Each and every one of us has a past. I know I sure do. There are parts of my life that make me so glad that we have a God of forgiveness If we are honest with ourselves and God we can admit our sins and be granted forgiveness. 1 John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."
For most of us, however, the story doesn't end there. We are often plagued by guilt and just waiting to be sentenced and punished. We limit God and deny the forgiveness He has offered us. It can't be more clear than in Psalm 103. David says, "He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us" (v 9-12). Jesus paid the ultimate price in sacrificing His life for us. We are undermining what He has done when we don't accept the forgiveness that God is offering us. By His sacrifice we are redeemed and it is as if our sins never happened.
I know that way too often I allow Satan to use guilt and deprive me of the peace that comes from the forgiveness that Christ has provided for me. However, I am committed not to let the evil one succeed. I will not allow guilt to keep me from pursuing the full life that Christ has in store for me. He will not limit my efforts to further the kingdom of God.
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