Feeling guilt over sin is a common struggle for many Christians. On one hand, we know that Christ’s death on the cross paid the penalty for our sins – past, present and future. Once we place our faith in Him, we are forgiven and seen as righteous before God (Romans 3:21-24). However, we still battle our sinful nature day to day and may commit sins that grieve the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30). So what happens when we sin and don’t feel guilty about it? Does this mean we are not truly saved?
The Bible does not teach that feeling guilty is a requirement or proof of salvation. Our salvation is based on Christ’s finished work, not our subjective feelings. However, Scripture has much to say about having a sensitive conscience towards sin and walking in repentance.
A Seared Conscience
One reason a Christian may fail to feel guilt over sin is that their conscience has become “seared” or insensitive to sin. Paul warned Timothy that those who reject the faith often have a seared conscience (1 Timothy 4:2). When we ignore the convictions of the Holy Spirit repeatedly, our conscience can become numb and unresponsive. This is a dangerous place to be, as we are more vulnerable to falling into patterns of sin.
Examples of a seared conscience are those who lie, steal or commit sexual immorality without any pangs of remorse. Their hearts have become hardened to the truth of God’s word. The solution is repenting and asking God to renew a sensitive conscience and a hatred of sin (Psalm 51:10).
Carnal Christianity
Another reason we may feel indifferent toward sin is that we are living in carnality. There is a difference between a true Christian who is grieving the Holy Spirit by their sin and a “carnal Christian” whose faith is dubious because they live in unrepentant sin. Paul addressed both types in 1 Corinthians.
To the sinning-but-repentant believers, Paul urged them to flee sexual immorality and glorify God with their bodies (1 Cor 6:18-20). But regarding the professing believers living in unconfessed sin, he wrote, “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!” (2 Cor 13:5).
If we can engage in sin freely without conviction or remorse, we may not have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. We are fooling ourselves if we think we can live in unrepentant sin as a Christian (1 John 1:6). Examining our conscience over sin is vital.
Grieving the Spirit
The Bible makes a distinction between grieving the Holy Spirit with our sin and the ongoing rebellion of an unregenerate heart. Believers are instructed not to grieve God’s Spirit: “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption” (Ephesians 4:30). Paul warned believers that ongoing sins like bitterness, rage and slander grieve the Lord (Ephesians 4:29-32). The fact that the Spirit can be grieved shows the sensitivity of our conscience toward God.
However, the unrepentant lifestyle of one living in open sin manifests a heart that is far from God. Of these Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21). Our obedience shows whether we belong to Christ.
Signs of Dead Faith
How can we discern if our indifference towards sin is a sign of spiritual deadness versus temporary backsliding? Here are some indicators:
- Pattern of unconfessed sin and lack of remorse (1 John 1:9)
- Habitually ignoring the convictions of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30)
- No discipline in Christian habits like prayer, Bible study and fellowship (Hebrews 10:24-25)
- Unwillingness to repent when confronted in sin (Matthew 18:15-17)
- Disinterest in serving God and spiritual things (Galatians 5:16-17)
- No evidence of spiritual fruit in your life (Galatians 5:22-23)
- Disregard for the commands of Scripture (John 14:15)
While every Christian struggles with sin at times, those with a seared conscience persist in sin without shame or restraint. This reveals a heart that has not been transformed by the indwelling Holy Spirit.
Cultivate a Tender Conscience
How should we respond if our conscience seems insensitive to sin? Consider these steps:
- Ask God to show you any unconfessed sin and reveal the true condition of your heart (Psalm 139:23-24).
- Examine if you are truly in the faith by looking for spiritual fruit (2 Corinthians 13:5).
- Confess and repent of any sin that has hardened your heart (Acts 3:19).
- Draw near to God to purify your conscience (Hebrews 10:19-22).
- Immerse yourself in God’s word to renew your mind (Romans 12:2).
- Walk in humility and obedience to keep your conscience tender (1 Peter 1:14-16).
- Rely on the Holy Spirit’s conviction when you are tempted (John 16:8).
- Remove influences that inflame your sinful passions (Romans 13:14).
As we maintain a close walk with Christ, our conscience becomes more sensitive to offending our Lord. While feelings should not determine our salvation, a sincere faith produces genuine love for God and grief over sin. If we can sin without remorse, we may not belong to Him (1 John 3:6-9).
Freedom from Guilt
Though sensitivity to sin is important, the Bible also promises freedom from guilt for the Christian. Once we confess and turn from sin, “He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). Christ bore our shame on the cross so we can have lasting peace (Isaiah 53:5).
By His Spirit, we are empowered to walk in holiness and obedience. As we do, we can serve God with a “clear conscience” (2 Timothy 1:3). While godly sorrow leads to repentance, ongoing guilt over forgiven sin can become a snare if we fail to receive God’s cleansing (2 Corinthians 7:10). The Christian walk involves both hating sin and embracing the full forgiveness we have in Christ.
Test Yourself
In summary, it is vital for believers to periodically examine if they have drifted into carnality or if their conscience has become tolerant of sin. If we can sin freely without remorse, we are ignoring the Holy Spirit’s warnings. Thankfully, God’s grace is greater than all our sin. As we turn to Him, He renews our conscience and restores the joy of holiness.
“Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith…let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.” (Hebrews 10:22-24)