GUILT vs. GRACE

God calls David “a man after my own heart” (Acts 13:22). Wait a minute. Didn’t God know David’s sins? That, among other transgressions, he killed a man to cover up the adultery he committed?

What about Paul? Wasn’t he responsible for the deaths of many first century Christians? Yes. Yet he went on to author at least thirteen books of the Bible.

Peter denied knowing Jesus, Jonah chose a cruise in the wrong direction, Moses broke God’s handwritten tablets… And there are more examples of sinners, imperfect people, from Adam and Eve until today.

People meant to suffer the consequences of their sins. Eternal separation from God in hell.

But Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross changed that!

You see, long before mankind breathed our first breaths, God knew we would sin. And because He longed to have a relationship with us, a perfect, sinless sacrifice was needed. Jesus.

A while back, a coworker told me that she thought the forgiveness God offered was “way too easy.” Something else . . . some type of penance or punishment had to be meted out. No way could the simple act of repenting—turning and asking God for forgiveness—remove her sins.

Why does it need to be harder than that?  After all, this is God we’re talking about.

So why do we have a hard time accepting God’s forgiveness, forgiving ourselves, and living guilt free?

Why do we choose to live like those without a loving God?

As in ancient times, some still live under the misguided concept that droughts, disease, and famine come because people have angered the gods. To appease these stone or bronze statues, they burn their babies, bleed to death, etc. Yet nothing changes. No rain, no crops, no end to sickness. And no peace in their lives.

Let’s go back to David.

David accepted the Lord’s forgiveness with a glad heart. In fact, he said, “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us” (Psm. 103:12). That’s something to shout about!

I love that David included you and me in that verse! Our sins are removed. There’s no doubt, no need for self-mutilation or torture of any kind, no human or animal sacrifice. And no reason to carry the weight of sin and guilt.

Here’s the truth about our sins: “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). No guilt required. Just acceptance and a glad heart because of what the Lord has done for us. His pure Grace!

Next time you’re outside, search the horizon. Can you see from one end of it to the other? You’re not alone – no one can. Now, stop looking down and look up. Thank God for removing your sins beyond anything you can see or imagine. Accept His grace and go share the good news!

By author eMarie

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