God has made us in such a way that there is an echo in our consciences regarding God's assessment of our sin – if it is still outstanding and needs to be paid for (Romans 2:15); or if it is paid … in which case we know that our conscience is clean (1 Timothy 1:5). Of course, it is possible to so sear our conscience by repeated sin that we are no longer aware of what God thinks of us (1 Timothy 4:2). It is also possible to have false guilt which troubles our conscience even though God has no issue with us on that matter. But these verses are talking about a God-fearing person who is genuinely troubled by real sins.

The old covenant law prescribed sacrifices for a wide variety of sins (Leviticus 9:7). It was God's way of helping the people to recognise their sin as being offensive to Him, and that it required blood to be shed in order for God's wrath to be appeased. The sacrificial system gave the people permission to continue to live as God's people. The blood sprinkled on the people reminded them that the animal's life was given as a substitute for their own lives. However much animal blood was shed, it could never fully cleanse the sinner's conscience (Hebrews 9:9).

When Jesus died, He was the perfect sacrifice, spotless before God in every way (1 Peter 1:19). In His death He completely satisfied God's justice so that our consciences can be totally cleansed as we confess our sins to Him (Romans 3:25-26). That is why the new covenant in His blood was essential: the old covenant could never deliver freedom from guilt, and peace with God. Forgiven sinners who serve the Lord do so from a light and thankful heart. They are not trying to earn God's approval; they know the relationship is restored. They work with Him as part of His team and in fellowship with Him.

Followers of Jesus are often described by unbelievers as 'having something different about them'. They often cannot describe what they see, but they like it. It is the effect of a clean conscience, sins forgiven, peace with God and confidence in living for Jesus and with Jesus until they meet Him (Hebrews 10:22). This is a unique privilege and wonderful good news to share with a sin seared, conscience blackened world. Know it afresh today, enjoy living in its peace and serving with gladness … and tell others that the Lord will also fully forgive and totally cleanse all those who turn to Him in repentance and faith.