Having a Good Conscience

Peter admonishes us to have "a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good
behavior in Christ may be put to shame." (1 Peter 3:16). In today's sermon, Pastor Cathey examines how our conscience acts as an internal moral monitor and how a good conscience is vital for our gospel witness, for shaming those who falsely accuse us, and for suffering in peace.

“Unless I am convinced by the testimony of the Holy Scriptures or by evident reason - for I can believe neither pope nor councils alone, as it is clear that they have erred repeatedly and contradicted themselves-I consider myself convicted by the testimony of Holy Scripture, which is my basis; my conscience is captive to the Word of God. Thus I cannot and will not recant, because acting against one's conscience is neither safe nor sound. God help me. Amen.” (Martin Luther, 1521)

Under threat of death, after exhausting all attempts to explain himself, Martin Luther gave this speech when he was called before Holy Roman Emperor Charles V at the Diet of Worms in 1521.