For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. -- 2 Corinthians 7:10
There is a difference between feeling guilty and being guilty. A murderer may be completely pathological, and have absolutely no remorse for his crimes. He IS guilty. But he does not FEEL guilty.
The opposite is often true in our Christianity - in our spiritual lives. We tend to feel guilty. But in (theological) fact, because of Christ's work, we are not guilty.
Paul wrote it this way:
There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ.
-- Romans 8:1
And:For our sake he (the Father) made him (Christ) to be sin who knew no sin,
so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
-- 2 Corinthians 5:21
The work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer is not to haunt us with guilty feelings. That is never the result of his presence. Yes, he convicts; but conviction turns us to the Father - and to the redemptive forgiveness he has already offered (again, in Christ). It is not an ugly thing, but instead is a freeing process.
A foreboding sense of guilt (guiltiness) drains us of vitality. Jesus did not say, "I came to shut down your hopes and dreams and joy." He said, "I came that you might have life, truly abundant life." On the other hand, we do face an enemy of the soul who desires to steal away our life, peace and joy. He brings death through condemnation. (All referencing John 10:10.) And sadly, he often uses the tool of religion(s) to do this.
Guilt binds... God's conviction frees.
Condemnation kills... Restoration brings life.
Do you struggle with guilt(y feelings)? This does not come from God. We often try to live up to a set of rules we cannot uphold. These become burdens; weights around our necks that drag us into depths that make it hard to breathe and function. It is not how we were designed to live. God intends so much more. And he stands ready to deliver. He offers freedom instead of bondage... joy over remorse... life that overpowers death.
Come to me all you who are weary and burdened,
and I will give you rest.
-- Jesus, Matthew 11:28
God, give me your joy and freedom in place of my sorrow and bondage.
For now,
D
