Bondman

PRACTICAL NEW TESTAMENT CHRISTIANITY

MESSAGE #30


THE QUESTION OF GUILT


Why do we feel guilty? Christians I mean. Well, I guess it goes with the territory, doesn't it? Of all people we're the ones aware of our sin and sinfulness (at least I HOPE we are), and aware that no matter how hard we try we still fall short at the very best, and maybe even keep bombing out at worst - even tho this is NOT what we want! RESULT: we feel guilty! How can we not?

You may think that the our Guidebook tells us that Jesus died to take away not just or our sin, but also our guilt and shame. But it doesn't - it simply doesn't say He died to take away our guilt. Not very good news perhaps? Especially if our life is quite wracked by guilt over how we've lived, or what we've done, guilt that we simply cannot, just cannot seem to get rid of!

But please have no fear nor concern! We simply need to see HOW our guilt is taken care of! Jesus' sacrifice on my behalf and yours was totally accepted by the Father, as being totally sufficient to COVER ALL OF OUR SIN. Jesus' death brought total forgiveness for every sin. Many don't realise this. They think that unless they keep CONFESSING their sin then it's not forgiven. This is simply not so according to the New Testament:

A. Jesus BORE all of my sin and yours while He was on the Cross. He paid the full price for it there so we could be set free. And having done so He died, then the third day rose from the dead and returned to heaven. While on the cross the Father placed all of your sins - that's ALL OF THEM! - upon Jesus, and there and then He paid the full penalty for them!!! Such love as this the world has never seen before or since...

So what did this achieve? It ALLOWED FOR ALL OF YOUR SIN TO BE FORGIVEN. But ONLY ALLOWED this, okay - one more very essential step is required for it all to actually BE FORGIVEN.

B. When you accepted Jesus as Saviour and Lord and gave all of your life to Him, at that moment ALL OF YOUR SIN WAS FORGIVEN FOREVER. ALL OF IT!!!

So where does guilt fit in then? WE FEEL GUILT WHEN WE SIN... AND THEN FAIL TO REMEMBER THAT EVERY SIN IS COMPLETELY FORGIVEN! "I sinned again. Against God. He must be SO angry at me. Or at least very very disappointed. Oh dear, what can I do?" How many of us have gone through this sort of experience! But it's quite unnecessary! WHY? Because all of that sin is fully forgiven BY ALMIGHTY GOD!!! And if HE'S FORGIVEN ME - then why on earth am I being silly and allowing myself to feel guilt about the sin??

Why indeed!! Here's what I do if I've flunked again and hurt Jesus, virtually crucifying Him afresh - no wonder we feel GUILTY! - but the fact is that I don't feel any guilt!! What I do is say something along these lines, "Lord, I'm sorry. I messed up again. I'm so so sorry. Thankyou, thankyou, THANKYOU for Your forgiveness. I'M FORGIVEN! You did that. I'm clean! It's okay! You still love me!! Wow, You are the BEST!!!" And that's it. Any guilt - if I had any, which I never do any more - HEY, IT'S ALL GONE!!!

Please, please get this: No sin ever being counted against you by God means exactly THIS: NOTHING for you to EVER feel guilty about!!! NOT A THING! So please give up guilt! Instead, when you sin, concentrate on BEING GRATEFUL and GIVING JESUS THANKS! That is perfectly sufficient!!!

Below is one of my favouritest verses and truths. I've believed it and lived it for around 50 years. And it's saved me from about a million periods of guilt and condemnation!

Romans Chapter 8
1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus,

Talk about fantabulous news!! NO CONDEMNATION! I'm not condemned! Hallelujah!! Never, ever, ever! So no guilt ever!!! I AM TRULY FREE!!!

May this be your experience in the Lord Jesus for the rest of your Christian life also!

- BM, with his Mrs