The End of Guilt

DEVOTION • “Though you wash yourself with lye and use much soap, the stain of your guilt is still before me” (Jer 2:22); “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow” (Is 1:18).

Read time: 3 min

Jeremiah 2:22 vividly portrays the futility of efforts to cleanse ourselves from both actual and psychological guilt. No ‘good’ actions can erase the stains of our transgressions in either the courtroom of God or our consciences. The prophet intends for us to feel the hopelessness of relying on our own efforts for redemption and freedom from a guilty conscience.

“Though you wash yourself with lye and use much soap, the stain of your guilt is still before me.”

In strikingly similar yet contrasted language, Isaiah 1:18 offers a message of hope and promise, showcasing the boundless mercy and forgiveness of God.

“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.”

By these words, God foreshadows the work of Jesus Christ, whose life, death, and resurrection alone can redeem us from our sins. Through faith in Christ, we are cleansed (1 Cor 6:9–11); and through faith in Christ we feel cleansed (Heb 9:14).

Hear the prophets together calling us to face our guilt and deal with our guilt by trusting not in ourselves but in the finished work of Jesus Christ.

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Heavenly Father, help me trust wholly in the cleaning work of Jesus for me. Strengthen me to know that if you do not accuse me, my conscience need not accuse me either. Amen. ❖