Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. Your sins are erased from the ledger ... they were paid for on Calvary's cross. But even though you are now 'debt-free' spiritually, hurtful memories from your past remain.
You recoil at a sudden flashback of some sinful act you committed. In your head, you know that you've been forgiven, but feelings of guilt still rise to the surface.
David remembered and mourned over past sins ... Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. (Psalm 51:1-3)
He prayed that the Lord would not only forgive but forget the 'sins of his youth' that were indelibly etched in his memory ... Do not remember the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions; according to Your mercy remember me, for Your goodness’ sake, O Lord. (Psalm 25:7)
A stream of 'godly sorrow' runs through the heart and mind of every penitent soul ... a constant reminder of God's mercy and grace, the steep price paid on Calvary's cross, and Christ's continued work of intercession.
Spurgeon - My sin as a whole is never out of my mind; it continually oppresses my spirit. To an awakened conscience, pain on account of sin is not transient and occasional, but intense and permanent, and this is no sign of divine wrath, but rather a sure preface of abounding favor.
Feelings of guilt should never cause you to hide from the Lord's presence. Broken-heartedness over sin is meant to lead you to the throne of grace, not away from it. An intimate relationship with God is the blessed result.
Joy and Sorrow exist together in the life of every believer until we reach our 'forever home'.
No comments:
Post a Comment