Do we confess our sins to God? Let’s look at Psalm 51.
Is this David’s confession after adultery? Do we acknowledge our sin or pretend it doesn’t exist?
To the Director: A Davidic Psalm. When the prophet Nathan came to him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba. Have mercy, God, according to your gracious love, according to your unlimited compassion, erase my transgressions. Wash me from my iniquity, cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgression; my sin remains continuously before me. (Ps 51:1-3 ISV)
How far back does sin go in the human family? Are we truthful inwardly or do we lie even to ourselves?
Against you, you only, have I sinned, and done what was evil in your sight. As a result, you are just in your pronouncement and clear in your judgment. Indeed, in iniquity I was brought forth; in sin my mother conceived me. Indeed, you are pleased with truth in the inner person, and you will teach me wisdom in my innermost parts. (Ps 51:4-6 ISV)
Symbolically using a cleansing plant, how thoroughly do we want to be cleansed from our sins?
Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. (Ps 51:7-9 KJV)
Where does repentance truly occur, inside or outside? When is a person ready to teach others?
Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation And sustain me with a willing spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners will be converted to You. (Ps 51:10-13 LSB)
Are we guilty of bloodshed, by practices that put other lives in danger? What sacrifices does God really want in spirit and heart?
Save me from the guilt of bloodshed, God, the God of my salvation; Then my tongue will joyfully sing of Your righteousness. Lord, open my lips, So that my mouth may declare Your praise. For You do not delight in sacrifice, otherwise I would give it; You do not take pleasure in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; A broken and a contrite heart, God, You will not despise. (Ps 51:14-17 NASB)
When will God be pleased with Jerusalem? What would turn any religious sacrifices into something that truly pleases God?
May it please you to prosper Zion, to build up the walls of Jerusalem. Then you will delight in the sacrifices of the righteous, in burnt offerings offered whole; then bulls will be offered on your altar. (Ps 51:18-19 NIV)
As David confessed to God and was cleansed, is this proper for us today?
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9 NKJV)
Do we confess our sins to God? You decide!
