How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! (Hebrews 9:14)
A major cause of depression is guilt and shame. Many experience anxiety and depression because of things they did in their past. They are scared to death of the ramifications, like rejection from the people they love or punishment from God and others. They live burdened down by guilt and shame with the expectation of having to pay a heavy price for that thing they did in the past. That's why their future looks so bleak.
Here is the problem. They don't know what to do with their guilt and shame. They don't know how to break free. So they walk through life feeling, as one of my friends says, dirty and distant from everyone that matters to them, including God. Their consciences have never been cleansed.
There is a way to let go of guilt and shame, to live with a clean conscience. It is through faith in the shed blood of Jesus Christ. Consider this powerful passage from Hebrews 9:11-14:
But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, is not a part of this creation. He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!
Jesus shed his blood once for all sin. He took away all sins forever, including yours. He dealt with them all. His demonstration of love cleanses the conscience. No longer do we have to hide or shrink back from God because we fear punishment. Jesus' shed blood invites us to draw near in full assurance of faith.
The cross of Jesus is the cure for guilt and shame. It is the truth that frees us from the sins of the past and enables us to walk in the freedom of God's love and grace today. Rejoice, you have been cleansed by the blood of the Lamb!
If you feel burdened by guilt and shame, know this: Jesus has already dealt with your sin. And as Paul wrote, God does not count your sin against you. Let this truth cleanse you once and for all and lift that guilt and shame off your shoulders. Rest today in Jesus' finished work, and walk confidently knowing that God remembers your sins no more.
In Him,
Bob Christopher