES LARGELY ON THE BASIS

OF EXPERIENCE. IT NEEDS TO BE EDUCATED AND CAREFULLY

TENDED. WE MUST SEE THAT CONSCIENCE IS NOT JUST PAIN

WHICH WORKS RETROSPECTIVELY IN THE LIGHT OF PAST

ACTIONS AND WHICH BY EXTENSION MIGHT ENABLE US TO

FORECAST WHAT FUTURE ACTIONS MIGHT CAUSE US PAIN. IT

INCLUDES THE POWER OF DISCERNMENT AND RATIONAL REFLEC-

TION WHICH ENBALES THE MIND TO ANALYZE SITUATIONS AND

ACTIONS, TO DISCERN MORAL VALUES AND PRINCIPLES, THE

CAPACITY TO HEAR THE WORD OF GOD AND APPLY IT TO OUR

LIVES. HENCE, TO THE CHRISTIAN, GUIDANCE BELONGS TO

THE REALM OF MORAL CONSCIOUSNESS.

CONDEMNATION FOR DISOBEDIENCE. THIS CONDEMNATION DOES

NOT COME DIRECTLY FROM GOD BUT IS THEY BY-PORDUCT OF

ADAM AND EVE'S DISOBEDIENCE IN THE GARDEN. THE ONLY

WAY TO GET VICTORY OVER THESE FEELINGS OF CONDEMNATION

IS TO IDENTIFY ITS SOURCE OR PLACE OF ORIGIN AND APPLY

THE BLOOD OF JESUS FOR CLEANSING; THE WORD OF GOD FOR

INSTRUCTION AND EDUCATION; THE WITNESS OF THE HOLY

SPIRIT TO CONFRIM AND BEAR WITNESS TO THE TRUTH; AND

THE LOVE OF GOD TO WARM AND ENHANCE THE OTHER FUNCTIONS

OF CONSCIENCE IN MATTER OF CHRISTIAN GUIDANCE. HERE

THE HOLY SPIRIT WORKS WITH CONSCIENCE TO GUIDE THE

BELIEVER IN A LIFE THAT IS PLEASING TO THE FATHER, AS

WELL AS EXTREMELY BENEFICIAL TO THE BELIEVER. FOR THE

WAGES OF SIN IS DEATH BUT THAT PROCESS CAN BE CURTAILED

BY AN ACTIVE, EDUCATED AND ANOINTED CONSCIENCE HENCE

ABUNDANT LIFE COMES TO THE BELIEVER WHO IS WALKING BY

FAITH AND WHO IS BOLD, CONFIDENT AND ASSURED IN HIS

RELATIONSHIP WITH THE FATHER.

John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is

come, he will guide you into all truth: for

he shall not speak of himself; but

whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he

speak: and he will shew you things to come.

John 16:14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of

mine, and shall shew it unto you. (KJV)

always a conscience void of offence toward

God, and toward men. (KJV)

Romans 9:1 I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my

conscience also bearing me witness in the

Holy Ghost, (KJV)

2 Cor 1:12 For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of

our conscience, that in simplicity and godly

sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by

the grace of God, we have had our

conversation in the world, and more

abundantly to you-ward. (KJV)

1 Tim 1:5 Now the end of the commandment is charity out

of a pure heart, and of a good conscience,

and of faith unfeigned: (KJV)

1 Tim 1:19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which

some having put away concerning faith have

made shipwreck: (KJV)

OF REJECTION AND LOW SELF-ESTEEM. CONSCIENCE, AS

USED IN THE N.T. TAKES ON VARIOUS ROLES FROM WITNESS

BEARING OR SELF-EVALUATION TO ESTABLISHING STANDARDS

BY WHICH WE JUDGE OURSELVES WITH CONDEMNING THOUGHTS

OR FEELINGS. IN THE N.T. THE TERM CONSCIENCE AND

SOMETIMES THE WORD HEART IS USED TO REFER TO A GROUP OF

PERSONALITY PROCESSES HAVING TO DO WITH EVALUATION OF

OURSELVES IN LIGHT OF CERTIAN STANDARDS OR EXPECTAIONS

DERIVED FROM THE REVELATION, APPLICATION AND EXPERIENCE

TO UNDERSTAND ABOUT CONSCIENCE BY WAY OF INTRODUCTION:

1. CONSCIENCE SHOULD BE CONSIDERED A SEPARATE FACULTY

FROM THE MIND AS PART OF THE HUMAN SPIRIT.

