The Gift of Guilt

All people know deep down inside that they have done things that are wrong. People fail morally whether through intentional acts against others or unintentional "mistakes" that result from our own human inadequacies. Sometimes it feels like we can do nothing right. Even worse, sometimes it feels like we have done nothing wrong! This moral failure whether incidental, accidental, or deliberate is what the Bible calls sin. Sin often results in guilty feelings. Some fight hard to hush the cry of a guilty conscience. Could these guilty feelings be a gift from God?

"Those evil inclinations and impulses which rise unbidden and master the soul before it is well aware of their nature, are themselves violations of the divine law, and indications of an inward depravity which in the case of each descendant of Adam is the chief and frontal transgression" -Agustus Strong, Systematic Theology p. 558

"In conclusion it may be said that sin may be defined as lack of conformity to the moral law of God, either in act, disposition or state" -Berkhof, Systematic Theology p. 233

 "Behold, all souls are mine; the soul of the father as well as the soul of the son is mine: the soul who sins shall die." (Ezekiel18:4ESV)

I have read some popular opinions that deny the existence of sin. They claim that sin is a result of moral conditioning that must be overcome by breaking down culturally normative values. Those who hold this opinion would like to remove these limitations placed on the human conscience so they can be free from the supposedly external influences which taint reason with emotion. Unfortunately, they only dehumanize themselves by divorcing their reason from that part of them which resonates with the hope of eternal life. The feeling of guilt is the product of God's merciful revelation of the reality that we have offended him. Mankind is supposed to respond to this guilt by confession, repentance, and faith in Christ Jesus. He is the true remedy for guilt. He is the only source of freedom.

"Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous. Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more," (Romans5:18-20ESV)

Praise the Lord that sin no longer dominates those who have believed in his holy name! The fact that I recognize I am guilty of sin is a gift since it helps me to turn to Christ for forgiveness. Repentance is the only faithful and appropriate response to the awareness of guilt. Sin exists not because Christ's atonement is insufficient in any way but because we are so far from knowing him and being like him. Recognizing that God offers us the hope of eternal life as an antidote for sin and guilt brings us closer to becoming more in tune with what it means to be human. Jesus Christ lived a perfect and guiltless life among men.  One day I will be like him because I will see him face to face. Then there will be no more sin. I will be with him as he intended. Perfect in fellowship, devotion, joy, and peace.