What does it take to have a good conscience? Well, if we could go through life without ever breaking any of God's laws, we would have nothing to feel guilty about. But I don't know anyone with that kind of record. Only Jesus Christ could confidently ask, "Which of you convicts Me of sin?" and have no fear of being accused (Jn. 8:46).

Yet the apostle Peter told his readers to commit their hearts to the Lord God, "having a good conscience" (1 Pet. 3:15-16). And Paul encouraged Timothy to wage a good warfare, "having faith and a good conscience" (1 Tim. 1:19). On one occasion, when brought before some religious leaders who didn't like what he was saying, Paul even asserted, "I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day" (Acts 23:1).

How is it possible for you to have a good conscience? The New Testament book of Hebrews presents Jesus Christ and His sacrificial death as your only hope of achieving it. Through faith in Him your heart can be "sprinkled from an evil conscience" (Heb. 10:22). And His blood can "cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God" (9:14).

Do you know the joy of a good conscience?  — Dennis J. De Haan