09/28/11 CONCERNING GUILT

09/28/11 CONCERNING GUILT

Awareness of our guilt is essential to a right relationship with God and man. Four reactions to Guilt.

1. Denial of guilt, resulting in false security.

2. Cheap Regret, producing an easy, meaningless, "I am sorry."

3. Expensive Regret. Remorse that does not produce repentance but continues to haunt.

4. True Repentance. Deep remorse and shame, when accompanied with faith, resulting in

(a) confession,

(b) change of attitude and direction,

(c) reconciliation.

ALSO CONSIDER

Real Guilt. This is the state of being a transgressor and in need of reconciliation with either man or God. However, Real Guilt can be denied, ignored, excused or masked. Guilt is the result of transgression. In order to produce repentance, Real Guilt must be accompanied with Felt Guilt.

Felt Guilt. Until a person feels or recognizes his Real Guilt he will not seek deliverance. Felt Guilt is the work of the Holy Spirit, often through the faithful witness of His people.

False Guilt. These are the Guilt Feelings imposed by a false authority, based on a false infraction. For instance, this is the bondage that comes from legalism or allows one person to have control over another.