Old Paths?

[Esaias]

Originally Posted by TakingDominion

Please explain the phrase "bind the conscience".

The conscience is that part of man which accuses or else excuses the individual before God. Thus, if one does wrong, the conscience is supposed to let you know, by a feeling or awareness of guilt. If one does right, the conscience should let you know by a feeling or awareness of innocence or rightness.

To bind the conscience means to compel or force (as in, capturing or enslaving) the conscience to accuse or excuse the individual. The conscience should be bound to the Word, which reveals true morality (right or wrong). Any other authority, such as a mere commandment of men, that attempts to bind the conscience, is in reality usurping the place of God in the heart of the individual.

In other words, to teach others that it is morally wrong to do something which God never says is morally wrong, is to attempt to bind the consciences of others to a man made moral authority. Nobody should be taught to believe it is sin to do what God's Word nowhere teaches to be sin. All are to be taught to submit the conscience to God via His Word rather than to the whims of man, whether self or otherwise.