08/09/2020
How do we deal with sins that we have fallen into? Do we wallow in despair, and think there is no rescue, or forgiveness? Where is our heart in the midst of our transgression, and have we been convinced by a dark world that our sin has forever damned us in the eyes of God? Well, that is the ploy of Satan, but we are provided forgiveness, and escape, if we will only believe, and come to God in contrition, asking for mercy and forgiveness. In this way we are forgiven completely.
“Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin!”
Psalm 51:2 ESV
We are going to spend some time in Psalm 51 today because it teaches us how to approach God with our sins, but before we do, I must tell you that there are two major categories of sin. The first consists of those sins that we commit solely against God, like heresy, and worshiping false gods. The second is a variety of sin that is against God, but also involves man, like adultery, theft, and murder. Let’s explore this further regarding how we are forgiven... and forgive.
In our sins against God alone, Satan tries to convince us spiritually, through guilt and spiritual torment, that we can’t be forgiven of our sins against God, but in the case of sins in which man is involved he also uses men as his minions, Human laws being imperfect, and our unforgiving hearts being placated by them, We often hold those who have sinned in perpetual despair. This maintains a feeling of hopelessness in the sinner by convincing us that there is no escape, and no complete forgiveness. You see, God forgives and forgets our sins, but men do not, they punish, and then seldom let the memory of a transgression die. Our hope therefore must be in God alone, and realized through Jesus in His mercy and grace. We must pay civil and criminal penalties to man for our wrong doing, but even so, our hearts and hope should remain fixed on God, because our sins are truly against Him, and His judgement is the eternal judgement of our souls.
“Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment.”
Psalm 51:4 ESV
President Jimmy Carter was being interviewed by Playboy magazine while he was in office, and they asked him if he had ever lusted. This was a trap set to ensnare him because he was a righteous man, but he answered the question with these words: “I have lusted many times in my heart.” By virtue of his answer, I am certain that he sought God’s forgiveness repeatedly in his prayers concerning his human frailties, and the sin they made him receptive to, but his response that day made international news, and is still quoted to this very day. When man is involved in sin which is associated with man, it is never completely forgiven, or forgotten by society, and the life of that sin, whose worldly price was paid for, continues on as it serves Satan against those who desire forgiveness. Hopelessness in our sin is the dark one’s greatest weapon, and Psalm 51 touches on it...
“For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me.”
Psalm 51:3 ESV
So let’s forget about man, and talk about the real sin, which is against God. Let’s talk about how we can be convicted and sentenced to prison by man, but still be forgiven, or after serving our punishment apply for job after job and be refused employment for sins that God has already forgiven, but man holds onto. You see, our one true forgiveness comes from God, and in the hope we find in Him, through Jesus Christ. In this way, we receive mercy, grace, and complete forgiveness. During this life we might carry the burden imposed by man, but spiritually we are told to hold fast to God’s forgiveness, and His promise that He chooses not to remember it. So whether our sin is immoral, criminal, or spiritual, our recourse is to humble ourselves before God, and with a contrite heart, ask Him for forgiveness...
“Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions.”
Psalm 51:1 ESV
Have you prayed this prayer before and still suffered in your heart from that sin? Have you asked God to forgive you, felt the burden of sin lifted, and then walked out of your prayer closet only to allow it to continue haunting you? Guilt is powerful, and it is good while leading us to our knees in contrition, but its usefulness ends there, and it chains our heart to past sins when we can’t leave them behind. Satan never wants us to forget, he wants to separate us from God, and not let go of the sins which the Lord has promised us He would separate from. God’s desire is to separate us from sin as far as the East is from the West. If you are carrying such guilt today, even if you are still being punished by man, I encourage you to pray that the Lord will lift that guilty feeling from you, and return your Heart to the peaceful state of righteousness... lean on him, and the hope we have in our Lord Jesus who simply says: “Go and sin no more.” Listen to the hope we find in our Psalm today...
“For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment.”
Psalm 51:3-4 ESV
In praying for forgiveness, and leaving our guilt in the hands of God, we can reclaim the peace and joy of our salvation, or perhaps we will experience that joy for the first time in our lives. Rejoice in forgiveness, and once we have been washed clean, and our heart has found refuge in God... tell others who might be suffering, as you were, about the good news of Jesus Christ, and the forgiveness of our merciful God who lifts our burden of sin from us.
“Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will return to you.”
Psalm 51:12 ESV
So, to recap how we are forgiven, it comes first in our belief in God, His Son Jesus, and by the instruction of the Holy Spirit who gives us understanding of the hope of God’s promises regarding His mercy, grace, and how He forgives us. Then in remorse, contrition, and a heartfelt prayer, pray in the name of Jesus, for forgiveness.
“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.”
Psalm 51:17 ESV
In this way we come to know forgiveness. So, are we ready to confront our sins today? Is our heart sufficiently broken, racked in guilt, and led to contrition? Has our belief in God, His Word, and in the cleansing power of His Son Jesus Christ filled our hearts, and given us hope, and trust enough to pray this humble prayer for God’s forgiveness? Then let’s pray...
Prayer:
Father thank you for the forgiveness you have promised us, and for the trust we have in it. Thank you for your Son Jesus who has redeemed us, and made the way straight so that we can come to you, washed in His blood, and worthy, through His sacrifice, as we ask to receive your forgiveness. Father, strengthen our hope, and trust in you so that we are confident that you not only forgive, but forget, and teach us to do the same... forgiving others, forgiving ourselves, and forgetting as you do. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you who delivers us from our sins, and returns the joy to our hearts by your forgiveness. Hear our prayers this day, and know our hearts as we bare them before you in contrition and remorse. Hear our plea for forgiveness, and wash away the sin that has plagued us. Praised be your name for choosing not to remember, and to see us as righteous once again. Your mercy and grace bring you glory, and you forgiveness has invited us to your house, and table forevermore. Use our sin. And your forgiveness to lead all sinners to believe, and to be redeemed.
“The reason God records the failures of his saints, is to encourage others who have fallen by weakness and infirmity from fainting, sinking, and despairing under the burden of their sins.” - Thomas Brooks (1600s Puritan Preacher, and author)
Rich Forbes