Psalms 51:1-8 - Homilies By C. Short

Repentance and forgiveness.

Some deny the Davidic origin of this psalm; but most refer it to the time when Nathan charged David with the sins of adultery and murder. In these verses we have set forth the nature of forgiveness , and the nature of repentance.

I. PRAYER FOR FORGIVENESS .

1 . Forgiveness is the inward and outward cleansing from sin. It is blotting out a record or a debt that is against us—that is, the outward cleansing. And it is a washing , or cleansing , or purging-that is, the inward forgiveness, or the taking away of sin. So that it is a double work.

2 . When we become conscious of such forgiveness , we rejoice with a great gladness. ( Psalms 51:8 .) The strength (bones) which sin has broken is restored and rejoices.

II. THE NATURE OF REPENTANCE .

1 . It is a trust in the Divine goodness and mercy. ( Psalms 51:1 .) Sorrow for sin without hope in God is remorse and death—not repentance.

2 . A consciousness that our sin is more against God than against man. ( Psalms 51:4 .) "Inasmuch as ye did it against one of the least of these," etc.

3. An acknowledgment of the Divine righteousness in the punishment he has suffered. (Verse 21.)

4 . He not only confesses the sinful deed , but traces it to the inheritance of a nature sinfully inclined. ( Psalms 51:5 .)

5 . He prays for inward truthfulness and wisdom as his only safety for the future ( Psalms 51:6 ).—S.