LIVING A LIFE FREE OF GUILT Many Christians know their sins are forgiven but still find it hard to feel free of guilt. Intellectually, they understand that Jesus Christ died on the cross for their salvation, but emotionally they still feel imprisoned by shame. Unfortunately, some pastors heap heavy loads of guilt on their church members as a way to control them. The Bible, however, is clear on this point: Jesus Christ bore all the blame, shame, and guilt for humanitys sins. God the Father sacrificed his Son to set believers free from punishment for their sins. Both the Old Testament and New Testament teach that individuals are responsible for their sins, but in Christ there is total forgiveness and cleansing. Free of Guilt Legally First, we need to understand that Gods plan of salvation is a legal contract between God and the human race. Through Moses, God established his laws, the Ten Commandments. Under the Old Testament, or old covenant, Gods chosen people sacrificed animals to atone for their sins. God required payment in blood for breaking his laws: For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for ones life. (Leviticus 17:11, NIV) In the New Testament, or new covenant, a new contract came into being between God and humanity. Jesus himself served as the Lamb of God, a spotless sacrifice for human sin past, present, and future: And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. (Hebrews 10:11, NIV) No more sacrifices are needed. Men and women cannot save themselves through good works. By accepting Christ as Savior, people become exempt from punishment for sin. The holiness of Jesus is credited to every believer.
Posted on: Sun, 01 Dec 2013 02:15:51 +0000
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