Day 6:
Confession of sin is a part of the Christian’s journey. And after looking in the book of Joshua, we discovered this journey actually brings glory to our Heavenly Father. We however, cannot stop here because Scripture does not stop here. Gods revealed Word goes on to show us just exactly how our confession magnifies Him. Let us view the scenery of truth packed in Psalm 51 to understand this in a more beautiful way.
The background to Psalm 51 is II Samuel chapters 11 and 12. King David has committed adultery with Bathsheba. To cover up his iniquity, David arranges for Bathsheba’s husband Uriah to be killed in battle. Of course Uriah is slain so David is now, both an adulterer and murderer. After a little time, Nathan confronts King David for his sins to which David admits his actions were against the LORD. However, Davids detailed confession for his sins are not found here but in Psalm 51.
How specifically does our admission of guilt glorify the God of forgiveness?
God alone is the object of our confession.
Notice where David turns to confess his sin. Directly to God. Within the first few words of Psalm 51 we see “God” is mentioned as the recipient of David’s prayer. David did not go to a priest, pastor, spouse, brother or even a friend. This is why God is so highly exalted because He and He alone is the remedy for our sinful condition. God is first and foremost with our confessions. Why? David says in 51:4, “Against You, You only, I have sinned and done what is evil in Your sight.” God is the offended party. Therefore, He is the object of our confession.
Another thing to remember with regard to Davids comment that his sin was only against God, is a powerful reminder of who the True God is! When we recognize our sin against the backdrop of who this God really is, our confession will get real very quickly. Consider Peter’s reaction in Luke 5:8 where he immediately sees the ugliness of his sin when he realizes he is in the presence of the LORD. Confession magnifies the Lion of Judah because we are recognizing Him as the Lawgiver. We acknowledge Him as Holy. God alone is the moral standard of perfection. And He is the righteous Judge of sin. No one else can claim these titles! So let us confess. God is magnified in this fruitful and restoring exercise.
God alone cleanses us from sin.
A complete confession includes a request to God to cleanse us from the sins we commit. A genuine believer will not be content with a simple confession. As we mature in Christ, we will long for something to be done about the sin we are confessing. Notice Davids comments in verses 1 and 2. He asks God to “blot out my transgressions.” He says, “wash me thoroughly from my iniquity.” David continues with, “cleanse me from my sin.” These requests can only be filled by God! No one else! This is why God is glorified in this cleansing request. God is our cleanser. This is His department. No one can stand in His stead to clean the dirtiness of our sin. It is shocking to know that we never have to beg or plead or bargain with our heavenly Father for this cleansing. He joyfully purifies the heart of an honest confessor.
God alone fuels our repentance.
We confess our sin to Him. We then ask Him for cleansing of our sin. And finally, we request His strength to avoid repeating our sin. Our request to turn from our sin is literally the definition of repentance. The word means, “to change one’s mind.” So, we turn from evil and instead, turn to good. Listen to David’s words of repentance in Psalm 51:
Purify me (v.7)/wash me (v.8)/Create in me a clean heart (v.10)/renew a steadfast spirit within me (v.10)/Restore to me the joy of Your salvation (v.12)/sustain me with a willing spirit (v.12). These are requests by David to turn from his sinful ways.
No one can answer these requests but God alone! He occupies His great and magnificent throne to answer these very prayers by His children who are broken over their sin! He delights with assisting us in turning from our sin to pursue righteousness. These phrases made in Psalm 51 are an example for us to confess, ask for cleansing, and then rely on the Father to energize our hearts to pursue His ways. Confession is always linked to future obedience. Who would have thought an ugly topic like sin could be used to magnify the God of perfection in such a profound way?
After a complete confession has been made to the Father, then rejoice! In the later part of Psalm 51 David says, “Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation; then my tongue will joyfully sing of Your righteousness (v.14).” Sure, consequences for our sin may continue but joy in our heart can commence because the God of creation has forgiven us.
“He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion (Prov. 28:13).”
Children of Light 
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