Peter Barnes | Psalm 51:7-12
SERMON NOTES
RESTORING THE JOY OF SALVATION
Psalm 51:7-12
– David sees the depths of his sin before a holy and just God, but yet there is forgiveness – Ps.130:3-4.
1. Plea for holiness.
– 51:7. Hyssop was a plant that was used in the cleansing of a leper (Lev.14:3-4, 6-7); in cleansing after touching a dead body (Num.19:16-19); and in the Passover (Ex.12:22). David seems to have had these verses in mind. On 6 January 1850 Charles Spurgeon was converted, and, going home, was much comforted in recalling Psalm 51:7.
– 51:9. Regarding sin, Augustine told his congregation: ‘So if you acknowledge it, God overlooks it.’
– 51:10. One of the proofs of justification is sanctification.
2. Plea for God’s presence.
– 51:11. To the believer, nothing is more delightful than God’s presence and nothing would be more wretched than God’s absence (Ps.27:4; 42:1-2; 63:1; 84:1-2). The Spirit mediates the presence of God to us (1 Sam.16:13; note 1 Sam.15:28; 16:14). Assurance can vary.
3. Plea for the joy of salvation.
– 5:8, 12.
Calvin: ‘it is the word of God alone which can first and effectually cheer the heart of any sinner.’ Acts 8:39.
Where is the blessedness I knew
When first I saw the Lord? (William Cowper)