Gaining a Clear Conscience

Having a clear conscience is a huge blessing. A clear conscience is where you know you have dealt with every sin God has revealed to you. You are free in Christ because you know you have forgiveness. When we sin against another, we need to not only ask God to forgive us (1 Jn. 1:9), but we also need to ask the person to whom we sinned against to forgive us. This will result in a clear conscience (Hebr. 10:22; 1 Pe. 3:16).

Paul said in Acts 24:16, “So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man.” In addition, consider Romans 12:18 when it says, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.” Obviously it takes two to have complete peace, but we are to make sure we do our part in having peace with everyone. Taking ownership for our sinful behavior is one way to insure we do our part in having peace with others.

Ask God to reveal to you anybody with whom you need to ask forgiveness from. Often He will show us friends, family, spouse, and others that we need to go to and humbly ask forgiveness.

Lord God, thank You for your kind forgiveness of my sins. Lord Jesus, thank You for shedding your precious blood for my sins. Holy Spirit, please reveal to me everyone I have sinned against. Show me those I need to humbly go to and ask forgiveness. Use all of this to bring about great healing in my life and theirs.

First ask God to forgive you for the sin, and then go to the person and consider saying something like this, “I need to ask you to forgive me for sinning against you by _____ (name the sin). Please forgive me.” It may be best to do this in written form instead of in person, depending on the distance involved and the volatility of the relationship. Seek to be led by the Holy Spirit in what and how you do this.

How do we know Jesus is the Son of God?

1. His birth through a virgin.

2. His teachings were astounding.

3. His love was penetrating.

4. His miracles were supernatural.

5. His fulfillment of prophecy is mind-blowing.

6. His resurrection is indisputable (empty tomb, no evidence to the contrary, etc.).

7. His disciples’ martyrdom (who would die for a known lie?).

8. HIStory is supportive.

a. Archeology
b. Extra-biblical writers (e.g., Josephus).
c. Changed lives (disciples, Paul, and billions of others).

The best way to know Jesus is the Son of God is to receive Him as Savior and allow Him to be your lord and life!

How Can We Know the Bible is God's Word?

1. The Bible claims to be God’s Word. This does not make it such, but it does make it a document to be reckoned with.

2. The Bible is historically accurate.

3. Archeology and extra-biblical sources continue to verify its accuracy.

4. The Bible has been preserved over time despite many attempts to destroy it.

5. The Bible was recognized as having a divine author from early on.

6. The Bible displays an amazing unity (i.e, salvation in Jesus Christ) amidst incredible diversity.

7. The Bible points ultimately to the living Word of God, Jesus.

Lu. 24:44 “all that was written in the psalms, the law and the prophets was written about me.”
John 5:39 You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and wit is they that bear witness about me

8. The Bible provides supernatural insights into the world and life that extends beyond the human ability of the writers to know.

9. The Bible contains prophecies that demonstrate a divine author.

a. Predictions in O.T. history that have been fulfilled.
b. Prophecies fulfilled in Jesus (most written 700-1000 before He was born). Isa. 7:14; 9:6; 53; Ps. 22; Zech. 9:9
c. Prophecies yet to be fulfilled. Mt. 24; Rev. 15-21

10. The Bible has led to many changed lives.

With all of this said, the best way to know the Bible is God’s Word is to read it and experience its power firsthand.