What is the conscience?

Answer Request:

Can we say "conscience" is an impact wired into every human as a result of the fruit of the "tree of knowledge of good and evil" that Adam and Eve ate in the garden of Eden?

Although the Bible does not provide confirmation on such thinking, I can agree with it in a logical way. The knowledge of good and evil that we received by partaking of that tree in the garden would certainly have imparted a spiritual compass of right from wrong innately within us. I can see how the conscience could be connected to this event and its result. 

The Old Testament does not say much more on this topic but Paul does provide us with some more insights. The New Testament portrays the conscience as a witness. Paul says the Gentiles have consciences that bear witness to the presence of the law of God written on their hearts, even though they did not have the Mosaic Law,

Romans 2:14-15 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: 15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)

He also appeals to his own conscience as a witness that he speaks the truth (Romans 9:1) and that he has conducted himself in holiness and sincerity in his dealings with men (2 Corinthians 1:12).

A  conscience can be "seared" or rendered "insensitive", as though it had been cauterized with a hot iron,

1 Timothy 4:1-2 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

Such a conscience is hardened and calloused, no longer feeling anything. A person with a seared conscience no longer listens to its promptings, and he can sin with abandon, delude himself into thinking all is well with his soul, and treat others insensitively and without compassion.

As Christians, we are to keep our consciences clear by keeping our relationship with Him in good standing. We do this by the application of His Word, renewing and softening our hearts, and by following the inward promptings of the Holy Spirit.