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True happiness consists not in beauty, honour, riches (the world's trinity), but in the forgiveness of sin. The Hebrew word signifies to carry out of sight (Jeremiah 50:20). This blessing is the foundation for all other mercies.

I. IT IS AN ACT OF GOD'S FREE GRACE. The Greek word deciphers the original of pardon: it ariseth not from anything inherent in us, but is the pure result of free grace (Isaiah 43:25). When a creditor forgives a debtor, he does it freely. Paul cries out (1 Timothy 1:13), "I obtained mercy" (Gr., "I was be-mercied"). He who is pardoned is all bestowed with mercy. When God pardons a sinner, He does not pay a debt, but gives a legacy.

II. IT IS A REMISSION OF GUILT AND PENALTY. Guilt cries for justice, but in remission God indulges the sinner. He seems to say, Though thou hast fallen into the hands of justice and deservest to die, yet I will absolve thee, and whatever is charged upon thee shall be discharged.

III. IT IS THROUGH THE BLOOD OF CHRIST. Free grace is the impulsive cause; Christ's blood is the meritorious (Hebrews 9:22). Justice would be revenged either on the sinner or on the surety. Every pardon is the price of blood.

IV. IT MUST BE PRECEDED BY REPENTANCE. Therefore both are linked together (Luke 24:47). Not that repentance merits forgiveness: Christ's blood must wash our tears; but repentance is a qualification though not a cause. He who is humbled for sin will the more value pardoning mercy.

V. GOD HAVING FORGIVEN SIN WILL CALL IT NO MORE INTO REMEMBRANCE (Jeremiah 31:34). The Lord will make an act of indemnity. He will not upbraid us with former unkindnesses, or sue us with a cancelled bond (Micah 7:19). Sin shall not be cast into the sea as a cork which riseth up again, but as lead which sinks to the bottom.

(T. Watson.)

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KJV: Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,

WEB: Even as David also pronounces blessing on the man to whom God counts righteousness apart from works,