A53721:234
A practical exposition on the 130th Psalm
A practical exposition on the 130th Psalm wherein the nature of the forgiveness of sin is declared, the truth and reality of it asserted, and the case of a soul distressed with the guilt of sin and relieved by a discovery of forgiveness with God is at large discoursed / by John Owen.
London: printed by Robert White for Nathaniel Ponder, 1669
AN EXPOSITION UPON PSALM CXXX. › General Scope of the whole Psalm. › Verse 4: Verse 4.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Thirdly, It denotes condonation or actual forgiveness it self, as we are made partakers of it; comprising it both actively, as it is an Act of Grace in God, and passively as terminated in our souls, with the deliverance that attends it. In this sense as it looks downwards, and in its effects respects us, it is of mere Grace; as it looks upwards to its causes and respects the Lord Christ, it is from propitiation or atonement. And this is that pardon which is administered in the Covenant of Grace.
Thirdly, It denotes condonation or actual forgiveness it self, as we are made partakers of it; comprizing it both actively, as it is an Act of Grace in God, and passively as terminated in our souls, with the deliverance that attends it. In this sense as it looks downwards, and in its effects respects us, it is of meer Grace; as it looks upwards to its causes and respects the Lord Christ, it is from propitiation or attonement. And this is that pardon which is administred in the Covenant of Grace.
Now as to the place which these words enjoy in this Psalm, and their Relation to the state and condition of the soul here mentioned, this seems to be their importance.
O Lord, although this must be granted, that if thou shouldst mark iniquities according to the tenor of the Law, every man living must perish, and that for ever; yet there is hope for my soul, that even I who am in the depths of sin-entanglements, may find acceptance with thee; for whilst I am putting my mouth in the dust, if so be there may be hope; I find that there is an Atonement, a propitiation made for sin, on the account whereof thou sayest thou hast found a Ransom, and wilt not deal with them that come unto thee according to the severity and exigence of thy Justice; but art gracious, loving, tender, ready to forgive and pardon, and dost so accordingly; THERE IS FORGIVENESS WITH THEE.