Guilt. It’s that terrible, horrible feeling you get when you’ve done something you know is wrong. And so many people in our world carry around a heavy load of guilt and shame everywhere they go. Sins and failures from the past consistently accuse and condemn them, dragging them down and mercilessly stealing their joy and peace. Could that be true of you? Do you struggle with guilt?
To be sure, many people who struggle with guilt have asked God to forgive them repeatedly. The problem is they just can’t seem to break free of the guilty feelings. In a word, they seem to be haunted by the ghost of guilt.
If you can relate to feeling like this, I have good news! God doesn’t want you to live another day consumed with guilt! You might say, “But Jeff, you have no idea what I’ve done!” You’re right, I don’t know. But it doesn’t really matter what you and I have done. All that really matters is what He has done to deal with those haunting sins.
My friend, listen very carefully. If you are a true follower of Jesus Christ, there is not even a speck of condemnation on your ledger. The moment you put your faith and trust in Jesus, God declares you not guilty! When God looks at you, He doesn’t look at a long list of sins. Instead, His attitude is, “I have already ruled on this person. Because they are in Christ, their sins have been paid in full.”
Don’t believe me? Take a look at what Romans 8:1-2 says: “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.” God doesn’t want you to bury your shame-filled head in the sand and give up on seeking Him because you messed up so badly. Jesus knew that you and I would sin and fall short of His standard of perfection, but He died for us anyway! So when we turn away from our sins and ask for His forgiveness, He forgives completely and forgets for eternity.
The day you received Christ as Savior and Lord, you were born again, spiritually made brand-new. Two things took place that day: you were placed in Christ, and He placed His Holy Spirit in you. No one can take that divine sealing away from you—not even the devil himself.
So be reassured—if you truly know Jesus Christ, there is no longer any judgment against you. The Judge of the universe has found you not guilty. That is amazing ... and utterly wonderful! So don’t be burdened by your guilt any longer. Give thanks to the Lord for taking away your sins, and believe God when He says there is no condemnation for you. Step forward into the wonderful world of guilt-free living, and experience all the joy and peace God has planned for you.