Forgiveness = Blessing

The Lord graciously forgives us when we confess our sin unto Him. David wrote these comforting words in Psalm 32, a prayer that followed confession of his sin with Bath Sheba: “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.” The forgiven man is indeed blessed. He has received divine favor and undeserved love that allow him to return to fellowship with His God. God forgives sin, not because of our worthiness, but because of the justice exercised on God’s Son. The Lord Jesus paid for our sin, and God is satisfied.

Consequently, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (I Jn. 1:9). God is faithful to forgive us—He always will; and He is just to do so—because Christ paid for our sins. He then cleanses us from all unrighteousness. That is what God does. Our part? To confess. John says, “If we confess our sins.” The fact is that we might not, at least for a time. David held on to his sin, and misery immediately replaced joy; emptiness replaced fellowship.

We must admit our sin and desire to turn away from that sin. When we agree with God (confess) that we were wrong for doing wrong, God faithfully and justly forgives. What blessing that follows!