For the first time in my life I felt a sense of calmness, a sense of peace.
“I did it again! I knew I shouldn’t but I did it anyway. I told myself many times not to do it. I even reminded myself that one day I would get caught. But I still did it. Whenever I do something like this I feel terrible. I feel guilty. I feel ashamed.”
Is this your experience?
This is actually everyone’s experience. From the moment we begin to sin, our heart is anguished. First, as we begin our sin, we become anxious because we are afraid of getting caught. Then after we commit the offense, we feel condemned. We are guilty and ashamed. Somehow we know that we have sinned against God.
We also know that we shall be judged by God. Quickly and unsuccessfully, we try to get rid of this feeling. Some of us try to run away from the feelings. We keep ourselves busy by partying or cruising around. Others try to make amends for their sin by doing good deeds.
We try to rid ourselves of condemnation. Yet, no matter what we do, we cannot get rid of the feeling. We are guilty. We feel ashamed.
The way to be free
But there are some young people who have found freedom from the guilt and shame of sin. They are free because first, they recognize and admit that they have sinned. They know that they have sinned against God and they need forgiveness.
But they have also learned that Jesus Christ died on the cross for the forgiveness of their sins. Jesus Christ, who is the Son of God, died on the cross on our behalf. He bore the punishment of God’s judgment upon us. He poured out His own blood for the forgiveness of our sins.
Matthew 26:28 says, “For this is my blood of the covenant, which is being poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” His blood has the power to remove sins. When we believe that He died for us, we receive forgiveness from God. The sense of guilt and shame is lifted from our heart.
Many young people just like yourself, have testified, “After I prayed to the Lord Jesus, I felt light. It was as if the burden of guilt had been lifted from me. For the first time in my life I felt a sense of calmness, a sense of peace. I am so happy.”
This can be your experience
The forgiveness of sins is a gift. It is yours. All you need to do is be honest and tell the Lord Jesus that you have sinned. Tell Him that you are sorry. Ask Him to forgive you and cleanse you. Freedom will be yours. Here is A Simple Prayer that can help you to open to the Lord and repent:
“Lord Jesus, I have sinned. I need You and I need Your forgiveness. I believe that You have died for my sins. I believe You have taken away my sins. I believe You have freed me from the guilt and shame of sin. Thank You, Jesus.”
