The human conscience is that part of the human soul where all the norms and standards of life are stored. When we are born we have a code of the moral law written in the conscience that indicated right from wrong in relationship to our family, government, our neighbor and our surroundings. This moral code of conduct is added to with the instructions we receive from our parents and others sources that effect our conduct and behavior in the world and environment in which we live. In this moral conscience we accuse or excuse one another (Rom 2:15).

This moral conscience can be violated and with each violation it is weakened and over time can become seared (cauterized). Example: If a child takes something that does not belong to them, they had an indicator in the conscience that tried to warn them not to take it (like a red light going off telling them to stop). This become a violation in their tender conscience and their conscience needs to be reinforced. If it continues it has to be corrected through discipline and if it still continues it can sear the conscience. When searing takes place the conscience begins to adopt a standard of behavior that involves no restraints and the person begins to do what is right in their own eyes.

These end up in destructive behavior against authority and against others with no conviction of violating the moral norms and standards of the conscience or what has been adopted as civilized behavior. This could lead to rebellion in the classroom, against local authority, domestic abuse in the home and with others that leads to criminal activity that violates the rights and property of others. This happens with the unregenerate man and can lead that man to a reprobate mind when nothing in the conscience is acceptable or approved and there are no longer any restraints to personal behavior.