My Poisoned Nature

This fall has so poisoned our nature, 

• that we are all conceived and born in a sinful condition.

For the Bible tells me so...

Psalm 51:1-17

Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love.

• Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins.
• Wash me clean from my guilt.
• Purify me from my sin.

For I recognize my rebellion; it haunts me day and night.

• Against you, and you alone, have I sinned;
• I have done what is evil in your sight.
• You will be proved right in what you say,
• and your judgment against me is just.

For I was born a sinner -

• yes, from the moment my mother conceived me.
• But you desire honesty from the womb,
• teaching me wisdom even there.

Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean;

• wash me and I will be whiter than snow.

Oh, give me back my joy again; you have broken me - now let me rejoice.

• Don't keep looking at my sins.
• Remove the stain of my guilt.
• Create in me a clean heart, O God.
• Renew a loyal spirit within me.

Do not banish me from your presence, and don't take your Holy Spirit from me.

• Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you.
• Then I will teach your ways to rebels, and they will turn to you.

Forgive me for shedding blood, O God who saves;

• then I will joyfully sing of your forgiveness.
• Unseal my lips, O Lord, that my mouth may praise you.

You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one.

• You do not want a burnt offering.
• The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit.
• You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.

The Heidelberg Catechism Lord's Day 3