Unshifting guilt

[Sarah4547]

Hi

I can't stop feeling like I should be rotting in hell because I am a terrible person for what I have done, even though I know that Jesus has forgiven me for my sins. Part of me wants to not be plagued by guilt, the other part thinks I deserve to be hounded.

 

[Aussie Pete]

Hi

I can't stop feeling like I should be rotting in hell because I am a terrible person for what I have done, even though I know that Jesus has forgiven me for my sins. Part of me wants to not be plagued by guilt, the other part thinks I deserve to be hounded.

Check this out:

Are you under condemnation? - Christian Life Frankston

 

[icxn]

Hi

I can't stop feeling like I should be rotting in hell because I am a terrible person for what I have done, even though I know that Jesus has forgiven me for my sins. Part of me wants to not be plagued by guilt, the other part thinks I deserve to be hounded.

Is that a bad thing? As long as they don't drive you to despair and indifference, those emotions can be used positively to fuel repentance. (Healthy) Self-reproach is a virtue.

It was the prayer of him who condemned himself (Publican) that reached the ear of God and not of him who justified himself (Pharisee).

 

[crossnote]

Hi

I can't stop feeling like I should be rotting in hell because I am a terrible person for what I have done, even though I know that Jesus has forgiven me for my sins. Part of me wants to not be plagued by guilt, the other part thinks I deserve to be hounded.

There are two types of peace. There is peace with God and there is the peace of God.
The first is objective and reflects our standing before God.
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: (Rom 5:1)

The second is somewhat subjective and reflects our condition with God.
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Php 4:6-7)

The second (peace of God) bases itself on the knowledge of the first (peace with God) and comes through casting our cares on Him etc.

 

[Aussie Pete]

Hi

I can't stop feeling like I should be rotting in hell because I am a terrible person for what I have done, even though I know that Jesus has forgiven me for my sins. Part of me wants to not be plagued by guilt, the other part thinks I deserve to be hounded.

That's the point. If you did not deserve to be hounded, if you were not a sinner, then Jesus would not have needed to die for you. He did. Sin is a debt that we owe God. You cannot pay the debt but Jesus already has paid. What will being plagued with guilt do for you? Will it undo one sin? No. Will it add anything to the wonderful salvation Jesus bought for you? No - you were not here 2,000 years ago. Lord Jesus shed His blood so that you could have a clear conscience. Be thankful for God's mercy. Sure, everyone deserves to rot in hell. Because of Jesus, we do not have to.

Punishing ourselves is pointless and, in a way, insulting to Lord Jesus. He's scratching His head, saying "What else can I do for her?" Remember what He said from the Cross? "It is finished". That's what Greek businessmen would write on an invoice that was paid in full.

Not only that, sin is removed from your record book in heaven. If God forgets about it, we'd be pretty silly to bring it up again.

 

[sunshineforJesus]

Once Jesus has forgiven you you are free indeed,and no longer condemned by him but set free.

 

[Sketcher]

Hi

I can't stop feeling like I should be rotting in hell because I am a terrible person for what I have done, even though I know that Jesus has forgiven me for my sins. Part of me wants to not be plagued by guilt, the other part thinks I deserve to be hounded.

This is when you need to believe the promises of forgiveness and redemption more than the feelings of guilt. Remember the cross and thank the Lord for dying for your sins, and rising again so that you can have new life, and for choosing you as one of his. As dark as your past may be, the Good News makes your present and future that much brighter.

 

[Sophrosyne]

When you reject the cross you are telling Jesus he isn't good enough for you simply put you are saying his death isn't enough to TOTALLY forgive ALL your sins, past, present, and future.

 

[Tolworth John]

Hi

I can't stop feeling like I should be rotting in hell because I am a terrible person for what I have done, even though I know that Jesus has forgiven me for my sins. Part of me wants to not be plagued by guilt, the other part thinks I deserve to be hounded.

May I suggest two things.
1/, If you really believe Jesus died for your terrible deeds you did in your past.
Thank him for his sacrifice, for being tortured to death for each and every one of what ever you feel guilty for. Thank God for Jesus and for his resurrection.

2/, if you are unable to let go of a past that has been dealt with, please, please talk to your doctor.

 

[FutureAndAHope]

Hi

I can't stop feeling like I should be rotting in hell because I am a terrible person for what I have done, even though I know that Jesus has forgiven me for my sins. Part of me wants to not be plagued by guilt, the other part thinks I deserve to be hounded.

It really depends what "sins" you are talking about. Some sins we need to deal with. Others assail us due to weakness of the flesh. If you are making an effort to leave your sins behind then you are on the right track.

Pro 15:24 To the wise the way of life goeth upward, That he may depart from hell beneath.

2Ti 2:19 Howbeit the firm foundation of God standeth, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his: and, Let every one that nameth the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness.

If you are careless about your sin then you need to get serious with God, for He can strengthen you.

Mat 26:41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

We need a prayerful God seeking attitude, to defeat sin. Of our selves we are weak, but as we commit to prayer God strengthens us.