"THERE IS
FORGIVENESS WITH THEE"
Psalm 130:4
Here is the good news of the gospel - Sinners though
we are, deserving of God's eternal wrath, we may yet obtain the forgiveness of
sins! Though the God of heaven is glorious in holiness, righteousness, justice,
and truth, he delights to show mercy. It is the glory of God to forgive
sinners!
This matter of forgiveness is an Absolute
Certainty. David does not speak with hesitation. He says, 'There is
forgiveness." I know that God forgives sin, because it is his nature to do
so. I know, that God forgives sin, because all the
prophet; and ceremonial sacrifices of the Old Testament proclaimed that he
would. I know that God forgives sin
because he sent his Son into this world to die the Just for the unjust, that we
might receive the remission of sins. I know that there is forgiveness with God,
because he proclaims it in the gospel. And I know that the God of heaven
forgives sin, because he has forgiven my sin!
Not only is there forgiveness of sin certain,
it is also a matter of Strict Justice. God, in his holiness, truth, and
justice, cannot simply, arbitrarily pronounce the sinner forgiven. His law must
be satisfied. "The soul that sinneth, it shall die:" Therefore, the
Son of God took upon himself human flesh. Living in perfect obedience to the
law of God, Christ accomplished for us that perfect righteousness which God
required of man. The law was obeyed by our legal Representative. Still, our
sins had to be paid for. So our loving Redeemer voluntarily gave himself up
into the hands of the law, to suffer and die as our Substitute. Having endured
the utmost extremity of God's infinite wrath and justice, Christ declared
"It is finished!" He made an end of sin. He brought in an everlasting
righteousness. He obtained eternal redemption for us! Now God in justice cannot
charge those for whom Christ died with sin. He is faithful and just to forgive
us.
And,
blessed be God, this forgiveness is Entirely Free. We preach to you forgiveness
by the blood of Christ. "And by him all that believe are justified from
all things." Faith cannot put away sin. Only Christ can do that. But faith
receives the forgiveness of sin, trusting the merits of Christ alone. Believe
on Christ this day and receive the forgiveness of sin.