He repented and was Forgiven
“Save me, O God, from bloodguilt!” King David prayed, “Deliver me from the guilt of murder!”
A king was confessing to murder? Here was David crying forth his guilt for all to hear. He put it into writing, even; his guilt is forever on record.
Do not men hide their evil deeds, and flee from the accusation of murder? Do they not make excuses, insisting they are not guilty? Yes, it is usual for them to do so. Surely it would be usual for a king to cover his weaknesses in order to remain in control of the people. But David was very different from most kings. He was a man “after God’s own heart,” that is, a man with the sort of character which pleases God. He knew that sin cannot escape the eye of God and that sin brings grief to his Lord.
David’s character was pleasing to God in these ways:
- He was bold in his deeds, but humble in his attitudes.
- He recognized and admitted his sin.
- He not only confessed his guilt but was truly and deeply repentant.
- He not only asked God to forgive him, but he believed that God heard his prayers.
- He thanked and praised God, Lord of the Universe and Knower of all things.
- He remained in close communion with his Lord.
Now let’s learn from David how we, too, can follow these steps, and be pleasing to God. Then we can say as David did, “My soul finds rest in God alone-my salvation comes from Him.”
In this lesson you will learn:
- Sin Against God Brings Separation
- Repentance To God Brings Reconciliation
- Communion With God Brings Joy
This lesson will help you:
- Understand how man is responsible for sin.
- Define the terms confession and repentance.
- Explain how to receive God’s forgiveness.
- Experience communion with God.