Christ in All of Scripture – Psalm 51

That David’s personal confession of adultery and murder could be turned into a divinely inspired congregational hymn proves that “whoever comes” to Christ will never be “cast out” (John 6:37). After Nathan’s rebuke, David went straight to the Lord, who had revealed himself as “merciful” and “abounding in steadfast love” (Ex. 34:6; cf. Ps. 51:1). David’s psalm is no proposal for rehabilitation, only a plea for cleansing (Ps. 51:2, 7; Titus 3:5).

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 (Ps. 51:2, 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 (Ps. 51:10).

But the gore of the sacrificial system hinted to David that supplying these needed graces would cost God personally (Ps. 51:1, 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 (Ps. 51:12, 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).

This series of posts pairs a brief passage of Scripture with associated study notes drawn from the Gospel Transformation Bible.