2. CONSCIENCE IS NOT ENTIRELY A GOD-GIVEN FUNCTION BE-

CAUSE EVEN UNBELIEVERS HAVE A CONSCIENCE THAT IS EITHER

DEFILED OR UNEDUCATED WITH BIBLICAL STANDARDS OF

MORALITY.

3. THE FUNCTIONS OF CONSCIENCE ARE NOT ONLY FALLIBLE,

BUT THAT SOME OF THEM ARE DESIGNED TO MAINTAIN RATHER

THAN ALTER SINFUL BEHAVIOR.

4. THERE ARE CLOSE PARRALLELS BETWEEN THE FUNCTION OF

CONSCIENCE AND THE LAW.

5. AFTER SALVATION THE CONSCIENCE MUST BE RE-PROGRAMED

OR EDUCATED BY THE REVELATION OF GOD'S WORD THROUGH THE

MINISTRY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.

1 John 3:19 And hereby we know that we are of the

truth, and shall assure our hearts before

him. (KJV)

1 John 3:20 For if our heart condemn us, God is greater

than our heart, and knoweth all things.

1 John 3:21 Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then

have we confidence toward God. (KJV)

1 John 3:22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him,

because we keep his commandments, and do

those things that are pleasing in his

sight. (KJV)

BEGIN TO TRACE THE ORIGIN OF CONDEMNATION. ITS OUR

HEART THAT CONDMNS US. NOW REMEMBER, ALL OF GUILT IS

THE RESULT OF SELF-BLAME AND HERE WE SEE THE ORIGIN OF

CONDEMNATION: ITS OUR HEART OR OUR CONSCIENCE. OUR

SPIRIT IS COMPRISED OF THREE FACULTIES: OUR INTUITION,

OUR PLACE OF COMMUNION WITH GOD AND THE SUBJECTIVE

WITNESS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT AND CONSCIENCE. LET'S

LOOK AT A FEW MORE N.T. PASSAGES WHERE THE WORD CON-

SCIENCE APPEARS.

Titus 1:15 Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto

them that are defiled and unbelieving is

nothing pure; but even their mind and

conscience is defiled. (KJV)

Heb 9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who

through the eternal Spirit offered himself

without spot to God, purge your conscience

from dead works to serve the living God?

Heb 10:22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full

assurance of faith, having our hearts

sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our

bodies washed with pure water. (KJV)

Rom 2:13 (For not the hearers of the law are just

before God, but the doers of the law shall

be justified. (KJV)

Rom 2:14 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law,

do by nature the things contained in the law,

these, having not the law, are a law unto

themselves: (KJV)

Rom 2:15 Which shew the work of the law written in

their hearts, their conscience also bearing

witness, and their thoughts the mean while

accusing or else excusing one another;) (KJV)

Heb 9:1 Then verily the first covenant had also

ordinances of divine service, and a worldly

sanctuary. (KJV)

Heb 9:7 But into the second went the high priest alone

once every year, not without blood, which he

offered for himself, and for the errors of the

people: (KJV)

Heb 9:8 The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way

into the holiest of all was not yet made

manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet

standing: (KJV)

Heb 9:9 Which was a figure for the time then present,

in which were offered both gifts and

sacrifices, that could not make him that did

the service perfect, as pertaining to the

conscience; (KJV)

THER WAS SOMETHING ABOUT CONSCIENCE THAT COULD NOT

BE PACIFIED BY THE O.T. SCRIFICIAL SYSTEM. PROPER

EATING, DRINKING, WASHING AND FLESHLY ORDINANCES COULD

NOT SATISFY CONSCIENCE. AND EVEN THOUGH THIS SACRI-

FICIAL SYSTEM CAME FIRST, THE FINAL AND PERFECTED

ATONEMENT IS IN CHRIST.

