Can God forgive me?

Psalm 51:1

“Be gracious to me, God, according to your mercy. Erase my acts of rebellion according to the greatness of your compassion.”

David wrote these words after he had made a horrible mess out of things! He’d been unfaithful in his kingly duties, then had an affair. He’d tried to cover up the affair, and in failing to do that, ordered the killing of Uriah, the husband, and then tried to look like the valiant king by taking pregnant Bathsheba as his own wife. Ugh.

And what does he ask? He asks that God would erase all those acts from his record? What?! What right does he have to ask for something so audacious?!

What right would you and I have to ask for such a thing? We have no right, whatsoever!

Yet God’s amazing answer is, “Yes.” Because Jesus died and rose, your sins really are forgiven! When Jesus died, he didn’t say, “It’s started.” Instead, he said, “It’s finished.” Yes, every sin ever committed was paid for in full!

And so, can you imagine? You and I get to pray, “Be gracious to me, O God, according to your mercy. Erase my acts of rebellion, according to the greatness of your compassion.” And God’s amazing answer to you and to me is, “I have, my child, I have.”

Thankful for God’s erasing love, just like you,

pastor