Every so often we hear of someone who has fallen into some misconduct. If the person is prominent, it can create a major scandal. This can bring about the fall of the person, particularly if they are a religious or political figure. We can all name some politicians or big-name pastors whose careers were destroyed because of an indiscretion that came to light. As we look at our Psalm for this week, we are reminded of another prominent person who fell into sin, King David. His sin could easily have put his throne in danger, and it definitely caused irreparable damage to his family.
In II Samuel chapters 11 and 12 we read the familiar account of David’s adultery with Bathsheba, and subsequent order to have her husband Uriah killed in battle. When David should have been with his troops in battle, instead he was home at his palace, lounging around on a patio on the roof. From there he watched a neighbor woman bathing. Instead of fleeing the temptation to sin that Satan threw in his path, he lingered on, allowing his lust to flare into a fevered pitch, and committed adultery with this married woman. When he found she was pregnant, David first tried to get Uriah to think the child was his. When that didn’t work, David arranged to have him killed in battle. For at least a year David went on with his life, as if nothing had happened.
How could someone who was a believer and follower of Yahweh, who had been so close to Him, fall so deeply into sin? David had trusted the Lord through so many dangers and trials, and composed so many psalms and hymns of praise. What happened to David could easily happen to us, as well. David tried to cover up his sin. He lied, both to others, to himself, and also to God. However, God has warned us in His Word that our sins will catch up with us, and will find us out (Numbers 32:23). During this time, David refused to confess and repent of this sin of adultery and murder. The guilt may have been gnawing on his mind and conscience, but he pushed it aside.
God waited patiently for David, and finally sent His servant, the prophet/preacher Nathan to him, to confront him with his sin. This took a lot of courage, but Nathan was a fearless man of God, and boldly faced the king with his sin. David recognized how horrendous his sin was against God. He blamed no one but himself, and begged God for forgiveness. David knew that, not only was his sin against Bathsheba and her husband, and against his own family, but it was also against God (vs. 4). All sins are ultimately against God, are rebellion against Him, and require His forgiveness first and foremost. Psalm 51 is David’s cry of repentance and confession. Repentance requires confession. It is not complete without honesty. We must take full responsibility for our sins. Religious ritual without genuine repentance is useless (vs. 16). God wants a right heart attitude. If our heart is not right with God, our outward actions will not please Him (vs. 17).
After someone has committed very serious sin, even something particularly heinous, they might feel that they are beyond God’s forgiveness. Others may feel the same way about that person, as well. They may feel that such a person has crossed the imaginary line of forgiveness, either forgiveness from other people or from God. Psalm 51 shows that there is no sin too great that cannot be forgiven. God will never turn away or reject true repentance, a broken spirit, or a contrite heart (vs. 17). Though God forgives us, He does not always erase the natural consequences of our sins. A person who commits murder will still have to pay the consequences of prison time. Gambling away one’s money may find the person homeless. David’s life and family were never the same due to this sin.
There is also the question about whether, after falling into serious, major sin, a believer can lose their salvation. Once we are truly saved, we can never lose our salvation. Jesus gives His sheep eternal life, and He has promised in His Word that no one can snatch them out of His hand (John 10:28-29). As the Apostle Paul teaches, if we have committed our salvation into Jesus’ hands, we can rest assured that He is able to keep that secure until the end (II Timothy 1:12). However, we can lose the joy of our salvation through our sin (vs. 12). Confessing our sins and relying on the Holy Spirit, we can return to peace with God.
By staying in a close relationship with the Lord through daily prayer, reading the Bible, and fellowship with other believers, we can try to avoid falling into serious, troubling sin. However, if we do, we need to repent and confess that sin as soon as possible, knowing that the Lord will forgive.
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