Lies About Jesus: Shame and Guilt

It’s become increasingly popular to claim that Jesus always affirmed people, never making them feel ashamed or guilty. 

Not true. 

Jesus said “the world” hated Him because He testified “that its works are evil.” (John 7:7).

He exposed the darkness in people’s souls:

“Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.” John 3:19

Most people rejected Jesus during his life on earth, and most people reject His followers today.

“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.” ~ Jesus, John 15:18 

Christ strongly emphasized sin and repentance. He wants us to be ashamed for our sins and realize our guilt:

Matthew 11:20

Mark 1:15

Mark 6:1-11

Luke 5:32

Luke 13:3 

Luke 24:45-47

 

That's because “godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death” (2 Corinthians 7:10).

When we know Christ, we have “godly sorrow” when we sin. We're ashamed because our sins sadden our Savior. We want to repent and restore sweet fellowship with Him (1 John 1:8-10). 

When we have worldly sorrow we regret the consequences, not the sin. We refuse to feel guilty or ashamed. We ignore Scriptures like James 4:8-10:   

“Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord and He will lift you up.”

Do you have worldly or godly sorrow for your sins?

To see the contrast between these two types of sorrow, see Short List Repentance and King David's Key to a Healthy Faith.

Bible Love Notes