A very significant portion of Scripture is in Psalm 51. It is a song sung as a penitent passes from conscious guilt to the joys of forgiveness. This is the bursting rays of hope. This is the doorway to pass through and leaving the old life onto the new life. This is the heart pound of turning to God when only he can help. Here the petitions of this Psalm to God as the backslider confesses.
In verse one the writer pleas for mercy. The sin that has been committed by King David of adultery could only be blocked out by the lovingkindness of God when the wise believer dares to ask. There is no level, measurement, or flavor of sin. The smallest to the largest sin is a huge offense against God and must be forgiven.
In verses 2-4 this person committing wrong most plead for cleansing as in 1 John 1: 6-10. The remedy of the sinner must be as thorough as it would be for a disease because that’s exactly what sin is only on our souls. Every time we sin, we must realize it is against God. It is an insult to him. It is a blemish against us.
We read in verses 5-7 that the one who has sinned makes a petition that he be released from sin. What matters in regard to eternity is always involving the inward man. This may seem that it is only relevant to the outside in the community of man, but the saving must be on the inside.
We have before us a petition for renewal in verses 8-12. It is better to have God be the one who judges us because even though it is judgment it is still out of his love. Renewal involves healing and keeping us spiritually healthy. We must own the fact that are wrong by words, and deeds, from the wrong spirit within ourselves. Without God’s intervention one is either unsaved or backslidden.
The wonderful consequence of these petitions is apparent in verses 13-19. After forgiveness and renewed relationship with God the believer then seeks to serve God as a privilege. We all must realize that we have a responsibility to teach and win souls just like someone did to you. Consequently, the renewed backsliding Christian regains the desire to praise God. What sacrifices the Christian makes are actually offerings in action to God.
God makes a way through his son who died on the cross for our sin that we can have a great change within us. We have a new road to travel. Opportunities await us after we have found God’s forgiveness. It is a privilege that we can all go to the throne room of God and gain hope that our spirits are cleansed, and we have an eternal destination with God.
Christian Writer 