Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. (Psalms 32:1, King James Version)
Imagine a prisoner who is sentenced to spend every day and night of his life in prison because of his crimes, a situation also described as perceptual condemnation. Imagine also that a lawyer comes to him and strongly advocates for him before the judge for his release. Would this perpetual prisoner be happy to be released from his eternal condemnation? Indeed, he would be happy, and that describes the condition in which we, as sinners condemned to eternal hell fire, find ourselves because Christ Jesus has advocated for our release from that condition before God.
Today's biblical excerpt discusses the happiness or blessing of those who have their sins forgiven. The text features three main elements, namely:
Happiness of the forgiven
Forgiveness of transgressions of the transgressor
Covering of sin of the sinner
The first element is the effect of the second and third elements. Hence, it is reasonable to start with the last two. To begin with, we all transgress against God and our transgressions are forgiven by Him not because of what we do ('own of righteousness') and sacrifice (such as prayer, fasting, offerings, praise, worship), but because of what Jesus did and sacrificed. He obeyed the Father in everything and sacrificed His own life so that we could live through Him and inherit eternal life (Hebrews 9:15).
Second, Jesus’ sacrifice includes not only His self-denial, but also the shedding of His blood for our atonement. Verily, the shedding of this blood covers the multitude of sins of many who come to Him with a poor and contrite heart. Indeed, just as detergent washes and cleans our stained clothes, (..) the blood of Jesus Christ (...) cleanseth us from all sin (1 John 1:7).
Third, forgiveness and cleansing lead us to happiness. It is because our transgressions are forgiven and we are cleansed from all sin through Jesus that we are blessed and rejoice in the Lord. Therefore, we are happy because there is no more condemnation in us and, beyond everything, our relationship with God, which was previously broken by sin, has been restored.
As believers, it is crucial that we watch, so as not to fall into false happiness. False happiness is evident in the lives of those who live in sin, regardless of their faith in Jesus. If we are determined to make it to heaven and see our Lord Jesus, we must run away from every form of sinful behaviour, actions and attitudes.
Prayer: O Lord, my heavenly Father, forgive me of my transgressions, as well as my disobedience and ignorance of Your word. Give me the grace to obey You and cleanse/cover me always with the blood of your Son Jesus. Amen. Amen.
May we find true happiness in the forgiveness of our sins.
May the peace, love, salvation and sanctification of our Lord Jesus be with each one of us.