Whiter Than Snow

I. Starts with Confession (51:1–6)

A. My appeal to God ()

Psalm 51:1–2 ESV

1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin!

B. My confession of sin ()

Psalm 51:3–6 ESV

3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. 4 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. 5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. 6 Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.

II. Confession Leads to Cleansing (51:7–10)

A. Removing sin ()

Psalm 51:7 ESV

7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

B. Restoring joy ()

Psalm 51:8–9 ESV

8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have broken rejoice. 9 Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities.

C. Renewing the spirit ()

Psalm 51:10 ESV

10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.

III. Cleansing lasts because of our commitment (51:11–15)

A. Commitment starts by realizing what is at stake ()

Psalm 51:11–12 ESV

11 Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.

B. Then committed to always teach God’s ways to sinners ()

Psalm 51:13 ESV

13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will return to you.

B. Then committed to always sing of God’s forgiveness ()

Psalm 51:14 ESV

14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, O God of my salvation, and my tongue will sing aloud of your righteousness.

C. Then committed to always praise God ()

Psalm 51:15 ESV

15 O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.