Romans 4:7-8: "Blessed Are Those Whose Lawless Deeds Are Forgiven . . ."

Romans 4:7–8
[7] “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; [8] blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.” (ESV)

I currently live in a part of the country where I hear phrases like, "Have a blessed day," or "Bless your heart." I have a strong feeling that the ones who speak of blessing are lacking in a proper understanding of what defines the word "blessing." Many of us speak of being blessed when we get a new job opportunity, our child gets a scholarship, or we have a good meal. Let's look at real blessing.

Paul quotes a Psalm of David to define the word for us. David had radically disobeyed God's Law. He had committed murder and adultery. David was the King of Israel. He had all of the financial blessings he could have desired. In fact, he saw that there was a woman he wanted, so he took her from her husband and had him killed. There was no material blessing that David did not have.

David does not say, "Blessed are those who get what they want." He does not say, "Blessed are those who have more things than others." David had all things. He was filled with guilt and sorrow over his sin. Having cried out to God for forgiveness David now knew the proper word for blessing. Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven.

We have looked at this accounting term, "count," as a means by which we have been credited with God's righteousness in our "spiritual account." Here we see this term, "count," in a negative context. Blessed is the man who the Lord will not count his sin. If our sin is allowed to stay in our "spiritual account," we will be bankrupt and face eternal judgment.

Are you blessed? Are you having a blessed day? You can only answer that with a "Yes" if the Lord has forgiven your sin. Reach out to him today. His forgiveness is always available for those who believe in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

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