Guilt. Condemnation. Begging God to forgive you. Trying to earn His approval. All negate the power and the beauty of the cross.
In the Old Testament, sacrifices were made yearly as an atonement for sin. But those yearly sacrifices did not remove the guilt of sin. As a matter of fact, it only heighten the awareness of sin.
But Jesus. But the cross.
Jesus was the once and for all, perfect, remove all your sins, never walk in guilt, destroy the enemy’s ability to accuse and condemn, pronounce you perpetually forgiven sacrifice.
The cross heightened our awareness that we are holy, free, forgiven. This empowers us to walk holy, free, forgiven.
As we celebrate the Easter season, let us embrace the victory won at the cross. Let us shed guilt, condemnation. Let us hold our heads up high knowing we are forgiven, holy and blameless in His sight. We are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus.
“First he said, “Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not desire, nor were you pleased with them”—though they were offered in accordance with the law. Then he said, “Here I am, I have come to do your will.” He sets aside the first to establish the second. And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”
Hebrews 10:8-10 NIV