The Fruit of Forgiveness

 Restored to Proclaim: The Fruit of Forgiveness

Scripture: Psalm 51:7–15

Today we turn our hearts and minds to one of the most heartfelt and powerful confessions of repentance in all of Scripture—Psalm 51. Penned by David after his grievous sin with Bathsheba and the prophet Nathan’s confrontation, this psalm teaches us not only how to confess our sins, but what to do after we have been forgiven.

Our focus is Psalm 51:7–15, where David pleads with God for cleansing and restoration. But more than that, David makes a profound promise—a promise of purpose after pardon.

The Plea for Purging (vv. 7–9)

“Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” (v. 7)

David understands that no surface-level ritual can remove the deep stain of his sin. He invokes the image of hyssop, used in ceremonial cleansing, especially in the purification of lepers. He is saying: "I am not just dirty—I am diseased with sin. I need more than forgiveness—I need cleansing."

And what is God's promise to us? "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow" (Isaiah 1:18). David believes in the mercy and power of God to make even him clean again.

The Cry for Renewal (vv. 10–12)

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” (v. 10)

Here, David doesn’t just ask for the past to be erased—he asks for a new beginning. The word “create” in Hebrew (בָּרָא, bara) is the same word used in Genesis 1:1—“In the beginning, God created…”

David asks for nothing less than a miracle: a brand-new heart, a right spirit, a restoration of joy.

Too often, we want to be forgiven without being changed. But true repentance leads to transformation. David is not seeking a pardon just so he can feel better. He wants to be better—he wants to be new.

The Promise of Praise and Proclamation (vv. 13–15)

Here is the heart of our message:

“Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will return to you.” (v. 13)
“O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.” (v. 15)

David says, “Then…”—after I am cleansed, after You restore me—I won’t keep this grace to myself. I will teach others. I will proclaim Your praise. I will use my life to bring others back to You.

This is the mark of genuine repentance: it doesn’t end in silence—it erupts in testimony.

When God saves you, He also sends you. When He restores you, He reassigns you.

David doesn’t promise to repay God—he knows he can’t. But he does offer what God desires: a broken spirit and a willing tongue. He vows to tell others about the mercy of the God who redeems even the worst of sinners.

What about us?

• Have we asked God not only to forgive our sins—but to change our hearts?

• Are we living like people who have been washed whiter than snow?

• Do we speak of God’s mercy like David does? Do our lips declare His praise?

Let us not be content with a private faith. A forgiven heart should lead to a faithful witness.

David was a king who fell—but he was also a man who turned. And in his turning, he discovered that the God who cleanses also calls. The God who pardons also empowers.

So when God cleanses you, don’t sit silent. Let your life declare: “Look what God has done!” Teach others. Praise Him openly. Let your lips proclaim what your heart has experienced.

More: Lesson 8 In the Psalms: Part 1