Nathan replied, “The LORD has taken away your sin.” (v.13)
God’s forgiveness of David's sin was immediate. God did not demand a time of probation. God's statement, "You shall not die" meant that David would be spared the penalty for adultery commanded under the Law of Moses. David believed the word of the prophet when he said in verse 7, “You are the man!” Therefore he could also believe his word, “The LORD also has put away your sin; you shall not die.”
There's a story about a boy whose father pounded a nail in the barn door every time the boy did something wrong. Soon there were many nails. Then one day the boy accepted Christ as Savior and began living for Him. To impress upon his son the wonder of being forgiven, the father took him to the barn and pulled out every nail from the door. "That is what it means to have all your sins forgiven," he said. "They are gone forever."
The boy was deeply impressed. Then looking at the door he asked, "But Father, how can I get rid of the holes?" "I'm sorry," said the father, "but they will remain."
All sin carries a price tag. Its consequences may range from minor to major, but the bill always comes due.
The psalmist David paid dearly for committing adultery with Bathsheba and engineering her husband's death to cover up his sin. Guilt sapped his strength (Ps. 32:3-4). Even though he confessed his sin, and God "removed the nail," David carried with him a deep sorrowful hole in his heart the rest of his life (vv.15-17).
Even though we have to live with the consequences of sin, we who trust in Christ (as the sacrifice for our sins), can rejoice in His forgiveness.
The Truth: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
