God’s Grace Covers Your Guilt
By Rick Warren
“So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1 NLT, second edition)
Guilt is basic to the human existence. Since no one is perfect, we all are tempted by guilt over our past mistakes. Sin brings guilt.
That means our need for grace is as basic to our lives as the existence of guilt.
God doesn’t want you to walk around feeling guilty. That’s why God sent Jesus to the cross to die for all of your sins.
The Bible says, “By the blood of Christ we are set free, that is, our sins are forgiven. How great is the grace of God which he gave to us in such large measure!” (Ephesians 1:7-8a TEV)
This is the most basic truth of Christianity: Jesus Christ has already paid for your sins. You only need to accept it. Because Jesus died for us, we’re free from condemnation, worry, and death. Even if there were no eternity, it would be worth it to become a follower of Jesus in order to escape the guilt.
Romans 8:1 says, “So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus” (NLT, second edition). “No condemnation” means God doesn’t judge you for all you’ve done wrong if you’ve trusted Christ because Jesus took that judgment upon himself on the cross. God doesn’t have to judge you because Jesus was judged. He doesn’t have to condemn you because Jesus took your condemnation.
That means you don’t need the guilt. Notice that it doesn’t say that after you become a Christian, you won’t sin. You’ll still sin. You’ll still make mistakes. You’ll still fail and look stupid. But Jesus has paid the price for those failures.
You are free from guilt!
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Talk It Over
- How has guilt impacted your life?
- Why do you think you’re tempted to feel guilt for past sin even though Jesus has paid the consequences already?
- How would the freedom from guilt change the lives of many Christians?
For more Daily Hope with Rick Warren, please visit rickwarren.org
The secret to being happy no matter what is looking at every experience and circumstance you face from God’s viewpoint. When you go through difficult times joy becomes a choice you make minute by minute. Written by Pastor Rick’s wife, Kay Warren, this Devotional book is the perfect tool to help you stay focused on God’s word and see things from His perspective. Each devotion begins with a much needed encouragement from Scripture, followed by Kay's wise words on how to live with joy. Each devotion ends with a short prayer to help bring you closer to the source of all joy—our loving God.
This devotional © 2016 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
You can also listen to Rick Warren on OnePlace.com.