In Psalm 32:1, David writes:
Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
1,000 or so years later, Paul records this same verse (see Rom. 4:4-8). And it was, is, and always will be a scandal.
“Blessed” and “sinner” are at odds in the economy of a holy/just God. They are like East and West. But here we have a blessing given to one who sins. Of course, the sins must be forgiven in order for the blessing to come.
This is truly only possible in Christ. He was the only one who deserved God’s blessing, but instead took the punishment of a sinner. This alone provided true and ultimate forgiveness of sins. This was so that all of us sinners can be blessed. We don’t deserve it.
Do you see this scandal today? It’s an outrage to the self-righteous. But let it be a healing balm to those who own their sin. Through Christ’s sacrifice alone, our sins can be forgiven. We can be “blessed sinners”!
HALLELUJAH!!!
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