While we are not to be chained by the guilt of our past, (see Justification, Guilt and the Road to Victory) we must not become complacent or tolerant of our sin. We stand justified before God, because of the blood of Christ which covers our sin. Yet, we cannot; therefore, “sin that grace might abound” (Romans 6:1-2). The sudden pangs of guilt when we sin serves to bring us to our knees and the Word of God. We are in the process of being transformed into the image of Christ. “The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me” (Psalm 138:8). The process at times is a searing fire. He is always about the work of transforming each believer into the righteous image of Christ which He has declared us to be. We must not mistakenly believe that justification is a seared conscience, free from ever feeling guilt.
When God created mankind, He gave them a conscience, a moral compass. Even the nonbeliever has a compass between good and bad, a law within their own hearts. This compass provides further proof of the existence of God. Evolution alone cannot provide a moral compass, since survival of the fittest would never consider morality a goal. Indeed, murder, lies, self-promotion whatever the cost to another would all be considered good, if survival were the only goal. As Paul wrote, there is a law written on our conscience given by God.
“For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: Which shew the work of the law written in their heart, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another” Romans 2:14-15.
Justification Does Not Mean a Seared Conscience
It is true that the believer stands justified before God, his or hers sins all covered by the blood of Christ. That truth means that we are not to be chained by sins of our past. However, it does not mean that our conscience is to be seared so that we no longer feel the pangs of guilt for present sins. Distinguishing between good and evil in our daily life is necessary. We have not yet become fully what we shall be.
That God does not account our sin against us anymore, does not mean our sin is unaccountable. It means that our salvation is secure. However, our ability to know the joy of our relationship with Him is affected. As David in his prayer of repentance pleaded, “Restore unto me the joy of my salvation” (Psalms 51:12). Ah, but look at why he believed this so important, “Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee” (Psalms 51:13). Shouldn’t that be our goal as a Christian as well?
Our Groaning Over Sin and Our Helper
“Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. For we are saved by hope.”
We are to groan whenever we fail God; but, we are not to be chained by our guilt. Our groaning with frailty is to bring us back to the foot of the cross. We are not to forget that we have been forgiven. However, forgiveness cannot mean that I take sin lightly. Christ paid for my sin. I must turn my eyes to the Savior seeing fully the price He paid for my sin while at the same time standing in the hope that one day I will look like Him. Only then, do I see the sorrowful circumstances of this life as “good.” For God uses every circumstance to bring me closer to Him where He is transforming my heart to reflect the righteousness He has freely given. He has given us a helper in all of this.
“Likewise, the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And He that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because He maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:26-28).
A Seared Conscience
In this world we have seen acts of pure evil and wondered how that could be. Those are people for whom their conscience is seared. No longer do they hold a moral compass. The lies of this world have completely eradicated their ability to know right from wrong. In fact, they believe themselves always right, never feeling guilt for their actions. “In the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron” (I Timothy 4:1-2).
Unfortunately, we have come to even see this within the modern-day church. All those who deny the power of the cross. Salvation can only come through faith in Jesus Christ. We, as Christians, must not abandon the truth of the Gospel message.
Concluding thoughts
While we are not to be chained by guilt, we must not then believe that guilt does not have its proper role in revealing to us our sins. A seared conscience that never feels guilt while we traverse this world is one contrary to God. We are to bring our sin with its guilt to the cross of Christ daily, knowing that He has forgiven us. Then, cleansed by His blood; we ask His strength to sin no more. We are not to be chained by guilt, nor by sin.
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. Because there is nothing more important than this, I urge you to seek Him today.
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Do You Want to Know the Secret to Abiding Steadfast Joy?
A labor of love, this book provides you with 3 foundations of truth from the scripture which once known will provide you with abiding, steadfast joy. Undaunted by the storms of life; your joy will overflow.
WHEN INJUSTICE AND VIOLENCE REIGN:
Through a study of Nahum, Habukkuk, and Zephaniah; I brought their message into our modern times. Answering the questions of “Why, God?”
Providing a foundation of faith and hope; even, as we see so much evil in the world and in our nation. With so much sorrow and despair, this book I wrote to guide you into discovering God’s Perfect Plan of love; amid this chaotic world filled with life’s storms.
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©Effie Darlene Barba, 2018
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Footnotes and Credits
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