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Psalms 103:3
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Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
John Gill Bible Commentary
Who forgiveth all thine iniquities,.... The psalmist explains here what he means by benefits, and gives a particular enumeration of them; and begins with the blessing of pardon, which is a special and peculiar benefit; it is according to the riches of divine grace, and the multitude of tender mercies; without which all outward blessings signify nothing; and, without a sense of this, a man is not in a suitable and proper frame to bless the Lord; and this being the first benefit a soul sensible of sin, its guilt and is concerned for, and seeks after; so enjoying it, it is the first he is thankful for: this is rightly ascribed to God; for none can forgive sins but he; and what he forgives are not mere infirmities, peccadillos, the lesser sins of life; but "iniquities", grosser sins, unrighteousnesses, impieties, the most enormous crimes, sins of a crimson and scarlet die; yea, "all" of them, though they are many, more than the hairs of a man's head; he abundantly pardons, multiplies pardons, as sins are multiplied, and leaves none unforgiven; original sin, actual sins, sins of heart, lip, and life, of omission and commission, all are forgiven for Christ's sake: and the special mercy is when a man has an application of this to himself, and can say to his soul, as David to his, God has forgiven "thine" iniquities; for though it may be observed with pleasure, and it is an encouragement to hope in the Lord, that he is a forgiving God, and has forgiven others, yet what would this avail a man, if his sins should not be forgiven? the sweetness of the blessing lies in its being brought home to a man's own soul: and it may be further observed, that this is a continued act; it is not said who has forgiven, and will forgive, though both are true; but "forgiveth", continues to forgive; for as there is a continual virtue in the sacrifice of the Lamb of God to take away the sin of the world, and in his blood to cleanse from all sin, so there is a continual flow of pardoning grace in the heart of God, which is afresh applied to the consciences of his people by his Spirit; and this is a blessing to be thankful for: who healeth all thy diseases; not bodily ones, though the Lord is the physician of the bodies as well as of the souls of men, and sometimes heals the diseases of soul and body at once, as in the case of the paralytic man in the Gospel; but spiritual diseases, or soul maladies, are here meant; the same with "iniquities" in the preceding clause: sin is a natural, hereditary, epidemical, nauseous, and mortal disease; and there are many of them, a complication of them, in men, which God only can cure; and he heals them by his word, by means of his Gospel, preaching peace, pardon, and righteousness by Christ; by the blood, wounds, and stripes of his Son; by the application of pardoning grace and mercy; for healing diseases, and forgiving iniquities, are one and the same thing; see Isa 33:24, and this the Lord does freely, fully, and infallibly, and for which thanks are due unto him; and it would be very ungrateful, and justly resented, should they not be returned to him; see Luk 17:15.
Psalms 103:3
Bless the LORD, O My Soul
2Bless the LORD, O my soul, and do not forget all His kind deeds— 3He who forgives all your iniquities and heals all your diseases, 4who redeems your life from the Pit and crowns you with loving devotion and compassion,
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Basics) 22. One Reason for Failure
By Zac Poonen5.2K13:05PSA 103:3PRO 4:12MAT 1:21JHN 8:11In this sermon, the speaker uses an illustration of a child falling into a pit to explain the concept of forgiveness and salvation. He emphasizes that forgiveness and salvation are two different things, and that through Jesus Christ, we can not only be forgiven for our sins but also be delivered from the power of sin. The speaker highlights the importance of the fear of God as the beginning of wisdom and suggests that a lack of fear of God may be a reason for repeated failures in life. He concludes by stating that the gospel message consists of both forgiveness and victory over sin, and that although we may still sin, we can have victory over sin through Christ.
The Blind Beggar
By C.H. Spurgeon1.8K39:15PSA 40:3PSA 51:2PSA 103:3ISA 35:5MAT 6:33MRK 10:46LUK 18:41In this sermon, the preacher tells the story of a blind man who had his eyes opened by Jesus. The blind man was fixated on the idea of someone being able to open the eyes of the blind, and when he heard that the Messiah would do this, he believed that Jesus was the Messiah. When Jesus called him, the blind man eagerly came to him without hesitation. Jesus asked the blind man what he wanted, and the man simply asked to be able to see. Once his eyes were opened, the blind man's only desire was to continue seeing Jesus and follow him. The preacher uses this story to encourage the listeners to come to Jesus and seek him with the same eagerness and single-mindedness as the blind man.
