What Does the Bible Say About Capital Punishment and the Death Penalty?

Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Bible say murderers, rapists and other criminals should be put to death?
Do the Old Testament laws about capital punishment (the death penalty) apply to Christians?
Does "Thou shalt not kill" in the Ten Commandments mean the death penalty is wrong?
Did Jesus teach that capital punishment is wrong when He showed mercy to the woman caught in adultery?
Do Jesus' teachings against revenge mean capital punishment is wrong?
The Old Testament

Life was harsh for the Hebrews in early Old Testament history. They had just been freed from slavery in Egypt, and wandered in the desert for 40 years. When they finally reached the promised land they had to fight almost constantly to take and hold it. There were few options for dealing with offenders in a society that moved frequently and struggled just to survive. The penalty for most crimes was either death, beating or banishment from the tribe.

The Old Testament Law prescribed the death penalty for an extensive list of crimes including:
Murder (Exodus 21:12-14; Leviticus 24:17,21)
Attacking or cursing a parent (Exodus 21:15,17)
Disobedience to parents (Deuteronomy 21:18-21)
Kidnapping (Exodus 21:16)
Failure to confine a dangerous animal, resulting in death (Exodus 21:28-29)
Witchcraft and sorcery (Exodus 22:18, Leviticus 20:27, Deuteronomy 13:5, 1 Samuel 28:9)
Human sacrifice (Leviticus 20:2-5)
Sex with an animal (Exodus 22:19, Leviticus 20:16)
Doing work on the Sabbath (Exodus 31:14, 35:2, Numbers 15:32-36)
Incest (Leviticus 18:6-18, 20:11-12,14,17,19-21)
Adultery (Leviticus 20:10; Deuteronomy 22:22)
Homosexual acts (Leviticus 20:13)
Prostitution by a priest's daughter (Leviticus 21:9)
Blasphemy (Leviticus 24:14,16, 23)
False prophecy (Deuteronomy 18:20)
Perjury in capital cases (Deuteronomy 19:16-19)
Refusing to obey a decision of a judge or priest (Deuteronomy 17:12)
False claim of a woman's virginity at time of marriage (Deuteronomy 22:13-21)
Sex between a woman pledged to be married and a man other than her betrothed (Deuteronomy 22:23-24)
The New Testament

The New Testament does not have any specific teachings about capital punishment. However, the Old Testament ideas of punishment became secondary to Jesus' message of love and redemption. Both reward and punishment are seen as properly taking place in eternity, rather than in this life.

Jesus said His mission was not to abolish the Law, but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17-20). However, He and His apostles greatly modified our understanding of God's intentions. Love is the principle that must guide all our actions (Matthew 5:43-48, Mark 12:28-34, Luke 10:25-28, Romans 13:9-10, Galatians 5:14). Christians are bound by Jesus' commands to "Love the Lord your God" and "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:34-40). We are no longer bound by the harsh Old Testament Law (John 1:16-17, Romans 8:1-3, 1 Corinthians 9:20-21).

Related article: What Does the Bible Say About the Old Testament Law?

Jesus flatly rejected the Old Testament principle of taking equal revenge for a wrong done (Matthew 5:38-41, Luke 9:52-56). He also said that we are all sinners and do not have the right to pass judgment on one another (Matthew 7:1-5). In the case of a woman caught in adultery (a capital offense), Jesus said to those who wanted to stone her to death,


"Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her." And once again he bent down and wrote on the ground. When they heard it, they went away, one by one, beginning with the elders; and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. Jesus straightened up and said to her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" She said, "No one, sir." And Jesus said, "Neither do I condemn you. Go your way, and from now on do not sin again." (NRSV, John 8:7-11)

The apostle Paul also warned against taking revenge for a wrong done (Romans 12:17-21, 1 Thessalonians 5:15). Likewise, the apostle Peter warned us not to repay evil with evil (1 Peter 3:9).
Arguments For and Against Capital Punishment

Christians, and our churches, are divided on the issue of whether capital punishment is right or wrong.

Some proponents of capital punishment see it as mandated by the Old Testament Law. However, Christians are no longer bound by the legal code of Old Testament Law. The argument of a Biblical mandate for capital punishment is also contradicted by the fact that many of the capital crimes in the Old Testament are considered relatively minor today. Very few people in the Christian world would support capital punishment for such things as doing work on the Sabbath, false prophecy or making false statements about a woman's virginity.

