4 Minute Read
Today’s Bible Reading:
1 Kings 9:1–10:29
Acts 8:14-40
Psalm 130:1-8
Proverbs 17:2-3
Today’s Bible Verse(s):
Psalm 130:3-4 (NLT): “Lord, if you kept a record of our sins, who, O Lord, could ever survive? But you offer forgiveness, that we might learn to fear you.”
Reflections on Today’s Bible Verse(s):
In the verse that I have chosen for today, the Psalmist pointed out a few essential facts which foreshadow the New Testament Gospel:
First of all, he acknowledged that he was a sinner. This simply means that there were times when he violated God’s laws. Either he did something God had forbidden, or he failed to do something that God had required.
Second, he recognized that no one could stand before God if He kept a record of every sin. No one could enjoy His presence. All would be cast out as lawbreakers fit for eternal punishments.
Third, he celebrated the fact that God is a forgiving God. His sins had been wiped away by a God who is merciful (God withheld give deserved punishment) and gracious (God provided good things that he didn’t deserve).
But, as New Testament saints, we realize that God cannot, as a just and holy God, simply overlook sin. It is an offense against His holiness and justice, and it must be punished. Therefore, we praise God that He determined in eternity past to show us how good of a God He is by sending His own Son to take the punishment we deserved for all who would trust in Him.
Finally, the Psalmist said that God was to be revered. Because of what God had done for him, He is to be praised. The Psalmist didn’t deserve forgiveness, but he had received it. He didn’t deserve access into God’s presence nor an eternal home in Heaven, but God graciously stood ready to give it. And, as New Testament saints, because of what God has done for us in Christ, we should praise Him!
Psalm 130:3-4 (NLT): “Lord, if you kept a record of our sins, who, O Lord, could ever survive? But you offer forgiveness, that we might learn to fear you.”
Matt Ellis is the pastor of First Baptist Church in Polk City, Florida (fbcpolkcity.com). His latest book is God’s Grace in the Real World. Connect with him on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.
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