As we close out this principle we are made aware of the power of our conscience and the necessity of having a clean conscience before God. If our conscience is not clean and at rest within us, it has the ability to split the work of God into two different directions. We cannot be doubled-minded (James 1:6-8). As we have already observed, the work of the conscience has to be guided by the Spirit of God (see the study on our conscience, pg. 4). We need the healing touch of God within our conscience in order to proceed with a life of liberty and sobriety.

Because of our past behaviors, which caused us to ignore our conscience, we damaged it to the point of almost severing it in some cases. But by the Grace and Mercy of God we are able to have it healed. By having a clean conscience we are able to withstand the persecution that will come (Luke 6:22; John 15:18). We now have a balanced and right perspective on the things that happen to us, because the eyes of our heart are open to the reality of what is truly real. Because of this new steadfastness, we are now strong enough in our resolve to bless those who persecute us and to remain focused on what our goal is—to finish or complete it in the light of Christ. This brings about conviction and shame on those who are still in darkness and sin.

We are now ready to proceed on to Principle 4 and have God search us and reveal to us what He considers sinful and unclean.