Record Keeping.

I was reading Psalm 130 this morning and noticed, again, verses 3 & 4. Lets take a look at it see what we might be able to learn today. 

Looking first of all at verse 3: “Lord, if you kept a record of our sins, who, O Lord, could ever survive?” (NLT)

Let’s remember, first of all, that each one of us is a sinner. We have all broken God’s Law. Because of our sin, we are separated from God, who is sinless. However, because we are dearly loved, God, knowing our sinful state, took it upon Himself to deal with our separation… He sent Jesus to come to this earth, to die on the cross for payment for our sins, and Rose again to make eternal life with God possible. 

So, with that out of the way, Let’s look at the verse at hand. 

What if God did keep record of our sins? What if He took notice of everything we did, and held them against us? 

Well, the Psalmist, in the same verse, tells us that we’d be toast. We’d never make it out alive. “Lord, if you kept a record of our sins, who, O Lord, could ever survive?”

Because our sin is, well sin, and because God can't stand sin, we’d have no hope of ever making it out alive.

Ever.

We’d be, and are doomed to a life without God. There would be nothing we could do to ever get right with God. 

I guess that's the point in sending Jesus. God knew- or knows— that all our trying would be all for not. We can't do enough anything. It’s already been done, through Jesus’ work on the Cross. 

So, while God is just, and fair, and sin has to be dealt with, God doesn't keep track of our sins; all He sees, if we have surrendered out lives to Him, is Jesus.

Now, look at verse 4: (and this is some good stuff coming up: “But you offer forgiveness, that we might learn to fear you.” (NLT)

Instead of keeping track of our sins, instead of making a “hit list”, God is actually offering us forgiveness. let that sink in for just a moment. 

Instead of keeping track of our sins; instead of making a “hit list.” God is actually offering us forgiveness!

This is good news. Actually, it’s the Good News. Literally, its the Gospel. God is offering forgiveness. Today. Right now. To you, and to me. No matter what we may have done, no matter what we will do, God will always offer us forgiveness. 

This is so consistent with who God is. Look at these words that David wrote, just a few chapters later: The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. 9 He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever.10 He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. 11 For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.12 He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.” (NLT)

This verse, is just as sweet. He does does not treat us as we deserve. He treats us better than we deserve! Instead of complete separation from Him forever, God offers everyone to calls out to Him, forgiveness. Complete and total forgiveness. 

So, today, know that God isn't out to get you. Know that He doesn’t have it out for you. He's not going to bring the roof down on you if you were to walk into a church building.

What He is prepared to offer you is forgiveness. And that is what we all need; each and every day. 

Please let the truth of Psalm 130:3&4 sink into your heart and life. God isn't keeping track of your sins, but He is offering you forgiveness. 

(Now, that doesn't mean we have a “free pass” and we can do what we want, when we want, with whomever we want. (1 Peter 2:16). But what it does mean, is that we have His forgiveness, and that is what we need the most.) 

Lean into His forgiveness today. You and I need it.