Some of the most wonderful words that anyone can hear are words that David testified of when he confessed his sin before the Lord. He acknowledged his sin and went to the Lord. David writes, “I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah” (Ps. 32:5). Just like that! Forgiven!
David’s sins of adultery and murder were great, but his humble and contrite heart brought the grace of God resulting in forgiveness and cleansing on the basis of Christ’s sacrifice. No more waring, no more turmoil, no more emptiness. With forgiveness, the burden of sin is lifted and carried away; the stain of sin is washed and the guilt is removed; the barrier with the Lord is gone. Now, peace, joy, and fellowship—with God.
What does God require to receive forgiveness? Acknowledge sin and don’t hide iniquity. Be free and open to admit and to agree—first and foremost to God. That is what the word confess means. When we confess our sins to the Lord, we agree with Him about our sin—that it was wrong and that we were wrong for committing it. God faithfully and justly forgives us of our sin and allows us to start fresh. In Psalm 32:1 David summarized his ordeal upon confession: “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven.”
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