August 28, forgiven for Jesus' sake.

For your name's sake, O Lord, pardon my guilt,

for it is great, Psalm 25, 11.

In knowing what is right, God does not consult any authority

higher than himself. His own worth

is the ultimate value in the universe.

Therefore, for God to do what is right

means acting in a way that accords with this ultimate value.

The righteousness of God is the infinite zeal and joy and pleasure

that he has in what is supremely valuable, namely his own perfection and worth.

And if he were ever to act contrary to this eternal passion for his own

perfections, he would be unrighteous.

He would be an idolater. How shall such a righteous God ever set his affection

on sinners like us who have scorned his perfections?

But the wonder of the gospel is that in his divine righteousness

lies also the very foundation of our salvation.

The infinite regard that the Father has for the Son

makes it possible for me a wicked sinner to be loved and accepted in the Son

because in his death he vindicated the worth and glory of his Father.

Because of Christ, we can pray with new understanding the prayer of the

Psalmist for your namesake, O Lord, pardon my guilt for it is great,

Psalm 2511. The new understanding is that because of Christ,

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