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Answer
Everyone has sinned, and one consequence of sin is guilt. We can appreciate feelings of guilt because they prompt us to seek forgiveness. When a person turns from sin to Jesus Christ in faith, their sins are forgiven. Repentance is a crucial aspect of the faith that leads to salvation (Matthew 3:2; Matthew 4:17; Acts 3:19).
In Christ, even the most grievous sins are erased (see 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 for a list of some unrighteous acts that can be forgiven). Salvation comes through grace, and grace provides forgiveness. Even after a person is saved, they may still sin, and in those moments, God assures forgiveness. “But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One” «My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: », (1 John 2:1).
However, freedom from sin does not always equate to freedom from feelings of guilt. Even when our sins are forgiven, we still recall them. Additionally, we face a spiritual adversary known as “the accuser of our brothers” «And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. », Revelation 12:10 who persistently reminds us of our mistakes, shortcomings, and transgressions. When a Christian experiences guilt, he or she should take the following steps:
1) Confess all known, previously unconfessed sins. Sometimes, feelings of guilt are justified because confession is necessary. Often, we feel guilty because we are indeed guilty! (See David’s explanation of guilt and its resolution in Psalm 32:3-5:)
2) Ask the Lord to reveal any other sins that may require confession. Be brave enough to be completely transparent and sincere before the Lord. “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24).
3) Endeavor to make amends, whenever possible, for the wrongs committed against others. Zacchaeus, upon repenting of his sins, vowed to the Lord, “If I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount” «And Zacchæus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. », (Luke 19:8). This is part of the “fruit in keeping with repentance” that John preached «And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. », (Luke 3:9).
4) Rely on God’s promise that He will pardon sin and eliminate guilt, through the atoning blood of Christ (1John 1:9; Psalm 85:2; Psalm 86:5; Romans 8:1).
5) When guilty feelings arise over sins that have already been confessed and forsaken, reject such feelings as false guilt. The Lord has been faithful to His promise to forgive. Read and meditate on Psalm 103:8-12.
6) Ask the Lord to rebuke Satan, your accuser, and request the Lord to restore the joy that comes with freedom from guilt «Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; And uphold me with thy free spirit. », (Psalm 51:12).
Psalm 32 is a very beneficial study. Despite David’s serious sin, he discovered liberation from both sin and guilty feelings. He addressed the root of guilt and the certainty of forgiveness. Investigating Psalm 51 is also worthwhile. The focus here is on confessing sin, as David implores God from a heart burdened with guilt and sorrow. Restoration and joy are the outcomes.
Lastly, if sin has been confessed, repented of, and forgiven, it is time to move forward. Remember that those who have come to Christ have been transformed into new creations in Him. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, the new has come!” «Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. », (2 Corinthians 5:17). Part of the “old” that has passed away includes the recollection of past sins and the guilt they generated. Regrettably, some Christians tend to dwell on memories of their former sinful lives, memories that should have been buried long ago. This is fruitless and contradicts the victorious Christian life that God desires for us. A wise saying goes, “If God has saved you from a sewer, do not plunge back in and swim around.”
