Articles
Why Do We Need a Good Conscience?
“Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you...an appeal to God for a good conscience...” (1 Peter 3:21). Why is baptism an appeal to God for a good conscience? The conscience is "the inward faculty of moral judgment" (Mounce). Before baptism we had a corrupted conscience. Our moral judgment was skewed because our conscience was not aligned with the wisdom of God. This is why Paul said the goal of Bible instruction is "love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith" (1 Tim. 1:5). We need a conscience transformed to think and act like God and His Son. Our goal is a good character shaped by a good conscience reflecting the image of Jesus.
What is good character? "The habit of good character is classically defined as falling into four categories known as the cardinal virtures: temperance has to do with self-discipline, especially as regards things pleasing or painful; courage denotes the 'golden mean' between cowardice and brash overconfidence; justice is the habit of giving people what is due to them; and prudence, also known as practical wisdom, is the habit of deliberating correctly about what ought to be done" (Whalen). Peter said that we should "make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue" (2 Pet. 1:5). The NASB uses the term "moral excellence" for the word translated "virtue."
A person of moral excellence is temperate, they are self-controlled. A person of good character is courageous. They are resolute enough to act when danger lurks because good must be done. Paul prayed for courage when contemplating his trial, and possible execution (Phil. 1:18-20). A virtuous person is concerned about justice. Jesus condemned the Pharisees for disregarding justice (Matt. 23:23). Mary's husband, Joseph, was a just man who did not divorce her when she was pregnant with Jesus. Joseph made a righteous distinction between an act of God and immorality. He gave Mary the love and support due her (Matt. 1:19). Daniel was a prudent man who prayed to God for wisdom and thus saved himself and his companions from Nebuchadnezzar's wrath (Dan. 2:14). Proverbs tells us to learn prudence (Prov. 8:5). How can I learn to have a good conscience that results in good character?
Character and conscience are developed through "repetition of acts that at first may be difficult or against our inclination but which eventually etch upon our souls a habit of good character" (Whalen). Paul taught good conscience, and character is developed through "tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope" (Rom. 5:3-4). Tribulation is hard to endure; yet perseverance through trials results in proven character. Each trial endured improves our character and demonstrates faithfulness to Christ. Proven character builds our hope for an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Pet. 1:11). Proven character results from a good conscience directing our steps.