Romans 7:1 Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them

that know the law,) how that the law hath

dominion over a man as long as he liveth?

(KJV)

Romans 7:2 For the woman which hath an husband is bound

by the law to her husband so long as he

liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is

loosed from the law of her husband. (KJV)

Romans 7:3 So then if, while her husband liveth, she be

married to another man, she shall be called

an adulteress: but if her husband be dead,

she is free from that law; so that she is no

adulteress, though she be married to another

man. (KJV)

Romans 7:4 Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become

dead to the law by the body of Christ; that

ye should be married to another, even to him

who is raised from the dead, that we should

bring forth fruit unto God. (KJV)

Romans 7:5 For when we were in the flesh, the motions

of sins, which were by the law, did work in

our members to bring forth fruit unto death.

(KJV)

Romans 7:6 But now we are delivered from the law, that

being dead wherein we were held; that we

should serve in newness of spirit, and not

in the oldness of the letter. (KJV)

2 Cor 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a

new creature: old things are passed away;

behold, all things are become new. (KJV)

NEW INCLUDING OUR CONSCIENCE. ITS A NEW CONSCIENCE FREE TO

EXPRESS ITSELF IN A NEW, DIFFERENT AND BETTER WAY.

HERE WE CAN SEE THAT WE ARE NO LONGER SEPARATED FROM

GOD. OUR UNITY WITH HIM IS REESTABLISHED BECAUSE OUR

SINS HAVE BEEN ATONED FOR AND WE CAN NOW EXPERIENCE A

DEEP REUNIFICATION BECAUSE WE ACKNOWLEDGE OUR OWN

INABILITY TO CLOSE THE GAP BETWEEN WHO WE ARE AND WHO

WE THINK WE OUGHT TO BE AND ALLOW CHIRST TO ACCOMPLISH

THAT FOR US. BY ACCEPTING THE FACT THAT WE HAVE BEEN

"ACCEPTED IN THE BLEOVED," HIS ATONING WORK BECOME THE

POINT OF INNER RECONCILIATION AND ALLOWS US TO GIVE UP

OUR UNREALISTIC GOALS, OUR EFFORTS TO SATIFY OUR OWN

JUDGEMENTS THROUGH PERFORMANCE AND OUR EFFORTS OF SELF-

ATONEMENT THROUGH GUILT FEELINGS. IN SHORT, WE GIVE UP

OUR OMNIPOTENT, GOD-LIKE STRIVINGS AND LET GOD BE GOD.

IN FOCUSING ON THE LEGAL ASPECTS OF THE BELIEVER'S

PARDON AND RECEPTION OF IMPUTED RIGHTEOUSNESS, SOME OF

GOD'S PEOPLE HAVE MINIMIZED THE POTENTIALLY RADICAL

IMPACT THE FACT OF JUSTIFICATION CAN HAVE ON THE ENTIRE

PERSONALITY. IF WE TRULY ALLOW THE REALITY OF OUR

RESTORED RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD SOAK INTO OUR LIVES, WE

