October 24-25, 2009
Free From Guilt 
1 Peter 2:22-25

Guilt can be defined as anxiety in one's spirit over a deliberate, willful sin. We can trace this emotion all the way back to the garden of Eden. After Adam and Eve tasted the forbidden fruit, they felt ashamed of their nakedness and hid themselves.

During Old Testament times, people would bring a special offering to the temple in order to "pay" for their wrong. Today, we have no such tangible way to release our guilt. 

Actually, we have something better. The heavenly Father sent His Son Jesus—who was fully God as well as fully man—to live a sinless life. He took upon Himself the penalty for all of our wrongs by dying a criminal's death: crucifixion. Praise God, Jesus rose to life again, conquering death and sin. Ephesians 1:7 states, "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace."

The truth is, every one of us has sinned and therefore deserves to be separated from God (Rom. 3:23). However, we can be liberated from death and guilt by accepting Jesus' free gift and committing our life to Him. Of course, in our imperfect human state, we will continue to sin. But our loving heavenly Father will continue to forgive His children (Luke 11:3-4).

Jesus' sacrifice gives us freedom from shame and death—plus the promise of eternity with God. But that in no way means we have license to sin knowingly. Though we are promised forgiveness, our gratitude and love for our Savior should spur us on to obey and serve the Lord.

For more biblical teaching and resources from Dr. Charles Stanley, please visit www.intouch.org.

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Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc. © 2009 All Rights Reserved.