Guilt
We all know the basis of our justice system: "Innocent until proven guilty." We've also all heard people say, "I feel so guilty!" True guilt is a fact, not a feeling. A person may "feel guilty," but he or she may not have done anything to "feel guilty" about. When an offense is committed, that violation may prompt police sirens, a mother's angry reprimand or just a nagging worry in the back of the mind. Guilt may trigger memories of a dark past or be part of a daunting present. If not dealt with properly, the looming, heavy feeling of guilt can hang on us for a lifetime. God spoke to the guilty in the Bible on many occasions. When we sin (see sin), we are guilty and offend God because God is holy (see holy). He clears away our guilt through forgiveness (see forgiveness). When we ask God to forgive us, he does so immediately. Our guilt disappears and is replaced with a clear conscience.

Guilt is a heavy burden to bear.
Psalm 38:1-4
1 Corinthians 11:27-30
The Bible distinguishes between premeditated and accidental murder.
Numbers 35:6-33
Joshua 20:1-9
If we confess (see confess) our sin, God will forgive our guilt completely. Nothing but God's forgiveness can rid us of our guilt.
Leviticus 5:15-16
Psalm 32:54
Isaiah 6:5-7
Hebrews 10:1-3,19-22
1 John 1:9