(Youth Conference 2006) Questions and Answers
By Zac Poonen1.6K1:07:14PSA 103:3PSA 119:105MAT 22:36JHN 1:4GAL 2:20EPH 5:18In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of avoiding movies with explicit content, as even a few seconds of inappropriate scenes can stick in our minds. He highlights the need to evaluate the entertainment value of movies and the impact they have on our thoughts and desires. The speaker also encourages believers to seek the filling of the Holy Spirit as a major need in their lives, comparing it to the dedication people show when seeking important things like admission or visas. Additionally, he addresses the question of why some babies are born with physical or mental disabilities, acknowledging that there are certain things he doesn't have the full answer to, but affirming that God is good and the world is under a curse. The sermon concludes with the exhortation to never give up in seeking victory over sin, being filled with the Holy Spirit, and serving God faithfully.
Do This in Remembrance of Me" "Forget Not All His Benefits"
By Hans R. Waldvogel1.1K20:43RemembrancePSA 103:3In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing and understanding the significance of God's signs and miracles. He references the Israelites crossing the Jordan River as a picture of redemption and consecration. The preacher urges the audience to seize the opportunity for salvation and to believe in Jesus Christ. He also highlights the importance of daily abiding in Christ's power and the victorious life that comes through his resurrection. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the sacrificial death of Jesus on the cross and the invitation to partake in his righteousness through faith.
Ii Corinthians 12:9
By Hans R. Waldvogel77514:59GracePSA 103:3ISA 53:4MAT 5:3ROM 8:12CO 1:202CO 12:9EPH 2:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of denying oneself and seeking a deeper knowledge of Christ Jesus. He highlights that there is a great search among the people of God, but only a few truly have this life that is necessary. The preacher encourages the audience to hold on to Jesus and allow His grace to shine through their negative and upside-down lives. He reminds them that through Jesus, there is no condemnation and that His grace provides strength and righteousness. The sermon concludes with the preacher urging the audience to look to Jesus in the midst of storms and to trust in His all-sufficient grace.
The Way to Victory
By Basilea Schlink60804:35Radio ShowPSA 103:3MAT 6:33JHN 8:36ROM 8:292CO 3:18COL 1:131JN 3:8In this sermon, Vasilya Schlink encourages believers who may be struggling with recurring sins and problems despite their commitment to Jesus Christ. She emphasizes that Jesus is the ultimate victor over the devil and has already won the battle. However, our redemption is a process of transformation, as our old nature still affects us. Schlink uses the analogy of a prisoner of war being released and experiencing the initial joy of freedom, but still having to deal with the consequences of their imprisonment. Similarly, believers are freed from sin through Jesus' sacrifice, but the effects of sin still linger and need to be gradually healed through daily praise and faith in Jesus' victory on the cross.
God's Abundant Mercy - a.w. Tozer
By From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons42240:57RadioPSA 86:5PSA 103:3MAT 9:13LUK 18:13JAS 4:81PE 1:31JN 1:9In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of being impulsive and making sudden changes without proper planning or thought. He uses the analogy of a man who claims to be a "man of lightning change" in his work, but ends up being dismissed by his boss for not following instructions. The preacher emphasizes that such impulsive behavior is not beneficial in the Church of Christ. He then transitions to discussing God's abundant mercy, referencing the Bible verse 1 Peter 1:3, which speaks of being born again through the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the hope that comes from God's mercy.
Divine Healing in the Word of God
By Aimee Semple McPherson11335:43Divine HealingFaith in GodEXO 15:26PSA 103:3LUK 4:18HEB 13:8JAS 5:14Aimee Semple McPherson delivers a powerful sermon on 'Divine Healing in the Word of God,' emphasizing that Jesus Christ is unchanging and continues to heal today as He did in the past. She illustrates how healing is woven throughout the Bible, from Genesis to the New Testament, and asserts that faith in Christ is essential for divine healing. McPherson recounts numerous biblical examples and personal testimonies of miraculous healings, encouraging believers to trust in God's promises and the power of prayer. She concludes with a call for those in need of healing and salvation to come forward and receive prayer, affirming that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
The Sin Sick Soul and the Great Physician
By J.C. Philpot01SA 2:6JOB 5:18PSA 73:5PSA 103:3PSA 110:3JER 33:6EZK 8:15MAT 9:12MAT 22:16JHN 8:3J.C. Philpot preaches about the need for a great Physician for those who are spiritually sick, drawing parallels from how Jesus dealt with cavilers and critics in the Bible. He emphasizes the importance of feeling the malady of sin, the deep depravity of the fallen nature, and the backsliding and idolatrous tendencies of the heart to truly recognize the need for the healing touch of Jesus. Philpot highlights that the Lord's Hospital is only for the incurables, those who have come to the end of themselves and realize their desperate need for the healing remedies of the great Physician. He encourages believers to seek the balm of Jesus' blood, the only remedy for a guilty conscience, and to trust in His power and willingness to heal all who come to Him in their sickness.
