Forgiven

Today's readings
Tomorrow's readings

" Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven,whose sin is covered." Psalm 32:1

My favorite Psalm is Psalm 51. That might be an odd way to begin talking about Psalm 32 but the both need to be read together. Augustine (and Paul and well you get the point) was right: the only way to understand the Grace and Mercy of God and the meaning of our Salvation is to start with the fact that we are utterly depraved and utterly forsaken apart from Christ. Until we understand how truly sinful we are and how desparate our situation our salvation can be nothing more than a bandaid that will somehow make us "better". But once we understand that we can see the wonder and awe and beauty and majesty in God's gift of His Son. The incomparable richness of that gift will bring us to our knees as it should. That is why I like Psalm 51. David understood the depth of his sin and the need for his Lord. There could be no other substitute. But that is only half the story. The Good News is that we have been forgiven and restored to a peaceful relationship with God through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. That is why I read Psalm 32 after reading Psalm 51. Once you admit your sinfulness the next step is to rejoice in the forgiveness that is freely offered. Then I can understand that I am truly blessed in Christ Jesus.