Verse of the Day (October 20, 2019)

Verse of the Day (October 20, 2019) – There is no self-justification, only affirmation of God’s justice (Ps. 51:3–6; cf. 1 John 1:9). David does not blame his upbringing; he was a sinner before he was born (Ps. 51:5; Rom. 3:4). He does not claim mitigating circumstances; these were “sins” and “iniquities” (Ps. 51:9; 1 Cor. 6:9, 10). Only God can qualify a sinner to stand in his presence (Ps. 51:11). As a priest, God cleanses the confessing sinner (vv. 2, 7, 17; Num. 19:6). As a judge, he blots out his guilty record (Ps. 51:9, 14). As the Creator, he remakes his heart (v. 10). But the gore of the sacrificial system hinted to David that supplying these needed graces would cost God personally (vv. 1, 4, 9, 12, 14). Only Christ’s innocent blood could ultimately erase human guilt (Heb. 9:14, 22). Only Christ’s perfect record of “righteousness” can substitute for iniquities (cf. Ps. 51:14). And only Christ’s Spirit can regenerate wills (vv. 12, 19; Titus 3:8). Christ’s is the only sacrifice God has permanently delighted in (Ps. 51:16; Heb. 10:5–10). Salvation is a gift granted by God’s “good pleasure,” never in response to merit or desert (Ps. 51:18; Phil. 2:13). Joyful obedience—never pride—is the response to grace (Ps. 51:12, 15). (Gospel Transformation Study Bible) #BMSeminary #29thAnniversayCBC