Purified

 March 14, 2023

“Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled (purified) from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” —Hebrews 10:19-23 

What can we do about the guilt over sins long ago that continually raises its ugly head to haunt us? I can’t speak for anyone else, but every so often, some of the things I did years ago come to mind, riddling me with guilt over what God might have accomplished in me had I been more faithful. This word from Hebrews gives at least a hint as to how to stop going on these guilt trips. 

Jesus’ blood that washes away our sin also purifies our conscience, but only if we draw near with full assurance of faith. It is left to us whether or not we draw near, and we must choose to do so in the full assurance only faith in Christ can give.

If we cling to an evil conscience, letting the sins of the past weigh us down in the present, we are choosing to believe the lie of the devil instead of the Truth of God’s Word.

“Lord, today may we live in the freedom and joy of hearts purified from an evil conscience. Thank you for washing us clean. Let us not pick up and put on the dirty rags of our own righteousness, but instead be clothed by faith the the holy righteousness of Jesus Christ.”