Bible Reflections for 7/11/08 — Reflections on Psalm 32

Psalm 32:1,2 —

Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.

We all have received many blessings from the LORD, whether we realize this fact or not. We have blessings of health, family, friends, jobs, freedoms, and material resources. There is an old hymn that goes, "Count your many blessings. Name them one by one. And it will surprise you what the Lord has done." And that is a wonderfully wholesome and healing exercise. But here David addresses a blessing that is more significant and lasting than any of those other blessings, and it can be the source of even greater happiness and joy. It is the blessing of forgiveness—a clean slate in the sight of God—every past transgression covered, cleansed, and forgotten.

The Apostle Paul quoted this psalm in Romans chapter 4, and there he elaborated on this great blessing in much detail. He pointed out that Abraham also experienced this blessing in Genesis 15:6, where we read that "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." In other words, Abraham also had righteousness imputed to him by God. Paul had a name for this blessing. He called it "justification." He pointed out that it cannot be earned or purchased or merited by good deeds. It is a free gift that is imparted through faith—just as Abraham believed God, and that became the grounds for his blessing. Through the unmerited favor of God, based on the atonement He accomplished on our behalf, this blessing is still available today. Imagine that! The vilest sinner can have free, righteous standing before God—a perfectly fresh beginning. I desire this blessing for every person who reads these words.

Best wishes, GH

Daily Bible Reflections are accompanied by daily Stock Market Commentary.

• Today's Stock Market Commentary
• Yesterday's Bible Reflection: Reflections on Psalm 31
• Yesterday's Stock Market Commentary

Back To Top