The term "conscience-stricken" refers to a state of being deeply aware of and troubled by one's own wrongdoing or moral failings. This condition is often accompanied by feelings of guilt, remorse, and a desire for repentance. In the biblical context, being conscience-stricken is a significant aspect of the human experience, reflecting the inner moral compass that God has placed within each individual.

Biblical Instances and Themes

1. David's Conviction: One of the most poignant examples of being conscience-stricken in the Bible is King David. After his sin with Bathsheba and the orchestrated death of her husband Uriah, David was confronted by the prophet Nathan. This confrontation led David to a profound realization of his sin, as expressed in Psalm 51, a psalm of repentance. Although the Berean Standard Bible does not have a direct quote for "conscience-stricken," the essence is captured in David's plea: "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me" (Psalm 51:10).

2. Peter's Denial: Another example is the Apostle Peter, who, after denying Jesus three times, was immediately conscience-stricken. The Gospel of Luke records that after the rooster crowed, "The Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: 'Before the rooster crows today, you will deny Me three times.' And he went outside and wept bitterly" (Luke 22:61-62). Peter's deep remorse and subsequent restoration by Jesus highlight the transformative power of being conscience-stricken.

3. Judas Iscariot: In contrast, Judas Iscariot also experienced a form of being conscience-stricken after betraying Jesus. Matthew 27:3-4 states, "When Judas, who had betrayed Him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was filled with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders. 'I have sinned by betraying innocent blood,' he said." However, unlike Peter, Judas's remorse did not lead to repentance and restoration, illustrating the tragic potential of unresolved guilt.

Theological Implications

The concept of being conscience-stricken is deeply rooted in the biblical understanding of sin and repentance. It underscores the belief that humans are created with an innate sense of right and wrong, a moral law written on their hearts (Romans 2:15). This internal witness serves as a guide, prompting individuals to seek forgiveness and reconciliation with God when they stray from His commandments.

In the New Testament, the role of the Holy Spirit is crucial in convicting believers of sin and leading them to repentance. Jesus promised the coming of the Holy Spirit, who would "convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment" (John 16:8). This conviction is often experienced as a conscience-stricken state, urging believers to turn back to God.

Practical Application

For Christians, being conscience-stricken is not merely a negative experience but an opportunity for spiritual growth and renewal. It calls for self-examination, confession, and a sincere turning away from sin. The Apostle John assures believers of God's faithfulness in forgiving sins: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).

In pastoral care and personal discipleship, addressing the conscience-stricken state involves guiding individuals through the process of repentance and helping them understand the grace and mercy available through Jesus Christ. This journey often leads to a deeper relationship with God and a more profound understanding of His love and forgiveness.

The Martyrdom of John
... The first thing to note is the alarm of the conscience-stricken king. ... What became
of his conscience-stricken alarms on hearing of Christ? ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the martyrdom of john.htm

Peter Alone with Jesus
... There is only one way by which a burdened soul can get rid of its burden. There
is only one thing that a conscience-stricken denier can say to his Saviour. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/peter alone with jesus.htm

Recognition and Reconciliation
... edge of the disclosure in soft wool. 2. We have, next, conscience-stricken
silence. No wonder his brethren 'could not answer' and ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/recognition and reconciliation.htm

All Saints' Day, or St Ursula's Day
... His nature can as yet scarcely bear suffering, mortification and oppression and
shame, though on account of many things he is conscience-stricken and repentant ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xxvii all saints day.htm

The Unseen Watcher
... the palace characters that gleamed like fire"words which, though unknown to the
vast throng, were a portent of doom to the now conscience-stricken king and ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 43 the unseen watcher.htm

The King's Courts
... laid hold upon John" (Mark 6:17); from which we infer that the fearless preacher
passed out through the paralyzed and conscience-stricken assemblage, leaving ...
//christianbookshelf.org/meyer/john the baptist/x the kings courts.htm

The Men of Gadara
... at what they instinctively felt to be dangerous; and so they took refuge in a crowd,
that frequent resort of the frivolous and conscience-stricken, and told in ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 5 14-20 the men of.htm

The Evidence of Scripture on Changes of Determination.
... Finally when they were weighed down by the odium of the very serious accusation,
they were conscience-stricken not at the charge falsely raised against them ...
/.../cassian/the conferences of john cassian/chapter xxv the evidence of.htm

Religious Joy.
... is not yet religious at all. They call him religious, when he is merely
conscience-stricken. But religion itself, far from inculcating ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon xvii religious joy.htm

The Note of Accusation.
... testimony maintained. "Art thou he that troublest Israel?" asks a
conscience-stricken monarch of the seer from Mount Gilead. Troublers ...
/.../jackson/the message and the man/chapter i the note of.htm

Conscience-stricken (2 Occurrences)
Conscience-stricken. Consciences, Conscience-stricken. Conscientious .
Multi-Version Concordance Conscience-stricken (2 Occurrences). ...
/c/conscience-stricken.htm - 7k

Consciences (12 Occurrences)

/c/consciences.htm - 10k

Conscientious (1 Occurrence)

/c/conscientious.htm - 7k

Aristobulus (1 Occurrence)
... died of starvation. He murdered Antigonus, and died conscience-stricken
himself in 104 BC See MACCABEES. (2) Aristobulus, nephew ...
/a/aristobulus.htm - 9k

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