Psalms 32 and 51 are frequently used by believers as a framework for expressing their contrition and confessing their sins. Many individuals turn to these Psalms to engage in penitence. It is important to note that only those who have been cleansed by the purifying blood of Jesus can truly embrace this template, whereas those who have not experienced the cleansing power of Jesus’ blood are unable to avail themselves of this opportunity.
For those who are not familiar with God and His Son, they may not even recognize that their actions are sinful. They may feel free to do whatever they please, without considering the weight of guilt. However, it is when their wicked deeds reach a level of utmost depravity that the devil begins to instill a sense of guilt in them, making them aware that they are unworthy of the presence of the Holy God. Unfortunately, individuals within this category often remain oblivious to the evil they commit.
Without realisation, there can be no repentance, leaving them unaware of how to seek forgiveness. It is at this hopeless stage that God, in His boundless love, sent His only Son to bear the burden of sin for those who are ignorant of the consequences of their actions. The unconditional love of God redeemed sinners from the clutches of eternal death by offering His own Son as a substitute. Just as substitute players step onto the field to continue a game when a player becomes exhausted, Jesus came as a substitute to endure the punishment that we rightfully deserve.
I Know My Transgression
Have mercy on me, O God,
Psalm 51:1-3 (NIV)
according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
blot out my transgressions.
Wash away all my iniquity
and cleanse me from my sin.
For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is always before me.
Every human being on this planet is aware of their wrongdoings, although they often fail to comprehend the true nature of their sins. In order to grasp the concept of sin, it is imperative to have knowledge of God’s principles. Furthermore, to rid ourselves of sin, we must demonstrate a deep love and devotion towards God. Even in moments when we do love God, we may still find ourselves susceptible to sin. However, this state of sinfulness does not persist for long, as we swiftly acknowledge the emptiness within ourselves and the barriers that separate us from God. It is crucial to never forget the boundless compassion of God, who forgives our transgressions even before they fully materialize as sins in the eyes of our Heavenly Father. In this Psalm, David poignantly conveys his incredible experience of redemption following his own transgressions.
Solomon in his wisdom expressed the rising again experience of righteous individuals in words, “For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes” (Proverbs 24:16). However, many people perceive this verse differently when looking at Solomon’s own life. Some may interpret it as a license to continue sinning without consequence. This is a misunderstanding. The true message behind this verse is to encourage the righteous to remain steadfast in their faith and trust in the redemptive power of God.
A Contradicting Contrition
Against you, you only, have I sinned
Psalm 51:4-6 (NIV)
and done what is evil in your sight;
so you are right in your verdict
and justified when you judge.
Surely I was sinful at birth,
sinful from the time my mother conceived me.
Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb;
you taught me wisdom in that secret place.
While acknowledging the wrongdoing as a sinful act, the Psalmist, in his reflection, also acknowledges the role of his parents in his transgression. This brings to mind a thought-provoking question that people posed to Jesus: whether the man’s blindness from birth was a result of his own sins or the sins of his parents. In response, Jesus swiftly replied, stating, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him” (John 9:3). Jesus’ answer reveals the ample opportunities we have to proclaim His incredible power, which is capable of transforming the sinners.
God has negated the concept of inheriting sin through the words of the prophet Ezekiel. According to Ezekiel, if a son repents, he will not bear the burden of their parents’ or ancestors’ transgressions. In the case of Cain, God did not declare him sinful from birth. Instead, He uttered the following words, “If you do what is right, will you not be accepted?” (Genesis 4:7). The Psalmist initially expressed blame for his birth in sin but later recognised the chastening power of God. The Psalmist acknowledged that God expects faithfulness and imparts wisdom even to an embryo. No one is inherently born as a fool or a sinner. It is one’s individual habits and choices that cultivate these qualities within them.
Do Not Take Your Holy Spirit From Me
Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
Psalm 51:7-12 (NIV)
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
Let me hear joy and gladness;
let the bones you have crushed rejoice.
Hide your face from my sins
and blot out all my iniquity.
Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
The Psalmist, unaware of the cleansing power of the blood of Jesus, gained an understanding of God’s purifying nature through the knowledge acquired from the law of Moses. If the law inspires such faith in God, how much more should the grace of Jesus ignite our faith? It is a common occurrence for people to confess their sins, but to ask God not to see our sins may seem peculiar. Nevertheless, we must remember that nothing can be concealed from the eyes of God. Many believers confess their transgressions, yet they do not receive a tangible sign of forgiveness. Consequently, they continue to live as they did before, without bearing the fruits of true repentance.
Unlike those who persistently engage in sinful behaviour, David implored God to bestow upon him a pure heart, one that mirrors the image of God bestowed upon Adam and Eve during creation. Furthermore, David fervently requested a renewed and unwavering spirit within himself. The love of God is resolute, and to comprehend this truth, we must possess a steadfast spirit. After confessing our transgressions, if we fail to receive a new heart and renew our spirit, Jesus warned of the grave repercussions of allowing the malevolent spirit to return with even more vicious companions.
God did not desiccate the bones of David, nor did He expel him from His presence, and He did not even contemplate withdrawing His spirit from David. Rather, it was David’s transgressions and iniquities that caused his bones to wither, leading to his estrangement from the presence of God. Eventually, David became unable to feel the presence of the Holy Spirit within him. When we commit sin, we mirror the reactions of Adam and Eve, and as a result, we fail to fully embrace God’s grace, which extends even to the most rebellious of sinners. David earnestly prayed for the restoration of his salvation, seeking a Spirit that would be willing to seek and obey God.
I Will Teach Your Ways
Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
Psalm 51:13-17 (NIV)
so that sinners will turn back to you.
Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God,
you who are God my Savior,
and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.
Open my lips, Lord,
and my mouth will declare your praise.
You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;
you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.
My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart
you, God, will not despise.
Every individual is often inclined to instruct others in the ways of God, yet they are reluctant to personally adhere to those very principles. The Psalmist, having experienced the consequences of his own mistakes, may have genuinely desired to correct those who have gone astray. Likewise, Jesus instructed Peter to guide his fellow disciples only after he himself had learned the ways of God through his own weaknesses. Before embarking on the task of teaching others, it is imperative to acquire a deep understanding of the Word of God and diligently apply it in our own lives.
Unfortunately, many people are quick to impart the knowledge they have acquired from hearsay, even before thoroughly comprehending the truth for themselves. This approach not only poses a grave danger to the recipients of such teachings but also undermines the foundation upon which the teachings are based. It is therefore of utmost importance to establish a solid and personal foundation of knowledge and application before assuming the role of a spiritual mentor.
David possessed a profound comprehension of the concept of burnt offerings. He was acutely aware that God did not derive pleasure from these offerings but rather esteemed a heart that was genuinely remorseful and contrite. The purpose behind God’s request for animal sacrifices was to draw forth a sense of empathy within sinners, making them cognizant of the innocent creature’s life being forfeited due to their transgressions. Unfortunately, many individuals misconstrued these offerings as a mere transactional exchange, a means to absolve themselves of guilt while continuing to live in wickedness. However, David, burdened by the weight of the murder he had committed, possessed a truly broken spirit and thus grasped the futility of offerings compared to a genuinely contrite heart.
When Does God Delight In The Sacrifices
May it please you to prosper Zion,
Psalm 51:18-19 (NIV)
to build up the walls of Jerusalem.
Then you will delight in the sacrifices of the righteous,
in burnt offerings offered whole;
then bulls will be offered on your altar.
It is truly awe-inspiring to comprehend that even prior to the arrival of Jesus, God imparted His teachings to those whom He held close to His heart. Close proximity to God does not necessitate perfect mastery of scripture or a life of faultless purity. Rather, sanctification is achieved by immersing ourselves in the Word of God. Jesus Himself declared that He sanctified Himself in order to sanctify us. He wholeheartedly obeyed His Father, even unto death on the Cross.
Here, David pondered upon the profound teachings of Jesus, who exhorted mankind to purify their hearts before approaching His Holy presence. David comprehended the absolute verity that God shall never scorn an offering presented to Him from a humble and repentant heart.
O God, Create in me a pure heart, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
The Jordan Valley 
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