Now, even when we sin, we can simply confess our sin and restore our fellowship with Jesus based on the truth of 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” This is true. This is true of my soul and yours right now. We in Christ are not condemned. It doesn’t matter what we feel about it; our feelings are not the truth.
The righteousness of Christ surrounds us, before and behind. Isaiah 58:8 tells us that “righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard” (NIV). Righteousness is my guard.
We need this righteous guard because we have an accuser—Satan—who assaults us with condemnation day and night (Rev. 12:10). If you feel assaulted by feelings of worthlessness, shame, and guilt, it’s no wonder: We have an enemy who doesn’t want us to live in the reality of Christ’s righteousness.
Heather Holleman is the author of Guarded by Christ. She is a speaker, writer, and faculty member of Penn State's English Department. Adapted from Guarded by Christ: Knowing the God Who Rescues and Keeps Us by Heather Holleman © 2016. Used by permission. www.MoodyPublishers.com.
