Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 51:1b & 2, where we read these words:
"Blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin."This is a splendid prayer by David (above). After all, if our sins are forgiven us in Jesus’ blood atonement, and if we know (and even sense) that they are re-mitted—can there be any greater blessing than this? Jesus died for sinners; He did not die for good people (that think they do not need Him). If we are sinners today, saved by grace through faith in Christ (plus nothing)—then we are supremely blessed (and therefore authentically happy).
What are we to do when we feel (or are) guilty? We are to bring our sin (or concern) to God, through Christ’s gospel grace. If we believe in Jesus' atone-ment, then let us leave our sin there (at the cross). If we do not believe in Jesus' atonement, then we have no recourse but to the law, and its rightful condemnation of us.
[Puritan quote of the day: "The church of Christ is a common hospital, where-in all are in some measure sick of some spiritual disease or other . . . "
—Richard Sibbes, in, "The Bruised Reed"]
