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Guilt vs. False Guilt

Guilt is first a fact and maybe a feeling.

If a person sins and does what is forbidden in any of the LORD's commands, even though he does not know it, he is guilty and will be held responsible. Leviticus 5:17 (NIV)

The feeling may not record the real guilt.

False guilt is always a feeling and never a fact. Real guilt when confessed in repentance is always forgiven.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. I John 1:9 (NIV)

False guilt, when confessed, is not forgiven by God because it is not a sin. The “guilty” person keeps on confessing and receives no relief. He has believed the lie of the accuser. This is not conviction of the Holy Spirit. The sin that must be confessed is believing the lie of the devil.


(Taken from Day & Night, 2005)

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