Many proponents of capital punishment interpret the phrase, "authority does not bear the sword in vain!" in Romans 13:1-5 as New Testament authority for capital punishment. However, the point of this passage is that Christians must not use their freedom from the Old Testament religious Law as an excuse to violate the civil law. We must obey civil authority, which is instituted by God, because of fear of punishment as well as conscience (verse 5).

Opponents of capital punishment see it as exactly the kind of revenge and human judgment that Jesus and His apostles so often warned against. They believe the principles set forth by Jesus and the apostles restrict punishment to only that which is necessary to protect society (i.e., humane confinement of offenders).

Opponents of capital punishment also point out that Jesus taught great principles for us to apply in our lives, rather than specific laws. Thus, his failure to specifically condemn slavery, capital punishment and many other evils should not be interpreted as approval of those things. They see the mercy He showed to the woman caught in adultery (John 8:3-11) as His rejection of capital punishment. However, Jesus never specifically repudiated capital punishment.

Some opponents of capital punishment see a prohibition against capital punishment in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:13, "Thou shalt not kill" in the King James Version). The original Hebrew word ratsach, translated as "kill" or "murder" could refer to either killing in general or unlawful killing (murder). However, most experts think this is not a prohibition against capital punishment because the death penalty is specifically authorized elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Conclusion

There is no clear mandate in the Bible either for or against capital punishment. The Old Testament Law prescribed the death penalty for an extensive list of crimes, many of which are considered minor today. Based on New Testament teachings, the moral aspects of the Old Testament law still apply to Christians, but the ceremonial and legal aspects do not. The general principles taught by Jesus and His disciples oppose any kind of revenge, but there is no specific teaching against capital punishment.
Church Positions

The three largest Christian denominations in the United States are split on the issue of capital punishment. The Roman Catholic Church opposes it in virtually all cases; the Southern Baptist Convention approves of it in certain cases; the United Methodist Church opposes it in all cases.

Here are the official position statements:
Roman Catholic:


2267. Assuming that the guilty party's identity and responsibility have been fully determined, the traditional teaching of the Church does not exclude recourse to the death penalty, if this is the only possible way of effectively defending human lives against the unjust aggressor.

If, however, non-lethal means are sufficient to defend and protect people's safety from the aggressor, authority will limit itself to such means, as these are more in keeping with the concrete conditions of the common good and more in conformity with the dignity of the human person.

Today, in fact, as a consequence of the possibilities which the state has for effectively preventing crime, by rendering one who has committed an offense incapable of doing harm-without definitively taking away from him the possibility of redeeming himself-the cases in which the execution of the offender is an absolute necessity "are very rare, if not practically non-existent."
From Catechism of the Catholic Church, second edition, copyright © 1997, United States Catholic Conference, Inc., http://www.usccb.org/catechism/text/pt3sect2chpt2art5.htm
Southern Baptist:


[A resolution adopted at the June, 2000 convention of The Southern Baptist Convention] affirms the use of capital punishment "by civil magistrates as a legitimate form of punishment for those guilty of murder or treasonous acts that result in death." The death penalty should be used only when there is "clear and overwhelming evidence of guilt," the proposal says. It also calls for "vigilance, justice and equity in the criminal justice system," with capital punishment "applied as justly and as fairly as possible without undue delay, without reference to the race, class or status of the guilty."
From http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?Id=6002
United Methodist:


Basic Freedoms and Human Rights
We hold governments responsible for the protection of the rights of the people to free and fair elections and to the freedoms of speech, religion, assembly, communications media, and petition for redress of grievances without fear of reprisal; to the right to privacy; and to the guarantee of the rights to adequate food, clothing, shelter, education, and health care. The form and the leaders of all governments should be determined by exercise of the right to vote guaranteed to all adult citizens. We also strongly reject domestic surveillance and intimidation of political opponents by governments in power and all other misuses of elective or appointive offices. The use of detention and imprisonment for the harassment and elimination of political opponents or other dissidents violates fundamental human rights. Furthermore, the mistreatment or torture of persons by governments for any purpose violates Christian teaching and must be condemned and/or opposed by Christians and churches wherever and whenever it occurs. For the same reason, we oppose capital punishment and urge its elimination from all criminal codes.
- From The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church--2000, ¶164A. Copyright 2000 by The United Methodist Publishing House, http://www.umc.org/abouttheumc/policy/political/a-basicfreedoms.htm

