Bible Quote by John Macarthur
“Both tradition and truth inform the conscience, so the standards it holds you to are not necessarily biblical ones. The conscience can be needlessly condemning in areas where there is no biblical issue. In fact, it can try to hold you to the very thing the Lord is trying to release you from!”
About This Quote
Source Sermon: The Gospel and the Conscience, John Macarthur, 2015
Moral standards can be shaped by tradition and personal conscience, not only by biblical texts, leading to unnecessary self‑condemnation.
In simple terms: Conscience isn’t always biblical; tradition influences it.
Key Takeaway
Examine where your conscience may be imposing non‑biblical standards.
Themes
morality
conscience
tradition
spiritual growth
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
theological
ethical
When to use this quote
- Personal decision making
- church teaching
- counseling
- spiritual formation
Key Concepts
Biblical interpretation
psychology of guilt
ethical relativism
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you distinguish biblical truth from cultural tradition?
- When does conscience become a barrier rather than a guide?
A Different Perspective
Conscience can be overly strict, ignoring context and grace.
![“[D]on't grow old. With age comes caution, which is another name for cowardice… Whatever else you do in life, don't cultivate a conscience. Without a conscience a man may never be said to grow old. This is an age of very old young men.” quote by Hesketh Pearson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/076/hesketh-pearson-35291_age_d-on-t-grow-old-with-age-comes-caution-w_14010.jpg)
