Guilt

To what extent should a Christian experience guilt?

We're washed by the blood of Christ, so our offenses are not counted against us. We are forgiven. The transgressions, both obvious and hidden, are wiped clean. Grace is thorough.

BUT

Admission of guilt is part of the process. Experiencing and submitting to the gospel requires a humility of conscience, an understanding of our sin. We must comprehend the gravity of our crime -- it fuels repentance. Without an appreciation of our guilt, grace becomes cheap.

So how can we hold these concepts in tension? How can we be mindful of both our sinfulness and our salvation? How do we keep from falling into a pit of self-condemnation when conviction fills our hearts? How do we walk in the freedom of Christ without abusing the very liberation He died for?