Dispensation of Consciousness

The Dispensation of Consciousness: Understanding Man’s Test of Obedience

By Teresa Morin, President of Touch of God Int’l Ministries of Healing and Deliverance

Man’s journey on earth is fundamentally a test of obedience to his own conscience. We live in what is known as the Dispensation of Consciousness — a time when God allows man full freedom to obey or disobey the inner voice of conscience without fear of human law enforcement (Romans 2:12-16).

What Did Adam Really Break?

Many assume that Adam fell because he broke the Ten Commandments. However, the commandments were given much later through Moses. Adam’s sin was disobedience to a direct command from God not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:16-17). This act opened man’s eyes to self-consciousness — an awareness of good and evil — which did not exist before the fall.

What is the Dispensation of Consciousness?

Conscience is defined as the moral faculty by which we discern right from wrong, approving or condemning our actions. Before the fall, Adam and Eve were “God-conscious” — fully aware and obedient to God’s will. After the fall, they became “self-conscious,” aware of sin and their own moral state.

This period, called the Dispensation of Consciousness, lasted approximately 1,656 years—from Adam’s creation to the time of Noah. During this time, man was tested to obey the inner voice of conscience and God’s revealed will without the external law written on stone tablets.

Types of Conscience in Scripture

The Bible references various states of conscience, including:

• Seared conscience (1 Timothy 4:2): Hardened against conviction.

• Awakened conscience (John 8:9): Sensitive to sin.

• Pure conscience (Acts 24:16): Clear of guilt.

• Weak conscience (1 Corinthians 8:7): Easily troubled.

• Defiled conscience (Titus 1:15): Stained by sin.

• Witnessing conscience (Romans 2:12-15): Bears testimony to right and wrong.

• Good conscience (1 Timothy 1:5): Acts in love and truth.

• Convicting conscience (Genesis 3:10; Matthew 27:3): Brings awareness of sin.

God’s Promise and Man’s Test

After the fall, God did not abandon mankind. In Genesis 3:15, God revealed His plan for redemption through the seed of the woman—Christ. Man was given a probation period to prove his faith and obedience. God clothed Adam and Eve with animal skins, symbolizing the blood of Christ that would one day cover all sin.

Man knew God was just and merciful. Though sin brought a curse upon the earth, God offered a way to be reconciled through faith and obedience. The tabernacle was established as a place where offerings and sacrifices could be made for sin, teaching man to come to God in repentance.

The Test of Man’s Conscience

Genesis 4:7 gives insight into man’s test: “If you do well, will you not be accepted?” God required man to refuse evil and trust in the coming Redeemer. Man lost the power to do good on his own but gained the ability to do evil. The early generations realized they needed God’s help to live righteously and reclaim dominion lost to evil spirits.

Today, the moment a person acknowledges their sin and calls on God for deliverance, they are heard. They become new creatures in Christ—born again and empowered to overcome flesh, world, and devil (Ephesians 2:1-19; 2 Corinthians 5:17).

God’s Purpose in the Dispensation of Consciousness

God’s goal was to teach man that true happiness, health, and prosperity come from obedience to Him. Man was given freedom of will to choose between serving God or Satan. This freedom tested the heart and revealed man’s true nature.

Man did not have laws yet but had an inner knowledge of righteousness, a conscience that pointed to what was good or evil. The test was voluntary service—a choice to conform to God’s principles or to live for self.

Why Free Will?

God allowed man to experience sin to teach vital lessons about the consequences of selfishness and rebellion. Evil spirits were permitted to operate to demonstrate man’s need for divine help and submission to God’s will.

Man’s conscience revealed the depths of sinfulness possible when choosing rebellion, showing how far man would go before God intervened for His eternal plan.

Biblical Examples and Present Day Relevance

Scripture shows God’s intervention in cases like Noah’s flood and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, which were responses to extreme rebellion and lawlessness.

Today, we witness a world steeped in lawlessness and rebellion. The rising wickedness foretells the coming tribulation and the ultimate battle of Armageddon.

Why Is This Age Called the Dispensation of Conscience?

This age centers on man’s conscience—the inner voice guiding decisions. It is a period of testing, where man must choose obedience without the full external law of Moses, relying on faith and the inner conviction God has placed within.

Final Thoughts

God’s desire is for all to choose Him freely, embrace righteousness, and return to the original state of fellowship and dominion. This Dispensation of Consciousness reminds us that the battle is always within—between the flesh and spirit, good and evil.

If you feel weighed down by sin or spiritual oppression, know there is hope through Jesus Christ. Call upon God today to be delivered, healed, and restored.

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About the Author

Teresa Morin is President of Touch of God International Ministries of Healing and Deliverance. She invites you to experience freedom in Christ by joining the Free Bi-Weekly Deliverance Webinar on Monday nights at 7:00 PM CST.

If you need personal one-on-one deliverance ministry, sign up today and begin your journey of healing and deliverance!

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