The Guilt and Shame within

Romans 8:1 is a verse I revisit from time to time, because there are many days when I have been reminded by my ‘backslidden years’ by the goings on of this evil and fading world. I thank God for that verse, but most of all, for the book that keeps on giving.

Christ died on the cross and was the ultimate sacrifice for sinners who are saved by grace. He was an "offering for [my] sin” (Isaiah 53:10-12). My sins are remembered “no more” (Hebrews 10:17-20). I have been “saved from the wrath through [Christ]” (Romans 5:9). Christ died for me so that I “would be made acceptable to Him and placed in a right relationship with Him by His gracious lovingkindness” (2 Cor. 5:21, AMP).

Shame from our past, as believers, can be a dark experience, yet we have to remember that our human guilt and shame is transferred to Jesus Christ. We are redeemed and freed from “all wickedness” (Titus 2:14, AMP). Before Christ came, priests in the temple needed to offer sacrifices repeatedly for the cleansing of sin, however, after the resurrection of Christ, He was enough (Heb. 10:11-14). One man was needed for one purpose, and that was to be the one, all-sufficient sacrifice of Himself for sins for all time.

Freedom from sin, including shame, comes from Christ - the Way, the Truth and the Life (John 8:32-36; 14:6). Write out 1 John 1:7 and underline the last part of the verse. Memorise it and stick it up somewhere to look at daily, as a reminder that yes, we all have a past. Yes, we will still sin until we die. However, if we repent continually, we are cleansed from all sin through the work on the cross.

And when we fully put our trust in God, knowing He has freed us from the chains of sin, we can have “full assurance” (Heb. 10:22), peace with God (Romans 5:1, Colossians 1:19-20), overflowing joy and hope (Psalm 32; Romans 5:1-2), a desire to worship God (Psalm 51:14-15), and a desire to serve God (Isaiah 6:6-8).

Next time you are weighed down with heavy burdens of guilt and shame, sing the words of the hymn, “Before the throne of God above”.

"When Satan tempts me to despair

And tells me of the guilt within

Upward I look and see Him there

Who made an end to all my sin

Because the sinless Saviour died

My sinful soul is counted free

For God the Just is satisfied

To look on Him and pardon me

To look on Him and pardon me."

(Before the throne of God above, Sovereign Grace)