The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum Seared conscience

through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, (1 Timothy 4:2 ESV)

These hypocrites are described as the men whose own conscience is seared (literally, "who are cauterized as to their own conscience". By constantly arguing with conscience, stiflying its warnings, and muffling its bell, they at last have reached the point where conscience no longer bothers them. Grieving the Holy Spirit has led to resisting him, and resisting him to quenching him. Then, through their own rebellion and obstinacy, their conscience will have been rendered (and thus will be permanently) seared. It will have been made callous. A good example is Balaam (Num. 22:12, 19, 21, 22, 32; 25:103; II Peter 2:15; Rev. 2:14).

Boanerges said:
Without a doubt the context speaks of false teachers, whose destruction was foretold.
However, I am wondering if sins that grieve the Spirit can also sear the conscience. And if so can these persons be restored.

Hebrews 6:4-8 (KJV) "For [it is] impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put [him] to an open shame. For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: But that which beareth thorns and briers [is] rejected, and [is] nigh unto cursing; whose end [is] to be burned."