Romans 4:6–8: Just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works: “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, And whose sins are covered; Blessed is the man to whom the Lord shall not impute sin.”
“Are forgiven” refers to a definite and complete act of remission. This speaks of the tenderness of God by taking the sinner into His arms of love and receiving him with affection. His sins are covered because Jesus died and shed His blood, my friend. 1
David had broken three of the Ten Commandments outright as he coveted Bathsheba, committed adultery, and murdered Uriah—and the Old Testament sacrificial system made no provision for such premeditated sin. This is why David cried in Psalm 51:16, 17:
“You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” 2
Application
- Describe the blessedness that you experienced when all your sins were forgiven.
- Explain why God has decided to impute His righteousness to you.
Prayer
Lord, forgive me for breaking all Your laws. Keep me in a place of a broken spirit before You.
1. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: The Epistles (Romans 1-8) (electronic ed., Vol. 42). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
2. Hughes, R. K. (1991). Romans: righteousness from heaven. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.