Scripture
Gazing intently at the high council, Paul began, “Brothers, I have always lived before God with a clear conscience.”
Observation
Paul stands before the council in Jerusalem. As soon as he begins to speak Ananias the High Priest orders someone to slap him.
Paul realises that some of the council members are Pharisees and others are Sadducees. He claims that, as a Pharisee, he is on trial for his belief in the resurrection. This causes a great dispute between the two factions.
The next morning, a group of Jews conspires to kill Paul. Pail’s nephew hears about it and warns Paul and the Roman officers about what is happening. The commander has Paul sent to Caesarea to Felix, the Roman governor, for Paul’s safety.
Application
It is a good thing to be able to claim, as Paul did, that we have always lived before God with a clear conscience.
Most of us are not perfect, so we cannot make this claim, at least not from our own ability. We all sin and fall short of God’s glory.
The consequence of sin is that we live separated from God and will die separated from Him. Unless our sin is dealt with, we are headed for eternal torment in hell.
Praise God! He has supplied us with the answer for sin.
Jesus has paid the price for our sin. When He died in the cross, every sin of every person was laid on his shoulders and He took the punishment that was due to us.
Now, in order to be forgiven, we just out it all on Jesus’ account. We ask God to forgive our sins, and they are forgiven.
We can all live, as Paul did, with a clear conscience before God.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, I invite you into my life. Thank you for taking away my sins. Help me to live for you as your disciple. Amen.
