What does "with You there is forgiveness" reveal about God's character? Psalm 130:4 in Focus “But with You there is forgiveness, so that You may be feared.” Why the Psalmist Highlights Forgiveness • Psalm 130 is a “Song of Ascents,” sung by worshipers traveling to Jerusalem. • The singer is conscious of sin (vv. 1–3) yet turns God-ward because Scripture assures that He alone forgives. • The phrase “with You” centers forgiveness in God’s very being, not in any human merit. What This Reveals about God’s Character • He Is the Sole Source of Pardon – Forgiveness is “with” Him; it originates in His nature (Isaiah 43:25; Mark 2:7). • He Is Rich in Mercy – Mercy is not reluctant but abundant (Exodus 34:6–7; Ephesians 2:4–5). • He Balances Justice and Grace Perfectly – Sin is real and judged (Romans 6:23), yet He provides the remedy (Isaiah 53:5–6). • He Desires Relationship, Not Distance – Forgiveness removes the barrier so we may “fear” (revere) Him rightly (Jeremiah 31:34). • He Is Consistent and Unchanging – What He revealed of Himself in Exodus is affirmed in Christ (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8). • He Offers Hope to the Hopeless – The psalm moves from “depths” (v. 1) to confident waiting (vv. 5–6) because His character is trustworthy (Lamentations 3:21–23). • He Motivates Reverent Obedience – Forgiveness is not a license to sin but a call to worshipful fear (Romans 12:1; 1 Peter 1:17). • He Acts Out of Covenant Love – “Steadfast love” in v. 7 underlines faithful commitment to His people (Deuteronomy 7:9). Scriptures Echoing the Same Portrait • Nehemiah 9:17 — “You are a God of forgiveness, gracious and compassionate...” • Psalm 103:10–12 — “He has removed our sins as far as the east is from the west.” • Isaiah 55:7 — “He will abundantly pardon.” • Micah 7:18–19 — “Who is a God like You, who pardons iniquity...” • Ephesians 1:7 — “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses...” • 1 John 1:9 — “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us...” Living in Light of His Forgiveness 1. Approach God confidently; the cross confirms Psalm 130:4 (Hebrews 4:16). 2. Cultivate reverent fear, not casual familiarity. Forgiveness heightens awe. 3. Extend forgiveness to others as a reflection of His character (Matthew 6:12, 14–15). 4. Rest in assurance; His nature, not our performance, secures pardon (Romans 8:1). 5. Worship with gratitude; forgiveness fuels heartfelt praise (Psalm 32:1–2). |
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