What is the biblical view of the conscience? Academic psychology advocates the idea that the conscience is simply an unhealthy cultural/moral construct that represses natural inclinations leading to mental instability. Yet the Bible says that the conscience is given by God and that a biblically informed conscience is critical to mental stability. This leads us to an important question: how do we have achieve a clear and functional conscience?
It is common to hear people, and even many Christians, speak of “therapeutic wholeness,” “forgiving themselves,” “getting rid of the guilts,” or “loving themselves more” in order maintain a feeling of personal goodness or innocence. To most, guilt is an enemy to be suppressed, often at the cost of repeated sin, pharmaceuticals, or other harmful solutions. But is guilt the enemy? And what role does your view of sin and guilt play in spiritual growth and sanctification?
Sinful decisions are often unintelligent and can reduce our ability to think clearly and accurately. In contrast, godly living promotes wisdom and insight. We will probe these concepts further, ultimately resting in the truth of the gospel which frees us from the control of sin and allows us to pursue godliness (Titus 2:11–14; 3:3–7).
It is well known that Charles Spurgeon battled depression all his life—but most of his biographies downplay this side of his temperament. What were the causes of his melancholy, and how did someone under such a weight of despondency accomplish as much as he did for the kingdom?
This seminar will continue the study began last week, as we learn not only of what God says we are, but also of the glory and responsibility we have of being created as bearers of His image.