God Forgives the Sinner

"You will never forgive anyone more than God has already forgiven you."    - Max Lucado, American author and minister (1955- Present)

Although Psalm 130 is not a lengthy composition, it contains an abundance of useful guidance for the careful reader. And while the author of the psalm is not openly revealed, most attribute it to King David.

The eminent nineteenth century preacher Charles H. Spurgeon said, "Psalm 130 is a powerful expression of a soul crying out from the depths of despair to God, finding hope in His forgiveness."

Because of its emphasis on sin, forgiveness, and redemption, it is generally known as a "penitential psalm," where the psalmist expresses their sorrow over sin and spiritual failure.

Understanding the importance of sin and receiving God's forgiveness is necessary for one's spiritual well-being. We can reserve redemption for another discussion where it can be properly discussed. 

Most importantly:

• All are guilty of sin. No exceptions!
• The awareness that God's immense compassion and forgiveness is permanently accessible.

Let's briefly look at how they are linked together. First, sin is the offense that necessitates forgiveness. While God's forgiveness is the divine act to release the debt, consequence, or grasp of that sin.

Believing Christians are familiar with this as the forgiveness of God obtained through faith and the "repentance of our sins". Thereby re-establishing good relations between God and us (Acts 3:19).

The repentance of sin is necessary in order to receive salvation. We must change our attitude, actions, and thoughts about sinning. In other words, we must be willing to clean up our act and demonstrate a willingness to change.

Our sin is deep (Jeremiah 17:1; 9). And it doesn't help that we enter this world already at a disadvantage (Psalm 51:5), then spend the rest of our lives trying to deal with it. 

Psalm 130, in its brevity, touches on the importance of our discussion here: our sin and God's forgiveness. But it leaves any further investigation up to us. Here, it directs our attention to:

• The depth of our (human) sin (Psalm 130:3).
• The infinite mercy and complete forgiveness of God (Psalm 130:3-4).
• The value of having patience with the Lord, including faith and confidence (Psalm 130:5-6).
• Even when feeling overpowered by sin, God's unfailing redemptive love is always accessible (Psalm 130:7).

Written for the O.T. nation of Israel, Psalm 130 resonates and applies to all of us today. It teaches us to have faith in the Lord, repentance, receiving salvation in God through our admission of sin, and reliance on His compassionate forgiveness.

Scripture: Psalm 32:5; Isaiah 43:25; 2 Chronicles 7:14; Mark 7:20-23; Romans 3:23

Prayer: "O Lord, I stand before you with a repentant heart, confessing my sins and weaknesses. I admit my need for your forgiveness and mercy. Cleanse my sins, and create in me a pure heart. Amen"

Grace and peace,

Marlowe