CAN GIVE UP THE WHOLE PROCESS OF SELF-ACCUSATION,

SELF-JUSTIFICATION AND SELF-ATONEMENT. THIS IS

PERCISELY WHAT SHOULD HAPPEN WHEN YOU ACCEPT CHRIST

ANBD ARE BORN AGAIN. WHEN WE RECOGNIZE, LEARN AND APPLY

THE RECONCILIATION THAT CHRIST PROVIDES, WE CAN BEGIN

TO EXPERIENCE A GREAT SENSE OF RELIEF BECAUSE WE CAN

GIVE UP OUR STRUGGLES TO DO WELL AND MAKE OURSELVES

ACCEPTABLE. BY LIVING IN THE AWARENESS THAT WE ARE

FORGIVEN WE CAN MOVE AWAY FROM A WORKS-ORIENTED,

RELIGIOUS LIFESTYLE AND THE SELF CONDEMNATIONS PROMPTED

BY CONSCIENCE. THE CONSCIENCE THAT HAS NOT BEEN

RENEWED AFTER CONVERSION TO CHRIST WILL CONTINUE TO

REPRESS GUILT, TO WORK TO AVOID CONDEMNATION OR TO

PUNISH ONESELF AS AN ATTEMPT TO ATONE FOR SIN. HOW

EVER WHEN WE ACCPT CHRIST AS OUR SAVIOR WE RECEIVE A

NEW CONSCIENCE WHICH CONTINUES TO OBSERVE OUR ATTITUDES

AND BEHAVIORS (WITNESS-BEARING) BUT THIS OBSERVATION

COMES FROM A DIFFERENT MOTIVE. ITS PURPOSE IS NEITHER

TO ACCUSE OR EXCUSE BUT TO EXAMINE OUR WORK. THIS NEW

CONSCIENCE DOES NOT CONDEMN US BUT USES A PROCESS OF

CONVICTION TO CORRECT OUR BEHAVIOR AND MOTIVATE US TO A

CHRIST-CENTERED LIFE. THE SECOND FUNCTION OUR OUR NEW

CONSCIENCE IS TO ACT AS A GUIDANCE SYSTEM FOR UNDER-

SATNDING AND DISCERNING GOD'S WILL. THIS IS MADE

POSSIBLE AFTER THE CONSCIENCE HAS BEEN EDUCATED BY THE

BY THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE WORD OF GOD. JUST BECAUSE WE

HAVE A NEW CONSCIENCE IN CHRIST DOESN'T MEAN THE OLD

ONE DOESN'T TRY TO FUNCTION AFTER THE OLD PATTERN. WE

MUST CONTINUE TO PUT THAT OLD THING TO DEATH AND SAY NO

TO ITS SUGGESTIONS OF CONDMNATION!

CONDEMNATION FOR DISOBEDIENCE. THIS CONDEMNATION DOES

NOT COME DIRECTLY FROM GOD BUT IS THEY BY-PORDUCT OF

ADAM AND EVE'S DISOBEDIENCE IN THE GARDEN. THE ONLY

WAY TO GET VICTORY OVER THESE FEELINGS OF CONDEMNATION

IS TO IDENTIFY ITS SOURCE OR PLACE OF ORIGIN AND APPLY

THE BLOOD OF JESUS FOR CLEANSING; THE WORD OF GOD FOR

INSTRUCTION AND EDUCATION; THE WITNESS OF THE HOLY

SPIRIT TO CONFRIM AND BEAR WITNESS TO THE TRUTH; AND

THE LOVE OF GOD TO WARM AND ENHANCE THE OTHER FUNCTIONS

OF CONSCIENCE IN MATTER OF CHRISTIAN GUIDANCE. HERE

THE HOLY SPIRIT WORKS WITH CONSCIENCE TO GUIDE THE

BELIEVER IN A LIFE THAT IS PLEASING TO THE FATHER, AS

WELL AS EXTREMELY BENEFICIAL TO THE BELIEVER. FOR THE

WAGES OF SIN IS DEATH BUT THAT PROCESS CAN BE CURTAILED

BY AN ACTIVE, EDUCATED AND ANOINTED CONSCIENCE HENCE

ABUNDANT LIFE COMES TO THE BELIEVER WHO IS WALKING BY

FAITH AND WHO IS BOLD, CONFIDENT AND ASSURED IN HIS

RELATIONSHIP WITH THE FATHER.

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