Feeling Guilty?感觉有罪？

邹光导读：Sin与Guilt在中文同译为“罪”，此两词的辨析也十分重要。此译文以“偏”译Sin,以“罪”译Guilt来诠释Sin与Guilt，即“偏”与“罪”的区别和联系，望弟兄姐妹喜欢。
作者： Dan Gross
翻译：邹光

If so, you're not alone. Millions all around the world are suffering from continuous feelings of guilt. The Bible says that God gave the law that "all the world may become guilty before God" (Romans 3:19).
如果你感觉有罪，你不是唯一的人，全世界几百万人被持续的罪感所困。圣经提到神给出律法“让世人在神面前都可能变成有罪”（合和本：叫普世的人都伏在神的审判之下）。（罗马书3：19）

Guilt is an evidence of a spiritual problem, but it also has negative effects on our mental and physical well-being. Thousands of dollars spent on mental and physical health care could be saved if the problem of guilt was resolved.
罪咎感是一个精神层面的问题，但它对我们的精神和身体健康有负面影响。如果罪咎感问题被解决，成千上万元的用于治疗罪感对精神和身体健康影响的费用会被省下。

Why do I Feel Guilty?
我为什么感觉有罪？

You feel guilty because you are guilty! "As it is written, “There is none righteous, no, not one” (Romans 3:10). "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23).
你感觉有罪是因为你有罪！经上记着，“没有义人，一个也没有”（罗马书3：10）。“因为所有人都有偏差，亏缺了神的荣耀。”（罗马书3：23）。

There are many who will teach you that you are a good person. An abundance of books and seminars exist to teach you positive thinking. While positive thinking does have benefits in some areas, it should never be used to deny reality. Someday the facts will catch up with you. No matter what the current best-selling authors may tell you, God says that you have sinned against Him.
许多人告诉你说，“你是个好人”。大量的书籍和研讨会教你如何做正面思考。然而仅仅做正面思考在某些方面也不起作用，若否认现实，光做正面思考也没用。总有一天，事实会告诉你，不管目前畅销书作者可能告诉你什么，神说你已经偏离了他。

What does God consider to be sin? We don't have to guess. God tells us. Space does not allow us to list every sin mentioned in the Bible, but here is a partial list: abusing yourself (homosexuality and sexual perversion), adultery, covetousness, drunkenness, effeminacy (womanish behavior by men), envy, extortion (getting something from someone else through coercion or intimidation), filthiness, foolish talking, fornication, hatred, heresy, idolatry, jesting, lasciviousness (lustfulness, lewdness), murder, revelling (carousing and rioting), reviling (cursing at others or using abusive language), sedition (rebellion against authority, disturbing the public peace), strife, theft, uncleanness (impurity such as sodomy, lesbianism, etc.), variance (quarreling and disputing), witchcraft, and wrath.
神认为哪些是偏差呢？我们不用猜，神已经告诉我们了。因本文篇幅有限，这里无法把圣经里提到的偏差一一列出，这里仅列部分：侮辱自己的身子（同性恋和性倒错），淫乱，贪得无厌，醉酒，娘娘腔（男人行为女性化），嫉妒，勒索（通过胁迫或恫吓获得别人的东西），丑行，愚蠢的谈话，乱伦，仇恨，异端，偶像崇拜，淫荡（好色，下流），谋杀，宴乐（寻欢作乐，闹事），辱骂（诅咒别人或用侮辱性语言），煽动暴乱（反抗有权柄者，扰乱公共和平秩序），争吵，盗窃，不洁（不道德，如鸡奸和女同性恋等），制造分歧（爱吵架和争端），巫术和暴怒。

