“God wants you to know that guilt is a formidable and complex foe. He wants you to be able to discern the difference between true and false guilt and to understand the danger of feeling guilty when you shouldn’t — or the even greater danger of not feeling guilty when you should. He wants to remove it all — legally, authentically, permanently.”- Chip Ingram
“And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.”- Ephesians 2:6-7 (NIV)
In Chapter 10 (“You Are Beautiful”) of Discover Your True Self, Chip Ingram stresses that no such thing as private sin or guilt exists. Because sin and guilt affect other people. Yet, God extends His incomprehensible mercy and grace toward those least likely to deserve it.
Most significantly, Pastor Ingram notes, the apostle Paul encourages his readers in Ephesians 2:6. God raised us up with Christ and seated us in the heavenly realms to demonstrate the enormity and richness of His grace through Jesus.
In addition, Chip observes the recurring context throughout Ephesians 2:4-7. The phrases “with Christ” and “in Christ Jesus” each occur twice. Because none of this happens apart from Jesus. Thus, every blessing and promise we receive is always in, with and through Christ. Hence, the power of the resurrection now works through us. And it remakes us into something entirely new.
Therefore, Pastor Ingram underscores:
“He rescued us from condemnation and brought us into His family. That not only has application to the big picture but also to the problems we face here and now. Jesus is the only answer for peace in this world, and He is the only answer for peace in our hearts.”
Today’s question: What Bible verses help you confront and defeat the formidable and complex foe, guilt? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Freedom and peace from guilt”
