“I will have mercy on you because of My unfailing love. I will have compassionate on you, and blot out the stain on your sin. I will wash you clean from your guilt, and I will purify your soul. Because you recognize your rebellion against Me, your sin haunts you day and night. Your sin was against Me, not others, but against Me; you have done evil in My sight. You realize I am right in what I do and My decisions about you are correct. You are a sinner, and were born in sin; you have sinned since your mother conceived you. But I desire honesty even in the womb, I began teaching you what to do even there. I will purify you and you shall be clean, I will wash you so you are whiter than snow. Yes, I have broken you because of your sin, but I will give you back your joy and rejoicing. I will not constantly remind you of your sin, I will give you a clean heart and renew an obedient spirit in you. I will not throw you out of My presence and I won’t take the Holy Spirit from you. I will restore the joy of your salvation, and give you a willing spirit to obey Me. Then you can teach sinners My way, and they will come to Me for forgiveness. I will forgive you for shedding blood, then you can joyfully sing My praises. I will open your mouth to speak for Me, and your lips will sing My praises” (Psalm 51:1-15).
A. THE DEEPEST CONFESSION – THE GREATEST FORGIVENESS
1. David’s greatest sin was against God, not family, wife, or Uriah.
2. What is the path to forgiveness and transformation? It begins in your heart.
B. SEVEN STEPS INTO FULL FORGIVENESS
1. Sin is first against God’s standards, then yourself, others, and community.
a. What is so bad about sin? “Your rebellion against God” (v. 4).
b. Where do you begin? “Recognize your rebellion” (v. 4).
2. True repentance acknowledges your sin against God, and that you cannot deal with it. “My sin is ever before me” (v. 3, KJV). “Your sin haunts you day and night” (v. 4).
a. To convict – to cause to see.
b. To see your unbelief – John 16:9.
c. To see God’s righteous standard – John 16:10.
d. To see God’s punishment – John 16:11.
3. Acknowledge both your sinful rebellious nature, and sinful rebellious acts. “You are a sinner and were born in sin” (v. 5). “Blot out my transgressions” (v. 1, KJV). “I acknowledge my transgressions” (v. 3, KJV). “You have sinned since your mother conceived you” (v. 5).
a. You were born with a sinful nature – urge to do wrong.
b. To do acts of sin – sin is rebellion.
c. No righteousness – your record condemns.
4. Cry for forgiveness. “Purify me from my sin, and I will be clean. Wash me and I will be white as snow” (v. 7, TLB).
a. Forgiveness begins with minus sin.
b. You still don’t qualify for heaven, just because of no sin.
5. Need for transformation. “I will give you a clean heart” (v. 1). What happened?
a. The old nature (man) is put to death.
b. Given a new nature (Christ) lives in you. “You were crucified with Me. You died when I died on the cross so you should no longer try to live for God in the flesh. Now, I live within you to give you new life, the Christian life is outliving of My indwelling you” (Galatians 2:20, ELT).
6. Walk in relationship with Christ. “Renew an obedient spirit within you” (v. 12). How do you walk?
a. Walk in newness of life – Romans 6:4
b. Walk by faith – 2 Corinthians 5:7
c. Walk in the Holy Spirit – Galatians 5:25
d. Walk in love – Ephesians 5:2
e. Grow in grace – 2 Peter 3:17
7. Share with others what God has done for you. “Then you can teach sinners My way, and they will come to Me” (v. 13).
a. The prevent returning to your weakness.
b. The keep others form your mistakes.
c. To serve God with a pure heart.
d. To worship and glorify the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Lord, I come to You in tears and brokenness because of my sin. Forgive me! I am not better than David who was king; my sin is just as great as David who sinned against You. None of us are worthy of forgiveness. No matter what my sin, I deserve punishment for the things I have done. Forgive my sin. Amen.
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.
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