Miracles in Australia and New Zealand
By Stanley H. Frodsham0PSA 103:3MRK 5:36MRK 9:24ACT 2:4HEB 13:8Stanley H. Frodsham preaches about the powerful healing and miraculous works of Smith Wigglesworth during his visits to Australia and New Zealand in the early 1920s. The testimonies include instant healings of a girl who had never walked, a man who had not walked in years, and individuals with chronic illnesses and diseases being completely restored by the power of God. The revival meetings led to numerous conversions, with many accepting Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, and experiencing the tangible presence of God through signs and wonders.
John 5:1-9. the Miracle at the Pool of Bethesda.
By Favell Lee Mortimer0PSA 103:3MAT 9:12LUK 19:10JHN 5:2JHN 7:38Favell Lee Mortimer preaches on the story of the pool of Bethesda, drawing parallels between the physical healing at the pool and the spiritual healing found in Jesus Christ. The pool, named Bethesda meaning 'House of mercy,' reflects the mercy and salvation offered by Jesus through His Word. Just as the sick people waited eagerly by the pool for healing, we are called to seek God earnestly for salvation, knowing that His mercy is available to all sinners. Jesus, the great Physician, shows compassion to a man who had been long afflicted, demonstrating His power and mercy in restoring him completely.
The Straying Sheep and the Sin-Bearing Shepherd
By J.C. Philpot0PSA 103:3EZK 34:6LUK 15:3ACT 20:28GAL 6:141PE 2:24J.C. Philpot preaches about the profound significance of Christ bearing our sins in his own body on the tree and the healing we receive through his stripes. He delves into the imagery of sheep going astray, highlighting the reasons for their wandering and the need for the Shepherd to bring them back. Philpot emphasizes the folly, silliness, and hankering after sinful desires that lead us astray, but ultimately, it is the grace of God that enables us to return to Him. Through Christ's sacrifice, we experience a death to sins, a life unto righteousness, and a return to the Shepherd and Bishop of our souls.
Letter 120.
By James Bourne0PSA 103:3PSA 147:3ISA 53:5MAT 11:28HEB 13:5James Bourne, in his sermon to Mr. H. H. on March 22, 1837, passionately recommends a Friend who is the best Physician, capable of healing any ailment no matter how desperate. He shares his personal testimony of being in a dire condition but finding relief and wondrous healing through this Friend. Bourne urges his young friend to fully trust and venture on this incomparable Friend who provides comfort, care, and healing beyond measure, promising to never forsake those who come to Him with sincerity and wholeheartedness.
Bodily Ills and Spiritual Health
By John Newton0PSA 103:3PSA 146:8ISA 53:5ROM 8:18REV 21:4John Newton, in a letter dated August 19, 1779, reflects on his physical ailments while acknowledging the miraculous preservation of his body from pain and sickness. He contrasts the frailty of his body with the diseases of his soul, expressing his reliance on the infallible Physician, Jesus Christ, for spiritual healing. Newton finds hope in the promise of a land where there is no sickness, longing for the day when he will be free from all ailments and sin, praising God for the glorious hope of eternal life.
Matthew 9
By John Nelson Darby0GraceFaithHealingPSA 103:3MAT 9:12MAT 9:20MAT 9:36MRK 2:17LUK 19:10JHN 3:17ROM 5:8EPH 2:8John Nelson Darby expounds on Matthew 9, illustrating how Jesus embodies the grace of God by forgiving sins and healing diseases, fulfilling the role of Israel's true Redeemer. He emphasizes that Jesus came to call sinners, not the righteous, and highlights the rejection of His ministry by the Pharisees and learned men who could not accept His divine authority. The chapter showcases the power of faith, as seen in the healing of a woman who touched Jesus' garment, and the compassion He had for the people, likening them to sheep without a shepherd. Despite opposition, Jesus continues His mission of grace, demonstrating that His power is for all who believe. Ultimately, the sermon reveals the transformative nature of grace that calls and heals, regardless of societal or religious barriers.
Mark 7:31 to End. the Deaf and Mute Man.
