We have been looking at the outcome of putting faith in Jesus Christ as seen in Romans 3:21-6:23. Today I would like to focus on the outcome of forgiveness. David is quoted as referring to forgiveness in Romans 4:6: “David says the same thing when he speaks of the blessedness of the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works.” 

 

The point he is making is that when we come to the end of our rope, trying to work at establishing a right standing with God, we only get frustrated. Or if we think we are succeeding and become proud. Both of these consequences are undesirable. If on the other hand we just trust in God we will be blessed. 

 

Listen to Romans 4:7-8: “Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him.” These verses are quoted from Psalm 32 where David shares the agony of his heart as he kept silent about his sins. He knew he couldn’t keep them hidden from God. In fact, God’s hand of conviction was heavy upon him. Only after acknowledging and confessing his sin did he experience forgiveness. 

 

He closes the Psalm with these words, “the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him. Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart.” 

 

That’s how the Psalm started. Then he described the path to that blessedness he experienced when God forgave him. Faith was the key. He shares this experience again in Psalm 51. I hope you have experienced the joy of forgiveness David describes in these Psalms.

 

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1^st John 1:9)). Praise God!