But I Still Feel Guilty!

What does it mean to confess sins and repent?

-Confession means to agree with God. He already knows you’ve sinned, so you might as well be honest!

-Confession means freely admitting our sin and accepting God’s attitude about our sin.

-Confession does not mean begging God for forgiveness.

Jesus already paid the penalty for all of our sins, and God’s forgiveness is available to all when we confess them. The reason God can make this forgiveness available to you instantly is because of Christ’s death on the cross. When you confess your sin(s) His blood covers them and they are forgiven and forgotten.

Repentance means to change your actions concerning your sin. It involves agreeing with God that you were wrong and that you do not want to continue to commit that sin.

However, there will be times when you still feel guilty even after you’ve confessed your sin. It somehow seems spiritual to demean ourselves for committing such an awful sin, and some think that if they lower themselves in their own eyes, God will be pleased with their humility.

But that’s not the way God sees us. Part of confession is praising God that all of our sins have been paid for by Christ. On that basis God says in Hebrews 8:12, “I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.” By faith you respond to what God’s Word says about His mercy you instead of worrying about the sins of your past. To berate yourself focuses on your sin rather than on Christ, His mercy, and His forgiveness.

Sometimes we do mistake temptation for sin, but keep in mind that everyone is tempted. Even Jesus was tempted, but He didn’t give in to His temptations and He didn’t sin. If you are being tempted, don’t chastise yourself. You can choose not to dwell on tempting thoughts and you can ask God for the strength to avoid the sin. Don’t feel guilty about being tempted. 1 Corinthians 10:13 is a great verse to bring to mind when you battle temptation.

Remember again, God has completely forgiven you of all the things you have done. Romans 8:1 says, “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” He doesn’t look back now on your sins or your failures with condemnation, and neither should you. Again God says in Hebrews 10:17, “I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.” Accept God’s complete forgiveness and realize the cloud of guilt is gone!

Paul said in Romans 8:2 “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.” Your Christian life is a life of freedom. It is freedom from guilt and freedom to live as God intends, which is ultimately the most satisfying life. It is a process of growth, of becoming like Christ, and reflecting Christ-and it takes time to grow!

So stop holding on to your past. If God has forgiven you, then forgive yourself and move on. Don't let guilt hide what the Son (of God) has done within you.