Psalm 51:1-3 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness, according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
After Nathan the prophet convicted David of his sins of adultery and murder, David was penitent and pled for mercy from God. He was genuinely sorry, and trusted the Lord to wash and cleanse him from the filth, guilt, and shame of his terrible sins. “The blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanses us from all sin.”
David was a great man who sinned greatly, was greatly penitent, and greatly trusted in the mercy of the Lord to grant pardon and peace because of His great mercy. Such great mercy is given to us great sinners because of Christ. We are convicted of sin and guilt by the Law of God, and we are convinced of mercy by the Gospel of Christ.
Therefore, we are heartily sorry for our sins and sincerely repent of them, and we are confidently assured of forgiveness trusting in His mercy. We live our lives under the Law and the Gospel by which the Spirit reminds us of our sin and God’s grace. We plea for mercy, acknowledging our sin and receiving grace. The mercy of God led Him to send His only Son for me.