But this is not all! James 2:10 says, "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all." And Romans 14:23 declares "whatsoever is not of faith is sin." Whenever your thoughts, words, or deeds are not based upon faith in God's word, it is sin. That is why you feel guilty!
How Serious is Sin?
但这些不是全部呢！ 雅各书2：10说，“人人都要遵守全部律法，若有人违反其中一条，对整个律法系统来说，他是有罪的。”（合和本译文：因为凡遵守全律法的，只在一条上跌倒，他就是犯了众条。）罗马书14：23指出“凡不出于信心的都是偏差。”当你的思想，语言，行为不是出于对神的道的信心时，就是有偏差。那就是为什么你会有罪感。偏差是不是很严重？

Sin leads to feelings of guilt, and guilt has many negative effects, as we have seen. Nevertheless, there are far worse consequences to sin than our feelings of guilt.
偏差导致罪感，正如我们所知，罪有许多负面影响。不管怎样，偏差的结果要比罪感的结果要严重得多。
The Bible states unequivocally: "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:23). Sin brings death. When Adam sinned, death entered into the world (Romans 5:12). This included both physical and spiritual death. According to Ephesians 2:1, all men are "dead in trespasses and sins." They are separated from the life of God.
圣经清楚地指出：“因为偏差的工价乃是死。惟有神的恩赐，在我们的主基督耶稣里乃是永生。”（罗马书6：23）。偏差带来死亡。当亚当出偏差时，死就进入了世界（罗马书5：12）
这包括肉体和灵魂的死。根据以弗所书2：1，所有人都“死在过犯偏差之中”。他们与神的生命隔绝了。
People fear physical death and go to great lengths to avoid it. Yet the Bible speaks of a second death that is far worse. "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death" (Revelation 21:8). [In case you think this list doesn't include you, notice that it says "all liars." The Bible says all men are liars (Romans 3:4).] The second death is eternal separation from God in the lake of fire. In the lake of fire there is everlasting torment, with no hope!
人们害怕肉体死亡，希望延长寿命来回避死。但是圣经提到第二次死要更严重。“惟有胆怯的，不信的，可憎的，杀人的，淫乱的，行邪术的，拜偶像的，和一切说谎话的，他们的分就在烧着硫磺的火湖里。这是第二次的死”（启示录21：8）。[也许你觉得这个清单不包括你，但注意经上说“所有人都是说谎者。”圣经说“人都是虚谎的”（罗马书3：4）]
第二次死是在火湖里永远与神隔绝。在火湖里有的只是永远的痛苦，没有希望。

What Can I do to Overcome Guilt and Sin?
如何克服罪咎和偏差？
Everyone struggles with guilt feelings; and almost everyone is honest enough to admit to being a sinner. Feeling guilty is not enjoyable. Sin often brings immediate negative consequences. Then, of course, there is the constant, nagging fear of judgment. Recognizing that a problem exists, everyone seeks to find a solution to this problem.
每个人都在于罪咎感做斗争；几乎每个人都有足够诚实来承认自己是个有偏差的人。感觉有罪不是件令人愉快的事。偏差经常带来立刻的负面结果。当然那就是持续的，让人心没有平安的对审判的恐惧。当认识到问题的存在，人们就去寻找解决问题的方法。

Some people try religion. They believe that God will forgive their sin if they do one or more of the following: get baptized, obey God's commandments, partake of the sacraments, give money to the church or temple, attend church faithfully, become a member of a church, go to confession, pray, partake of Holy Communion, etc.

Others believe that doing good works is the way to salvation. They are of the opinion that, if they try to be good in this life, God will not send them to the lake of fire. Therefore, they do their best to live a good life and to be kind to others.

Another path taken by some is that of philosophy. The idea is that if I can only think deeply about questions such as, "Who am I?"; "Why am I here?"; "What is the meaning of life?"; etc., I will discover the solution to the problem of sin and guilt.

Many people do not want to think about God, sin, judgment, the lake of fire, and so forth. Therefore, they continuously seek pleasure to try to avoid thinking about standing before a Holy God on Judgment Day. Pleasure may take many forms e.g., money, music, sex, sports, work, TV, food, etc.

Do any of these solve the problem? "But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness" (Romans 4:5). Can religion and good works get you to heaven? NO! God's word says that the one who has faith is justified. God says that the one who "worketh not" is justified. The opposite side of the coin is that the person who does work is not justified ("Work" in this context refers to the religious acts and good works mentioned above.) If you are trusting in baptism, trying to be good, obeying God's commandments, doing your best, giving money to the church, and so forth, you will never be saved. Justification is to the one who "worketh not," but has faith.

