Chapter 32
Chapter Outline
The happiness of a pardoned sinner. (1, 2)
The misery that went before, and the (3–7)
comfort that followed the confession of sins.
Sinners instructed, believers encouraged. (8–11)Verses 1, 2
Sin is the cause of our misery; but the true believer's transgressions of the Divine law are all
forgiven, being covered with the atonement. Christ bare his sins, therefore they are not imputed to
him. The righteousness of Christ being reckoned to us, and we being made the righteousness of
God in him, our iniquity is not imputed, God having laid upon him the iniquity of us all, and made
him a sin-offering for us. Not to impute sin, is God's act, for he is the Judge. It is God that justifies.
Notice the character of him whose sins are pardoned; he is sincere, and seeks sanctification by the
power of the Holy Ghost. He does not profess to repent, with an intention to indulge in sin, because
the Lord is ready to forgive. He will not abuse the doctrine of free grace. And to the man whose
iniquity is forgiven, all manner of blessings are promised.
Verses 3–7
It is very difficult to bring sinful man humbly to accept free mercy, with a full confession of
his sins and self-condemnation. But the true and only way to peace of conscience, is, to confess
our sins, that they may be forgiven; to declare them that we may be justified. Although repentance
and confession do not merit the pardon of transgression, they are needful to the real enjoyment of
forgiving mercy. And what tongue can tell the happiness of that hour, when the soul, oppressed by
sin, is enabled freely to pour forth its sorrows before God, and to take hold of his covenanted mercy
in Christ Jesus! Those that would speed in prayer, must seek the Lord, when, by his providence,
he calls them to seek him, and, by his Spirit, stirs them up to seek him. In a time of finding, when
the heart is softened with grief, and burdened with guilt; when all human refuge fails; when no rest
can be found to the troubled mind, then it is that God applies the healing balm by his Spirit.
Verses 8–11
God teaches by his word, and guides with the secret intimations of his will. David gives a word
of caution to sinners. The reason for this caution is, that the way of sin will certainly end in sorrow.
Here is a word of comfort to saints. They may see that a life of communion with God is far the
most pleasant and comfortable. Let us rejoice, O Lord Jesus, in thee, and in thy salvation; so shall
we rejoice indeed.