There is a big difference between guilt and repentance. Feeling guilty alone will not provide forgiveness. This is illustrated in the life of Peter and Judas. They both sinned, but the way they responded to their sin was different and it produced different outcomes.
- Sin
Peter: Before Jesus was arrested, He predicted that Peter will deny him three times before the rooster crows. But Peter mentioned “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you”.
But when the time came, he did deny Christ three times and the rooster crowed.
Judas: Judas met the chief priests and agreed to hand over Jesus to them for thirty pieces of silver.
- Response to the sin
Peter: Peter turned to God for repentance. When the rooster crowed after he denied Jesus three times, he realized his mistake and wept bitterly.
Judas: Judas felt guilty of his sin as he betrayed Jesus who was innocent. Instead of asking God for forgiveness, he went back to the chief priests and told them he sinned and they said it is not their responsibility. He threw the money on the temple and left. He later committed suicide.
- Is there forgiveness for all sins?
No matter how big or small the sin is, it is treated the same way in the eyes of God. The wages of sin is death.
But the good news is that God is willing to forgive our sins. The scripture is filled with examples.
Paul was one of the greatest persecutor of Christians. He killed many innocent Christians for their faith. But after his conversion, he became one of the greatest defender of faith.
David was guilty of adultery and murder. He was successful in covering up his sin and as he was king and had power and authority, he thought he silenced everyone. But he could not hide from God.
The Lord sent the prophet Nathan to tell him about the judgment that he would bring on David. David had the choice to either punish Nathan or repent. But he repented and asked God for forgiveness.
Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” Nathan replied, “The Lord has taken away your sin. You are not going to die. (2 Samuel 12:13)
David himself said he felt weak and weighed down when he was covering his sin. But when he repented, he felt free. (Psalm 32:1-5)
As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our sins from us (Psalms 103:12)
Peter denied Christ 3 times. But he later repented and wept bitterly. He spoke the first sermon on the day of Pentecost where 3000 Jews converted in a day.
He stressed on repentance in his sermons.
The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.
(2 Peter 3:9)
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2.38)
God is willing to wash away our sins. He sent his only Son Jesus Christ to be paid as the ransom for our sins. He is willing to forgive you. The only question is are you willing to ask?
Are you running away like Adam and Eve from God after sinning? Are you trying to fix it without God’s help like Judas? Or are you willing to ask God for Forgiveness?