How can the gospel free us from guilt and shame?

The gospel teaches that Christ bore our sins on the cross, offering complete forgiveness and cleansing (1 John 1:9). As believers, this means our guilt and shame are dealt with, allowing us to approach God confidently. These burdens do not define us; rather, we are defined by our identity in Christ. The assurance of forgiveness gives us the freedom to confess our sins without fear and to live each day knowing we are accepted and loved by God, not based on our performance but on Christ's finished work.