By Favell Lee Mortimer0PSA 103:3ISA 35:5MAT 9:35MRK 7:311CO 12:4Favell Lee Mortimer preaches about Jesus' compassionate healing of a deaf and mute man in Decapolis, showcasing the power of his touch, the significance of his actions, and the immediate restoration of the man's faculties. Through this miracle, Jesus demonstrates his ability to adapt his healing to individual needs, just as he does with spiritual infirmities, addressing each case with wisdom and care. The conversion of sinners is a unique and personal journey, with Jesus knowing how to reach and transform each heart according to its circumstances.
Patience and Her Perfect Work
By J.C. Philpot0EXO 15:26JOB 23:10PSA 103:3JHN 4:14ROM 4:18EPH 1:11HEB 12:11JAS 1:2J.C. Philpot preaches about the importance of enduring diverse temptations with joy, as they work to strengthen faith and produce patience in believers. He compares the futile search of alchemists for a universal medicine, elixir of life, and philosopher's stone to the true miraculous solutions found in the gospel through the precious blood of Christ, the living water He offers, and His grace that transforms afflictions into blessings. Philpot delves into the various trials and temptations believers face from different sources, emphasizing the need for submission to God's will and the perfect work of patience to mature and lack nothing in the Christian walk.
Mrs Crisp (1856-1923)
By Keith Malcomson0PSA 103:3MRK 16:17ACT 1:81CO 12:10JAS 5:16Keith Malcomson shares the inspiring life story of Eleanor Searle Crisp, a devoted Christian who experienced God's miraculous healing power and dedicated her life to serving the Lord. Despite facing physical challenges, Eleanor's faith in God's healing led to her complete deliverance and the manifestation of God's power in her life. She played a significant role in the Pentecostal movement in Britain, embracing the Pentecostal Baptism and training young women for foreign missions. Eleanor's ministry included comprehensive Bible teaching, character development, and intercessory prayer for the nations, impacting many lives and sending missionaries to various countries.
Walter Thomas Prideaux Wolston
By John Bjorlie0PSA 103:3ROM 6:231CO 15:552CO 5:171TI 1:15JAS 4:8Walter Thomas Prideaux Wolston, born in England, lived a worldly life until he encountered God's grace and was transformed. After a powerful encounter with the gospel, he surrendered his life to Christ and became a devoted preacher and doctor, impacting many lives through his medical practice and gospel preaching. Despite controversies in the church, Wolston remained focused on evangelism and devotional themes, leaving a legacy of faithfulness and dedication to sharing the gospel until his passing in 1917.
1 Peter 2:24
By John Gill0AtonementRighteousnessPSA 103:3ISA 53:5JHN 3:16ROM 6:112CO 5:21GAL 2:20EPH 2:8HEB 9:281PE 2:241JN 1:7John Gill expounds on 1 Peter 2:24, emphasizing that Christ bore our sins in His own body, fulfilling the role of the high priest and the scape goat as foretold in Scripture. He explains that Christ's suffering was not for His own sins but for the sins of many, including both Jews and Gentiles, and that through His sacrifice, believers are dead to sin and alive to righteousness. Gill highlights the significance of Christ's atonement, which not only removes the guilt of sin but also empowers believers to live righteously. He draws parallels between physical healing and spiritual forgiveness, asserting that Christ's stripes bring healing to our souls. Ultimately, the sermon underscores the profound love and sacrifice of Christ, who bore the weight of our sins alone.
Our Beloved Physician
By Robert Hawker0PSA 103:3ISA 61:1JER 30:17MAT 9:12MRK 2:17Robert Hawker preaches on the compassionate nature of Jesus as the beloved physician, drawing parallels between Luke the physician and Jesus as the ultimate healer of souls. He emphasizes Jesus' role in healing the spiritually diseased, broken-hearted, blind, and oppressed, offering restoration and freedom through His grace. Hawker challenges listeners to reflect on whether they have allowed Jesus to diagnose their spiritual condition, experience His healing touch, and receive His free remedies of grace, righteousness, and love.
The Ideal Life
By Henry Drummond0PSA 103:3JHN 3:7ACT 13:222CO 4:18PHP 1:21John Watson and Ian Maclaren provide memorial sketches of Henry Drummond, a remarkable man known for his influence on his contemporaries, his wide-ranging vogue from Norway to Germany, and his extraordinary circulation of books in America. Drummond's deep influence was personal and hidden, bringing about crises in the lives of countless hearers. He was described as a man after God's own heart, with a sunny disposition, sweet temper, and religious nature manifesting early in life. His life was marked by a profound belief in the powers of the human will and a passionate devotion to Jesus Christ, emphasizing the importance of living a life like Christ's.