Ephesians 2:8-9 is also clear in this matter: "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast." God says that salvation is by grace through faith. No one can be saved through religious rituals, ceremonies, sacraments, or ordinances. No one can be saved through trying to be good. God says "there is none that doeth good, no, not one" (Romans 3:12). Religion, good works, philosophy,and pleasure can never give you eternal life. None of these will save you from eternal judgment in the lake of fire.
Christ Was Made Sin for Us

So far we have seen that:
All have sinned.
The penalty for sin is eternal separation from God-everlasting torment in the lake of fire.
Our religious acts and efforts to be good cannot bring forgiveness of sin.

This paints a very bleak picture. We are lost in sin, under condemnation, and unable to do anything to earn salvation.

Thankfully, this is not all that God's word tells us. Now we come to the good news!

Despite our rebellious nature, God loved us enough to send His Son, Jesus Christ, to provide a solution to our problem with guilt and sin. "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). Jesus Christ came to earth to die-to die for you and me. He was punished for our sin. In fact, on the cross, Christ became sin. "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him" (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Jesus Christ took upon Himself the punishment for your sins-all of your sins. He paid the penalty in full! God the Father, as Judge, was satisfied that the penalty had been paid in full. There is nothing religious, no sacrificial act on your part, that can add anything to the blood that Christ shed for your sins. He did it all! It is finished!
You can be Free of Guilt-Today and Forever

God has provided a solution to your problem with sin and guilt. You can be free of guilt-right now! God offers salvation as a free gift to all who believe. "Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law" (Romans 3:28). If you will simply believe that Jesus Christ died for your sins-that He paid the penalty for your sins-God will forgive you right now! Don't trust in your religion, your church, your denomination, your priest or pastor, your baptism, your efforts to be good, etc. God never promises to save all Roman Catholics, or all Lutherans, or all Baptists, or all Methodists, or all Charismatics, etc. He only promises to save those who have placed their faith in the blood that Christ shed on the cross for sin. It is God whom you have offended. He alone can forgive you-and He will forgive you, if you will but trust in the death that Jesus Christ died for you. This, and this alone, is the gospel of your salvation. We plead with you to take care of your guilt problem once and for all. Receive the gift of eternal life! Believe that Jesus Christ died for your sins!
If you would like more information about salvation from guilt and sin or other spiritual matters, please contact:
Rejoicing in Grace Ministries
P.O. Box 453
Racine, WI 53401-0453

Keys to Powerful Living: Overcoming Guilt

CBN.com -- Guilt can be a merciless taskmaster that drives us far from God. Or, guilt can gently lead us back to a right relationship with Him, more fully convinced than ever of the Father's love. How we respond to guilt today can determine our success in life for years to come. It can even determine where we will spend eternity.


Listening To Our Guilt


The Bible says we are created in God's image and His glory. This wonderful privilege of bearing His image also holds out the requirement that we live righteous lives. When we do something that conflicts with our sense of right and wrong, an alarming thing happens: we feel guilty.


If you are feeling guilty, then this internal moral compass is sounding an alarm indicating that you may have sinned. And sin separates us from God.


That's why it is important to listen carefully to your guilt. Don't just try to ignore those nagging feelings of moral ill. Listen to your heart. Then determine to find out what's causing your guilty conscience.


Guilty As Charged


Even as you read these words, you may be coming to a realization of the source of your guilt. Perhaps you have offended someone. Or you have done something you know God did not want you to do.


Guilt can arise from things we say and do that directly violate God's law. Even if we are not familiar with a specific Bible passage, God has given us a law that is written on our hearts and helps us know when we have sinned (Romans 2:15)


True guilt is God's way of warning us to repent and turn away from our sins so He can forgive us, cleanse us and make us entirely guilt-free. The fact is, the Bible says "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). Another passage says "the Scripture has shut up all men under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe" (Gal. 3:22).


Guilt is a fact of life because sin is a fact of life. And our sin has the consequences of death (Romans 6:23). But God does not leave you "shut up" under the emotional burden and deadly consequences of sin. He has made a way to break free from our sin and guilt.


