Psalm 51 - Forgiveness of Sin

This Psalm was written by David after he was confronted by the prophet Nathan after his adulterous affair with Bathsheba. If you don't know the story you can find it here David and Bathsheba Read about Nathan confronting David here Nathan confronts David

Psalm 51 is a rather famous psalm on how to find forgiveness from sin. It is a wonderful example of how we should come to God when we realize our sin. Here are some of the things that I noticed about asking forgiveness and this psalm.

• Even though many people were sinned against and were affected by David's sin he knew that ultimately his sin was against God. v.4
• He asked God to forgive him. vs. 1, 2, 7, 9

In addition David asked for these things from God - things he had lost because of his sin.

• Joy and gladness v.8
• A pure heart v.10
• A steadfast spirit v.10

And he promised these things to God

• To teach transgressors God's ways v.13
• That he would sing of God's righteousness v.14
• To declare God's praise v.15

And David realized that sacrifices (offering bulls and goats) were meaningless without truly being sorry for sin.

16 You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. 17 My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.

Bottom line:

Sacrifices or offerings or anything else we give to God are meaningless by themselves. What matters is our heart.

When we sin we need to ask for forgiveness with a contrite heart.

God is the one who can give us a pure heart, a steadfast spirit and can restore the joy of His salvation that He has given us.