Are You Guilty?

by Dorothy Johnstone 

All of us have felt guilt at some time in our lives. The feeling of being guilty is evidence that we have done something wrong.  Did you know that God has made provision for our guilt? 

The unbeliever has no place to take guilt, and no way of dealing with it except by trying to rectify himself what has been done if possible. Many times though it is impossible for the person feeling guilty to rectify a situation for which they feel guilt.

• “The very look on their faces gives them away.” (Isaiah 3:9)

 

Guilt to an unbeliever is an inward acknowledgement of missing God’s perfection, and reveals a need for a Saviour. If this is you, God is calling you to Himself, and asking you to believe in Him, and He says He will not leave you ashamed.

• That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” (Romans 10:9)
• “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:10)
• “For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.” (Romans 10:11)

 

Guilt points to a need for salvation for the unbeliever. But what about the believer?

Many believers also feel guilt. Guilt for a believer though is actually conviction from the Holy Spirit, and indicates the need for repentance.  

King David was certainly guilty. Among other things, King David had committed adultery, and when Bathsheba became pregnant he tried to cover his sin by first bringing her husband Uriah home from the battle front. (refer to Samuel)

King David later cried out to God with deep repentance

• “Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities, Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation;” (Psalm 51:9-11)

 

Scripture tells us that God is faithful and just to forgive us our sin, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

• “And I will cleanse them from all their iniquity, whereby they have sinned against me; and I will pardon all their iniquities, whereby they have sinned, and whereby they have transgressed against me.” (Jeremiah 33:8)
• “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness”  (1 John 1:9)

 

The purpose of repentance is restoration, first in our relationship with the Lord, and then to people. Repentance also enables God to move into a situation on our behalf. It enables Him to do what we cannot do. It also gives us a new beginning.  

May God bless and protect you and keep you safe ‘til the day of your salvation, and forevermore. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

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