God's Answer For Guilt


God works through everything that happens in our lives, including guilt, to draw us to Jesus (John 6:44,45; 14:6; Romans 8::28,29). No matter what you have done, God has made a way home - through His Son, Jesus Christ.


Jesus lived a perfectly sinless life, yet He was willing to die on the cross and receive the punishment we deserved. His death on the cross and triumphant resurrection secures for you all the blessings of God, including forgiveness. All you have to do is repent an turn your life over to Jesus (Acts 3:19).


This is what the Bible calls being "born again" of the Spirit of God (John 3:3,5). We enter into the born-again experience by repenting of our sin, yielding our lives to Jesus as Savior and Lord, and trusting in faith that He will forgive and cleanse us from all sin (Romans 3:23; 10:13; 1 John 1:8,9; John 1:12).


Guilt-Free Living


God's answer for sin and guilt accomplishes what no amount of human effort could manage. Thanks to the blood of Christ, we can "draw near" to God "in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience an our bodies washed with pure water" (Heb. 10:22).


This cleansing is not just a one-time event. Every time the Holy Spirit prompts our spirit that we have sinned, we can return to His throne of grace to receive mercy (Heb. 4:16). If we fail to respond to guilt in repentance, we can expect God to continue to work in our lives until we come to Him in humility. For God desires children who can serve Him with a "clear conscience" (1Tim. 3:9).


Having a clear conscience also requires that we walk in humility and repentance towards those around us. Be sure to seek forgiveness and to forgive.


Taking On The Accuser


At times, the enemy of our soul, Satan uses guilt to keep us from the Lord. The Bible describes Satan as the "accuser of the brethren" who appears before God day and night with accusations against believers (see Rev. 12:10).


These accusations leave us feeling as if God has not forgiven - or will not forgive - us. We respond in shame, anger, bitterness and depression - which further drives us from God's presence.


This kind of guilt - a guilt that does not leave even after we repent and turn to Jesus for cleansing - is not from God. As we have seen, the blood of Christ fully satisfies God's righteousness. Thus, "there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1).


If you have repented of your sins but still feel the accuser lurking in the shadows, confront the accusations with God's Word. As Jesus said, "If therefore the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed" (John 8:36). Walk in that freedom.


As You Pray


God wants to free you from anything that would hinder your full life and liberty in Him. If you are dealing with guilt, choose the path that leads to life; repentance. Then stay on that path by fully accepting God's forgiveness and cleansing:


"Father, I confess my sins to You. Thank You for forgiving me of every sin I have ever committed. And thank You for releasing me from the burden of guilt. Help me to continue living every day for You. Amen."


God's Word On Guilt


"Since therefore, brethren, we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is His flesh, ... let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water." (Heb. 10:19,20,22)


Scriptures For Study


Romans 6:23 -- Wages of sin; gift of God


1Timothy 4:2 -- Effect of lying on our conscience


1John 1:9 -- God's faithfulness to forgive


Jeremiah 31:34 -- No remembrance of sin


John 1:12; 5:24; 8:36 -- Belief in Christ delivers from sin


Romans 6:18, 22; 8:1 -- Freedom from sin and guilt


We're Here for You


Through our daily inspirational television program, The 700 Club, and other outreaches, CBN ministers to millions every day. To learn more about the Christian life send us an e-mail. Or you can call our CBN Prayer Counseling Center at (800) 759-0700. We would love to talk with you and send you some literature to help you in your walk with the Lord.


Unless otherwise noted, Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible.

"THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST AND THE PROBLEM OF SIN"

The Gospel's Answer To The "Guilt" Of Sin (The Remission Of Sins) INTRODUCTION 1. We have been examining how the gospel saves us from the problem of sin in this series 2. Our last three lessons dealt with commands found in the gospel which, when obeyed, effectively answer several specific problems of sin... a. The command to believe, when obeyed, solves the problem of the love of sin b. The command to repent, when obeyed, solves the problem of the practice of sin c. The command to be baptized, when obeyed, solves the problem of the state of sin 3. In this lesson and those to follow, we shall turn our attention to the promises of the gospel... a. Again, bear in mind that the gospel of Jesus Christ contains: 1) Facts to be believed 2) Commands to be obeyed 3) Promises to be received b. We have seen how keeping the commands of the gospel deal with the problem of sin c. Now we want to be sure to appreciate how the promises we receive upon obeying the gospel are also effective in dealing with sin... [In the first lesson of this series, we touched briefly upon the guilt of sin. Let us first elaborate on this point...] I. THE "GUILT" OF SIN A. THE BIBLE DECLARES ALL ARE GUILTY REGARDING SIN... 1. This was Paul's first main point in writing the epistle to the Romans - Ro 3:9-11 2. Even if a person breaks only one commandment! - cf. Jm 2:10-11 B. THIS GUILT REFERS PRIMARILY TO "LEGAL" GUILT... 1. In the sense of having violated the law of God a. In this way, everyone has sinned - Ro 3:23 b. This makes them "transgressors" of the law - cf. 1Jn 3:4 c. Other synonyms are used to describe those who have violated God's law: 1) "lawless" 2) "disobedient" 3) "workers of iniquity" 4) "ungodly" 2. This "legal guilt" is real, whether or not a person... a. Is aware of their actual guilt (ignorance does not excuse one of guilt before God) b. Feels any sense of emotional guilt (more on this shortly) -- They are still held accountable before God as "guilty" of sin - 2Co 5:10 C. FOR MANY, THERE IS ALSO THE "EMOTIONAL" GUILT... 1. But this really only a side effect of the "legal" guilt of sin a. Though it does include some terrible consequences: anxiety, depression, fear, doubt b. "There is no peace, saith the LORD, for the wicked." - Isa 48:22 2. Some may not experience the emotional consequence of "legal" guilt... a. Because they have rejected their conscience to the point of it being "seared" - e.g., 1Ti 1:19-20; 4:1-2 b. Such people have "legal guilt", nonetheless! [Yet the gospel of Christ declares that when we obey its commands, then one of the promises we receive is the remission of sins, which effectively deals with the guilt of sin...] II. THE "REMISSION" OF SINS A. THE PROMINENT PLACE OF "REMISSION OF SINS" IN THE GOSPEL... 1. The blood of Jesus was shed for the remission of our sins - Mt 26:28 2. Remission of sins is to be preached to all nations - Lk 24: 45-47 3. Peter told people they could receive remission of sins in the name of Jesus... a. By believing in Jesus - Ac 10:42-43 b. By repenting and being baptized in His name - Ac 2:38 B. WHAT DOES THIS "REMISSION OF SINS" INVOLVE...? 1. The word remission means "to remit", and involves a dismissal, release 2. A key synonym often used in some translations is the word "forgiveness" 3. Other terms and metaphors found in the Bible to describe the "remission" of sins: a. "taken away" - Jn 1:29; Ro 11:27 b. "blotted out" - Ac 3:19 c. "washed away" - Ac 22:16 d. "covered" - Ro 4:7 e. "not imputed" - Ro 4:8 f. "set free" - Ro 6:17-18 g. "purged" - He 1:3; 2Pe 1:9 h. "remembered no more" - He 8:12 4. All of these signifying the removal of the guilt of sin from the sinner! a. A legal term used to describe a sinner whose sins have been so forgiven is the word "justified" b. Which means "not guilty" - cf. 1Co 6:11 C. NOT JUST REMOVAL OF "LEGAL GUILT", BUT "EMOTIONAL GUILT"... 1. We can now have a perfect conscience a. Something the Old Law could not do! - cf. He 9:8-10; 10:1-4 b. But by the blood of Christ, it is possible to have this "perfect" conscience - cf. He 9:14; 10:22 2. A perfect conscience in the sense that we have real reasons not to feel guilty for our sins: they are totally forgiven by the blood of Christ! a. Therefore, there is no need to have fear, doubt, anxiety, or depression over our spiritual condition b. Instead, we can have peace and joy through the justification that comes by grace - Ro 5:1-2 CONCLUSION 1. This is the promise given to those who obey the gospel that effectively deals with the problem of the guilt of sin... a. Your sins are remitted! b. You are released from the guilt of your sins! 1) From your legal guilt for breaking God's law 2) From your emotional guilt burdening your sensitive conscience 2. Again, how does one receive this promise of "remission of sins"? a. By obeying the commands of the gospel... 1) Believe in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God, who died for your sins! 2) Repent of your sins, deciding in your mind to turn from sin and turn to God 3) Be baptized into Jesus Christ a) By the simple act of immersion in water b) In which by God's grace you are raised to walk in newness of life! b. Note how the last command (baptism) in particular answers the problem of guilt... 1) First, the legal guilt - cf. Ac 2:38; 22:16 2) Also, the emotional guilt - cf. 1Pe 3:21 (The "answer of a good conscience", or as the NASV puts it, "an appeal to God for a good conscience") Have you accepted the gospel's promise of remission of sins to deal with the guilt of your sins, by submitting to the commands of the gospel...?


