David Rebuked By Nathan Series

So, the first step God uses to restore sinners back into fellowship with himself is conviction of sin.

II. The Second Step Is Repentance (12:13a)

The second step is repentance.

After Nathan had spoken to David, we read these words in verse 13, “ David said to Nathan, ‘I have sinned against the Lord.’ ” These words are simple and sincere. There was no equivocation in David’s words. We know that to be the case because he was forgiven and also because he wrote a psalm of confession (Psalm 51).

Now, attentive readers of Scripture may recall that David’s predecessor, King Saul, also acknowledged his sin against the Lord. In fact, on three occasions, Saul said, “I have sinned” (1 Samuel 15:24, 15:30; 26;21). Yet, Saul did not repent. He was contrite. He felt that he had been caught out. He said that he had sinned. But he was not repentant. And the reason I say that is because there was no fruit of repentance in Saul’s life.

David said, “I have sinned against the Lord.” Those were not merely words said so that he could move on with his life. David was truly repentant.

We sometimes see someone say on TV, “I am sorry if I have caused you pain.” Or, “I am sorry if you have been hurt.” That is such a hollow apology. The one making the apology is not taking responsibility for the wrong done. He is actually shifting the blame to the person he has wronged. After all, if that person did not feel any pain or hurt, then there would be no need for an apology.

David does none of that. He truly repents. As I mentioned, we know that David’s repentance was sincere because he was forgiven. Moreover, David wrote Psalm 51, which was written, as he said, “when Nathan the prophet went to him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba.” Here is what David wrote in Psalm 51:1–4, “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! 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.”

David understood the magnitude of his sin and he repented of his sin.

So, the first step God uses to restore sinners back into fellowship with himself is conviction of sin. The second step is repentance.

III. The Third Step Is Forgiveness (12:13b-15)

And the third step is forgiveness.

Verse 13b says, “And Nathan said to David, ‘The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die.’ ” The penalty for adultery in Leviticus 20:10 would not be applied to David. In terms of his eternal standing before God, David’s sin would not be accounted to him. It would be accounted to his Greater Son, Jesus Christ, who paid the penalty for all of David’s sin. Therefore, David’s forgiveness was complete. His fellowship with God was restored.

Yet, forgiveness does not mean the removal of the consequences of sin. The thief who steals may be forgiven and yet still be required to make restitution for what was stolen. The person who commits murder may be forgiven but still has to suffer the consequences for his murder by going to prison. If consequences were eliminated by a simple act of repentance, then justice would become ineffective.