Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, since the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have any consciousness of sins (Hebrews 10:2 ESV)

Being forgiven and cleansed from sins is different from being free from the constant awareness of past transgressions, a significant stumbling block for many. What is this consciousness of sin, and how can we be free from it?

Think of sin as a stain on the clothes God has given us. When we sin, at least four things happen. First, our clothes are soiled. Second, we become aware of our sins, which leaves a mark on our consciences. Third, we trigger God’s wrath. Fourth, we give Satan an expressway into our lives.

Sin was humanity’s ruin until Jesus came. The blood of Christ is the antidote for our sins. In Christ, we are cleansed, freed, washed, and forgiven; Satan’s hold is broken. However, we often still allow the self-awareness of our sins to negatively affect our lives.

The consciousness of sins means we remember our sins and let that knowledge determine our self-perception and relationship with God and the devil. For example, many Christians doubt if God will answer their prayers, feeling unworthy—they might say they are saints, but they still think as sinners.

In God’s perspective, once cleansed, we should no longer be burdened by our past transgressions. This doesn’t mean erasing our memory, but not letting our past influence self-perception.

Do you believe in Jesus’ blood? Accept that when you asked for forgiveness, God forgave, washed, and freed you. Our hope of joy in this life is to focus on Christ—the cross and the empty grave. Removing our eyes from Him and focusing on ourselves leads to many problems.

Meditate

What is the difference between cleansing and being constantly aware of sins?

Apply the Word

Struggling with lingering awareness of past sins? The key is full faith in Jesus’ sacrifice. When He died, it was for our sins. Why carry the same sins He bore? Apply the blood: trust in His sacrifice, and experience freedom from sin, both inwardly and outwardly.

Pray

Ask the Father to help you remove the lingering awareness of sins in your life.

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• How to Apply the Blood of Jesus
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