Psalm 51 - The Subtleties of Sin -

The language the Psalmist uses revolves around washing: stain, wash me thoroughly,

make me pure, cleanse me etc

But if we think about washing superficially does it do the job?

Forgiveness is required when the individual gets involved in things that

keep them from God.

David is credited with this Psalm and the reference is to his sin with

Uriah's wife.

there is no question David wants to be sprinkled and clean again.

But if sin is about what we believe, washing metaphors may not supply the need.

Can we believe that God gives new starts. Can we believe in moral degradation that

God gives a new chance?

The metaphor of bathing is helpful but only if we believe that God's Spirit can

do that forgiving work inside and out.

Stu