Dealing with Guilt

“So then as through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men, even so through one act of righteousness there resulted justification of life to all men. For as through the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous. The Law came in so that the transgression would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, even so grace would reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 5:18-21

Why is the cross the resource for dealing with guilt? Because all men and women one day will stand before God to have their sins judged. Those who have received God’s pardon by faith in Christ’s atoning sacrifice will not be condemned. Those who have not had their guilt removed through the cross will be condemned for eternity. The cross is the basis for dealing with guilt.

The ten-year-old who steals a pen in school, the teenager who cheats on a test, the adult who cheats on his income tax - all experience certain degrees of guilt. For the believer, that guilt is the work of the Holy Spirit Who seeks to convict us. He does not condemn us. His conviction is to bring us back into fellowship with the Savior. That happens when we admit our wrongs, confess our sins to God, and receive His forgiveness.

Will we still endure the consequences? Yes. The ten-year-old may have to stay after class; the teenager may be suspended; the adult may pay a fine or spend time in jail. Still, forgiveness of our sins restores our relationship to God and releases guilt’s grip on our emotions. Our guilt has been atoned for by Christ for which we can be eternally grateful.

“...Though your sins are as scarlet, they will be as white as snow...” Isaiah 1:18