A Roadmap For Repentance - Pt. 1

Sunday Service

Psalm 51

In Psalm 51, the Spirit of God, through the example of David, explained and illustrated the FOUR STEPS every sinner must take to get back into a right relationship with God.

STEP 1 = CRY FOR MERCY (vv. 1-2)
David’s repentance began with his pleading for God’s mercy and grace. He deserved death twice over for his crimes of adultery and murder and there were no sacrifices prescribed for atoning for these sins before God. So, all David had to offer was a broken and contrite heart.

STEP 2 = CONFESS YOUR SIN (vv. 3-6)
David’s confession to God was complete and thorough. To congress is to agree with God, for God was already well aware of David’s sinful acts as well as the motives of his heart. David agreed that his transgressions were his own fault. He was admitting that he was to blame for his own transgressions. He also agreed that his sin displeased God and that he deserved to be punished for his sin because he had ultimately sinned against God. Finally, David agreed about God’s integrity and what He demands of His people. David acknowledged that He would continue to sin, but he confessed it and sought to become a man of integrity as God desires. When we confess to God, we are agreeing that we are not going to sin again.

STEP 3 = CALL FOR FORGIVENESS (vv. 7-12)

STEP 4 = COMMIT TO OBEY (vv. 13-19)

Thank God for the greatness of His grace, love, and compassion in forgiving you whenever you sin. Confess any known sin and ask Him to cleanse you and restore you (cf. 1 John 1:8-9).