This sermon focuses on understanding the difference between true guilt (for objectively wrong deeds) and false guilt (disproportionate feelings). Secular approaches to “self-forgiveness” fall short because they leave out our vertical relationship with God that was broken by sin. True repentance before God involves fully owning our sin without blame-shifting, self-pity, or self-flagellation. It requires confessing the wrong and forsaking it through changed attitudes and actions. Through repentance, we move from being weighed down by guilt to rejoicing in God’s forgiveness. Many struggle to forgive themselves, because they don’t grasp the depths of their own forgiveness in the Gospel. However, Scripture shows us that we can have humility about our sin and confidence in God’s grace. Understanding Christ’s substitutionary death for us empowers us to turn from sin and live in the forgiveness we’ve received.
