In our study of the doctrine of witnessing Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8; we are examining the doctrines that undergird the gospel so that we can understand how and why it is God alone who made it possible for our so great salvation exclusively by grace through faith alone in Jesus Christ alone. Eph 2:8-9;
We are presently looking at the mandate for believers to conduct themselves in a manner worthy of their calling so that their life would not be an impediment to their mission of evangelizing the entire world but instead for their example to be a living testimony of the Gospel. Phil 1:27-30; 2Cor 3:3; 1Pet 3:15-17; NET
Last time we noted that believers are to purify their conscience so that they are able to detect, resist and oppose any and all attempts depose the legitimate authority of God's Word of truth. Heb 9:14; Eph 6:13;
Believers are commanded to resist anything that is opposed to the freedom of Divine Establishment, the Gospel, and Bible Doctrine. Col 2:16,18; NET 1Thes 2:2,13; Gal 5:1; Acts 5:29;
Believers should expect that their resistance will cause offence to the world and opposition from the world just like Jesus and His apostles were rejected and opposed. Matt 10:34-36; Acts 5:29;
Believers must understand that their real opposition is satan and his cosmic system that is established on demonic evil. 2Cor 10:4; Eph 6:12;
Those with a weak conscience assume they are strong, because legalism does not recognize its inherent weakness. Legalism is very weak because it demands that everyone agree and comply with its demands.
The invasion of guilt into the conscience is one of the biggest problems in legalism because legalistic people are usually motivated by fear from an unpurified guilty conscience combined with the conviction of God the Holy Spirit.
The conscience is very sensitive and apart from the truth of God's Word its norms and standards will be incorrectly programmed. If the rational thought of doctrinal truth does not feed the conscience then irrational emotional arrogance will. Emotional fear and guilt rapidly becomes religious, legalistic, intolerant, angry, bitter and filled with motivation for vengeance.
Emotional fear and guilt also creates the potential for serious manipulation by do gooders with evil intentions. Remember the strong control the weak through fear and intimidation and the weak control the strong through guilt from an unpurified conscience.
The consequences of unconfessed sin and unresolved guilt are destroying our nation today. Isa 3:8-12;