Human Perfection in the End-Time Equation: Conscience Versus Sanctification

By John Omoluabi

Conscience and Sanctification

While, it is very obvious that sanctification is Christian word introduced through the scriptures and conscience is a general word that everyone uses openly every day, yet, these two words can be confusing particularly for Christian's trying to understand a lifestyle that avoids doing wrong. To clarify, the moment that a child is able to determine that an act is right or wrong, we accept that the child has developed a conscience. Our conscience makes us feel some responsibility to other men, to obtain praise when we do right; or to hide our actions (or feel shame) when we do wrong. The society considers anyone who cannot determine right from wrong to have mental retardation. In fact, they are generally free from punishment if they do wrong.

The concept of sanctification is slightly different. In the packaging of redemption for sinners, the blessing of sanctification is included. This gift from God is a blessing with the power of 'sin no more' for the new Christian. An anointing of power by the Holy Ghost that sets the Christian apart for holiness. It keeps Christian from committing sin and obeying God's commands. Sanctification brings with it the ability to do right, to be holy, whenever there is a need to make a judgment call. In fact, Christianity defines sanctification as the setting apart by God for holiness. The sanctification experience anoints the Christian for a life of holiness; all Christians and just the pope.

This prayer of Jesus in John 17:20-23 suggests that Christians live in the world but need to recognize that certain principles separate them from the rest of the world. This is how sanctification overrides conscience. Anyone may face temptation by acts that are potentially wrong, but our ability to overlook such evil depends on our judgment, which recognizes the act as wrong; especially that God want us to do it. This fear of God influencing our decision to move away from evil by overriding our human confusion is evidence of the Holy Ghost's blessing of sanctification. In other words, sanctification enables the Christian with an extra ability beyond the tug of conscience and will power to avoid sin. One cherishes the image of God in oneself, rating oneself one-step higher than the satisfaction of temporal personal desires; holiness becomes the unspoken watchword.

Holiness in preparation for the goal

Since, the ultimate agenda is to end up with God; we work towards the standard established in Hebrews 12:14. This is a desire to remain pure until we pass to the greater beyond. Hence, we struggle towards perfection because this is the leading of our desire for holiness. Our sanctification experience becomes a treasure as we process perfection through holy conduct