Healed by His Stripes
By Richard E. Bieber0PSA 46:4PSA 103:3ISA 53:5MRK 2:5LUK 9:2JHN 19:34ACT 8:81JN 5:6REV 22:1Richard E. Bieber preaches about the significance of the River of God that flows throughout the Bible, symbolizing forgiveness and healing through water and blood. From Eden to Revelation, the River represents God's continuous presence and provision for humanity. Jesus is revealed as the ultimate source of this River, offering not just physical healing but spiritual restoration through His blood shed on the Cross. Believers are encouraged to follow the signs of healing to the source of forgiveness at Calvary, where the blood and water flowed from Jesus' side, bringing redemption and healing to all who believe.
The Healer
By Henry Law0EXO 15:26PSA 103:3PSA 147:3ISA 53:5ISA 57:17JER 17:14MAT 4:24MRK 5:34JAS 5:16Henry Law preaches about the healing power of the Lord, emphasizing how sin is a universal malady that affects every aspect of humanity, leading to a deep spiritual disease that only Jesus can cure. Sin is depicted as a taint that corrupts every individual, with roots deeply embedded in the soul, affecting the heart, mind, and body. Despite the severity of sin, Jesus, the spiritual Healer, offers complete healing, forgiveness, and restoration to those who come to Him in faith.
Liv. to Mr Robert Blair
By Samuel Rutherford0PSA 27:8PSA 103:3EPH 2:82TH 3:16REV 5:9Samuel Rutherford reflects on his own shortcomings and unworthiness, acknowledging his constant struggle with sin and doubt, yet finding solace in being a ransomed sinner and sick one in need of Christ's redemption and grace. He marvels at the free gift of salvation in Christ, emphasizing that it is not based on any merit or payment from humans but solely on God's grace. Rutherford expresses his desire for a deeper love for Jesus and longs for the day when the light of God's presence shines brighter in Scotland. He concludes by praying for the establishment and strengthening of his dear brother in Christ until the return of Jesus.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
John Gill Bible Commentary
Who forgiveth all thine iniquities,.... The psalmist explains here what he means by benefits, and gives a particular enumeration of them; and begins with the blessing of pardon, which is a special and peculiar benefit; it is according to the riches of divine grace, and the multitude of tender mercies; without which all outward blessings signify nothing; and, without a sense of this, a man is not in a suitable and proper frame to bless the Lord; and this being the first benefit a soul sensible of sin, its guilt and is concerned for, and seeks after; so enjoying it, it is the first he is thankful for: this is rightly ascribed to God; for none can forgive sins but he; and what he forgives are not mere infirmities, peccadillos, the lesser sins of life; but "iniquities", grosser sins, unrighteousnesses, impieties, the most enormous crimes, sins of a crimson and scarlet die; yea, "all" of them, though they are many, more than the hairs of a man's head; he abundantly pardons, multiplies pardons, as sins are multiplied, and leaves none unforgiven; original sin, actual sins, sins of heart, lip, and life, of omission and commission, all are forgiven for Christ's sake: and the special mercy is when a man has an application of this to himself, and can say to his soul, as David to his, God has forgiven "thine" iniquities; for though it may be observed with pleasure, and it is an encouragement to hope in the Lord, that he is a forgiving God, and has forgiven others, yet what would this avail a man, if his sins should not be forgiven? the sweetness of the blessing lies in its being brought home to a man's own soul: and it may be further observed, that this is a continued act; it is not said who has forgiven, and will forgive, though both are true; but "forgiveth", continues to forgive; for as there is a continual virtue in the sacrifice of the Lamb of God to take away the sin of the world, and in his blood to cleanse from all sin, so there is a continual flow of pardoning grace in the heart of God, which is afresh applied to the consciences of his people by his Spirit; and this is a blessing to be thankful for: who healeth all thy diseases; not bodily ones, though the Lord is the physician of the bodies as well as of the souls of men, and sometimes heals the diseases of soul and body at once, as in the case of the paralytic man in the Gospel; but spiritual diseases, or soul maladies, are here meant; the same with "iniquities" in the preceding clause: sin is a natural, hereditary, epidemical, nauseous, and mortal disease; and there are many of them, a complication of them, in men, which God only can cure; and he heals them by his word, by means of his Gospel, preaching peace, pardon, and righteousness by Christ; by the blood, wounds, and stripes of his Son; by the application of pardoning grace and mercy; for healing diseases, and forgiving iniquities, are one and the same thing; see Isa 33:24, and this the Lord does freely, fully, and infallibly, and for which thanks are due unto him; and it would be very ungrateful, and justly resented, should they not be returned to him; see Luk 17:15.