Psalm 51 #3 (about sin)

August 3, 2021 (Tuesday)

 

In American Christianity we tend to use only one word for sin, “sin.” David on the other hand uses multiple word, they are ugly.

 

In verse one, David uses “transgressions.” The Hebrew word translated here means “rebellion.” In verse two David used “iniquity.” The Hebrew word translated here means “perversity.” In the same verse David also mentions “sin.” The Hebrew word translated here means “offense.” In verse four David calls sin “evil.” The Hebrew word translated here carries the idea of “malignant.”

 

These are ugly ways to understand sin. I think we tend to reduce the concept of sin into something harmless. David is blunt. Sin is rebellion against God. Sin is perversity, twisting God’s design of how humans are meant to live happy and healthy. Sin is literally an offense, understood legally it is a crime. These images are intended to make sin look like what it is, vomit, rotting flesh, and death.

 

David drops what feels like a stunning idea. After adultery and murder, David makes this statement, “Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment.” [Psalm 51:4 ESV] While we commit many of our sins against other people David understands that ultimately they are against God. God’s desire is for a world that lives in harmony. This harmony means peace, no predator/prey distinctions. No ecological problems. No seeming unending conflict.

 

David admits to a serious theological concept, “Yes, I was born in guilt, in sin, from the moment my mother conceived me.” [Psalm 51:5 CEB] The concept here is “original guilt/sin.” Technically both are different from “sinful nature.” The idea of original guilt is that Adam’s guilt is passed on to every human. The idea of original sin is that the sinful condition is passed on from Adam. Some have suggested baptism somehow cures or covers this. Others think that salvation is about dealing with this original guilt/sin. I’ll leave you to think about it… (grin)

 

Let’s end this study with a flourish, “And yes, you want truth in the most hidden places; you teach me wisdom in the most secret space.” [Psalm 51:6 CEB] Truth in the inward being and wisdom in the secret heart. The sermon a few weeks ago covered the concept of inward being. It’s who we are at the very core, with all the experiences (positive and negative) wrapped around that core. I think the secret place/heart is the same idea.

 

Notice the connection between truth and wisdom. In American culture, truth tends to be fluid… at least personal. One person’s truth is not another’s truth. The idea is truth is created by the individual perception and interpretation. The Bible says “not so.” Truth is something that is absolute and taught to us by God. In fact, Jesus claims to be “the truth” (see John 14:6).

 

There it is. David acknowledges that God wants truth (Jesus) in is inward being and secret heart. It is said, truth is the fact while wisdom is what we do with the fact. If Jesus is the truth, the wisdom is how we live our lives in alignment to Jesus.