Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1920-08-21

here to the original corruption of
human nature, out of which has pro-
ceeded all evil thoughts, murders and
adulteries. as the source of his sin.
The significance of the word sin is to
miss the mark. God has placed a
mark before us toward which we
should all aim. David had missed the
mark and done that which was evil
or displeasing to God. We have all
missed the mark and should follow
the example of David and seek re-
lief. renewal and restoration.
Recognizing his need for relief from
the results OF his crimes against God,
David made fourteen different re-
quests that emphasize his recogni-
ton of his need of possessing a life
of purity. He recognized that the de-
mands of God called for something
more than an outward profession of
purity or an external sacrificial offer
ing. so that the only cleansing that
would meet the requirements of the
Lord was one that would transform
his mind and purify his spirit. He
had learned what many a professed
Christian needs to know-that tits not
ual fellowship and life with Christ
that gives relief through pardon for
| past sins and purity through the
! blood of the Lord Jesus Christ for a
| life of service.
The only way to start the Christian
| life is through repentance of personal
| SINS and faith in the promises of the
savior The only way to secure the
| renewal of the joys of salvation is
! along the same path. One who has
ever possessed the joys OF life in
Christ may lose the pleasures of a
Christian life through sin, but he
never needs being born again, al
though he may require to repent and
return to the Lord. as did David with
MS petition for pardon, publication
! and power.
Three words that the psalrnist uses
IN reference to his desire to be made
pure alone can be mentioned in this
| study. He sought to have his sins
| blotted out or written off thesrecords
He requested twice that his hiquity
i should be washed, because he recog-
niZed how deeply ingrained in his life
| thoroughly washed could he be cleaned
! from the leprosy of sin. The priest
| never used the hyssp except in cases
where the leprosy had been complete
| ly cured and it was then used to de
| clare publicly to the people that his
| health had been restored and that he
| was entitled to be restored to his
| place in society.
| David recognized that his restora
| ton depended upon Gods giving to
| him renewed heart. filled with the
spirit of steadfastness and strength
ened by the Holy Spirit. that he could
| live a life of service that would re-
/ fleet to men the power of God. which
i he sought SO that he might be per-
| sonal soul winner. whose life would
| be filled with song and praise. both In
private and public worship of God.
| The acid test of mans conversion
J is seen in his desire to share his ex-
perience with others. especially those
, who are lost. There is no better
| amends that a saved man can make
| than by helping to save others. Da-
| vid dedicated himself to this ministry
He had learned how the Lord pun
| ishes. He had through divine grace
| experienced the peace that comes
| from being pardoned for his past sin
and being given the sustaining power
of Gods spirit. The testimony or a mar
! who has tasted the depths OF sin and
Ienjoyed the joys of salvation has
| great persuasive powers. Our risen
Lord depends upon those whom He
| has saved to help win the world for
Him through their testimony of Gods
way and of His Love for sinners. Of
fering them mercy and forgiveness
Iassurlng all that il they would re-
pent and believe in Him they should
not perish, but have everlasting life