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Dealing with the Problem of Sin and Guilt

It is not unusual for Christians to feel guilty because of sin in their lives, and to have problems dealing with that guilt and sin. We think that once we have become Christians, we will no longer have a struggle with sin, and that through Christ we will have power to overcome it. Actually, Paul talks about his struggle with sin in Romans 7:18,19: “I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do – this I keep on doing.”

When we accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we experienced the wonderful cleansing power of His blood, which was shed on the cross for us over 2,000 years ago. We had an overwhelming feeling of freedom and release from the bondage of sin and death when we first repented from our old lives and turned to Christ. Then, the following dilemma began to occur as the weeks and months went by – we found ourselves tempted to return to sinful patterns of thinking and acting. It became difficult to accept that we would still continue to sin because we are children of the King: righteous, new creations in Christ, called to be holy as He is holy.

Life Lesson: Time management
Are you still growing spiritually?: Check your compass and let God lead you

But the truth is, we are still sinners and will always battle with sin in our lives because we are inwardly bent towards sin. That is the reason God says in His Word that we need to confess our sins and rely on His promise to cleanse us:

• “Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the LORD’ – and you forgave the guilt of my sin” (Psalm 32:5).
• “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective” (James 5:16).
• “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).
• “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).

These verses remind us that:

1. As Christians we will still sin.
2. Though we are commanded not to sin, there is forgiveness through Jesus Christ.
3. When we sin, there is a way to restore fellowship with God:

• Confess that sin to God and to others.
• Repent from the sin, asking God to change the direction of our lives.
• Pray for each other; ask someone to pray for us.
• Trust that God’s promises are true: He has forgiven us and no longer condemns us.

Who we still are

Sometimes pride keeps us from admitting our sin or keeps us from forgiving ourselves when we sin as Christians. When this happens we need to tell ourselves the truth about who we still are… sinners saved by grace. Don’t let pride keep you from enjoying your relationship with God and don’t believe that you are now above the need for God’s ongoing grace in your life.

You can begin living in God’s grace and accept His ongoing, unconditional forgiveness for the sins you still battle, or the memory of past sin in your life. Realize that as a Christian, you still need to recognize and confess sin in your life. You can have grace for yourself based on God’s grace and forgiveness for you when He paid the penalty for all your sins once and for all through His Son’s death on the cross 2,000 years ago.

Begin to bask in the forgiveness of Christ! You are no longer condemned. You are forgiven! You are His child. You can make a new start every time you sin… just sincerely confess it and ask God to change you from the inside out. Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” If you have repeatedly fallen into the same sin such as pornography, lying, unforgiveness, substance abuse, gossiping, etc., then go to your pastor, a mentor or a Christian counselor and ask for their guidance, prayer, and instruction on how to begin to flee the temptation to sin, to be accountable and to make amends for your sin.

Memorize the following Scriptures so that you can begin relying on God’s Word and the assurance of forgiveness He offers you in Christ, rather than the self-condemnation you may be thinking and feeling.

• “And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God. Since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool, because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy” (Hebrews 10:10-14, italics mine).
• “In him (Christ) we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace” (Ephesians 1:7, italics mine).
• “He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us” (Psalm 103:10-12, italics mine).

Remember that God’s love “covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8). We don’t know our hearts very well, but God knows us and His forgiveness is complete and eternal because Jesus Christ has paid the penalty for our sins and “not for our sins only, but the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:1-2).