The Elbert County tribune., 1915-06-11
LESSON FOR JUNE 13
RLEssEDNEss OF FORGIVENESS

transgression is forgiven. whose sin Is
covered-Psalm s21
This psalm is believed to have
grown cut of Davids experience with
Nathan (see Rom. 1863. 1t is the
second of the seven so-called "peni.
tential psalms" 60. 32, Ss, 81, 1o2. 1870.
143). While it is sad. 1t is at the same
time one of the most joyful of all
psalms. 1t is the record of bitter sor.
row and also of heartfelt praise. and
Is as vital in its message today as the
day 1t was given to the world.
|. The State or Condition Of Happl-
ness. (D What is happiness7 w.
I, 2. The blessed or happy man is the
one whose sin is covered. God only
can forgive sin and has plainly set
before us his agency. viz. the shed
blood. David as king enjoyed the
pleasures of life. but he also knew the
result of hidden sin. of sins covered
The joy of forgiveness is offered to
all who accept Gods gift of justifca-
tion (Acts 10:43). The psalmist seems
to multiply words. "Transgression"
means rebellion; "sin" to miss the
mark (Rom. 1929; "iniquity," to be
crooked. When men try to cover sin
we are expressly told the result prov
2S:13). but God literally takes away
when he forgives and covers" sin
(John 1923; Ps. 103:12: S5;2). Nei-
ther man or devil can uncover what
he has covered. (2) Who is unhappy
w. 8, 4. Contrasted with the state or
condition OF happiness granted to the
forgiven sinner is presented that OF
those unforgiven. David kept silence
without only to have a raging tempest
within-lips silent. bones roaring"
During the days of David's silence fol-
lowing his sinful act he was guilty of
increased acts Of sin and cruelty q
Sam. 12:31). The origin of the word
Selah is not known. 1t probably indi-
Gated musical interlude and in this
psalm most appropriately and dramat-
ically appears. (3) How we may be
happy, w. 5, s. All sin is uncovered
to God. His allseeing eye can pene-
trate mans futile endeavors to hide
his transgressions. The first step to
forgiveness and to happiness is con-
fession of guilt. Gods heavy hand
wrought saving faith in David and
such faith has as its first condition
confession, Il acknowledged my sim"
Such confession is full and frank.
Nothing is held back nor has It any
element OF hypocrisy, and It always
secures results q John 1:9: Luke Is:
20-23).
The godly man, the man who is the
recipient OF Gods grace thus bestowed,
prays in time when thou mayest be
found" or (see margin) 'in the time
OF finding out sin ". 6 r. W. The
prophet tells us that there is time
when we may not. find God Elsa. 55 81
and Paul tells us when he may be
found tII Cor. 6:2).
u. How to Continue In the State Of
Being Happy. % Our security ". y.
When men forgive they do not cover"
What God hides he forgets Usa 38:17;
Micah 7:19). Our security, our hid
ing place" is Jehovah. Our preseryer
is Jehovah (Ps. 91:31; lisa. 32;1. p.
Jehovah preserves from trouble those
whom he forgives (Ps. 34:19. Such
men have a serenity. peace even
can never have lisa. 1858; Rom. 5:1;
Phil. 4:O. (2) Our instructor wv. s.
81. (a) Positively-we have one who
not only forgives and blots out the
past but one who has promised to
instruct" to teach" and to guide"
Nearly all believe that the introduc-
ton of the personal pronouns in verse
8 indicate that God is speaking in
response to David's appeal recorded in
verse 6. Jehovah guides with his "eye
upon" lis ". s r. W He instructs
us by his spirit through his Word
(Ps. 9105; John 1913. (b) Neg
atively-Some must needs be directed
by "bit and bridle" Some have to
learn through bitter experience. We
have our choice. Those who will not
listen to instruction are compared to
the horse and the mule who have no
understanding" Even so they are
more useful than those who wildly
run after sin. Only thus can some
come near" ". o r. W though that
is better than not to be brought near
at all. (3) Our faith (v. 81. What
kind of life will Gods forgiven chill
dren live? What is one of the fore
most characteristics of happy life?
Here is the answer, He that trusteth
in the Lord" This is the conclusion
OF the whole matter.
Our only joy is in the Lord who
hath done marvellous things whereof
ve are glad"
Christ is the incarnate mercy and
grace of God. In him we have Gods
forgiveness.
He supplies our every need tPhil.
4:19). He pardons, heals. restores. di-
rects, gives power Matt. 2S:1S-20).
Joy and impurity are never compan-