Can I really be released from guilt over my sins?

“This is a permanent law for you, to purify the people of Israel from their sins, making them right with the LORD once each year.”

Leviticus 16:34 (NLT)

There is no greater feeling than knowing you are forgiven by someone you love. When we have offended someone, it is like iron bars between us (Proverbs 18:19). How much more is this true in our relationship with God? There is a sense of agony and anxiety when we know our sins have separated us from our Maker, for we were created to have unbroken fellowship with God.

When David sinned, he spent about a year in denial and cover-up. He described this experience in Psalm 32:

“When I kept silent, my bones grew old through my groaning all the day long. For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; my vitality was turned into the drought of summer. I acknowledged my sin to You, and my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,’ And You forgave the iniquity of my sin.”

Psalm 32:3–5 (NKJV)

David found forgiveness through confession to the LORD. That is the reason he could begin this psalm with a beatitude:

“Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.”

Psalm 32:1–2 (NKJV)

Today we conclude our study of The Day of Atonement. We focus on the role of the scapegoat. The high priest laid his hands on the goat’s head and confessed the sins of the people, transferring them to the goat. Then they released the scapegoat into the wilderness to carry their sins far away. This was a great time of rejoicing because the people knew their sins were forgiven and completely removed from them!

Because of the blood of Jesus, we can experience this same joy. When we confess our sins, we know the price has already been paid in full. We have forgiveness and cleansing, and God completely removes our sins from us–as far as the east is from the west. Blessed assurance!

Have you come to God in humility and honesty, confessing your sins? If not, then pray this simple prayer from your heart:

“Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your Son to die for my sins. Examine me and show me any attitude, action, or inaction that displeases you. Help me by your grace to confess this and turn from it. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.”

Then confess (agree with God about) each thing He brings to mind, knowing that Jesus paid it all. Receive God’s complete forgiveness. Finally, turn from these things by His grace, and determine to obey Christ in all things. This is your Day of Atonement!

Photo by Karim MANJRA on Unsplash