The Blessing of Forgiveness
Are you blessed? David says in Psalm 32 that the person whose transgressions and sins are forgiven is truly blessed. There is real joy and delight in knowing that God has forgiven His people their sins. Every man is born with a sin nature (Rom 3:23). Everyone commits transgression and sin, yet not every person has been forgiven of their sin (32:1).
David begins by mentioning the three Hebrew words for sin in 1-2. Transgression is open rebellion against God; knowing the right way and not doing what is right. Sin is failure to stay on the right path, or missing the mark of God’s standard in His word. Iniquity is the twisted-ness of life that results from sin and its consequences. God’s forgiveness covers all three.
David says that forgiveness of sins is a blessing for those that trust in God. There is no condemnation for those that have been forgiven (32:1-2; Rom 8:1 ). God does not “impute,” or keep a record of the sins of the believer that has been forgiven through the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ (32:2; Eph 1:7). Believers can know for sure that when they sin and ask God for forgiveness, they will be forgiven (1 Jn 1:9).
When you ask for forgiveness you must pray without deceit (32:2). If you deny that what you have done is sin or try to hide it, then you are demonstrating a lack of true repentance. Repentance means honestly agreeing with God that you have sinned against him, and is a necessary qualification for forgiveness. God knows when we are simply going through a confessional but without remorse or a desire to change. Brethren, there is great blessing in confessing your sin and receiving His forgiveness.