Bible Text: “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered”

(Psalm 32:1).

During the New Year, people often exchange best wishes, saying “Happy New Year! Wishing you good health, happiness, peace, success, and prosperity.” However, many do not realise that true happiness and every blessing comeonly from the one living and true God, the Creator – not from themselves, their efforts, their religions, or even their wishes. Because of this, many feel no need for God, nor do they trust or seek Him. What about you? God’s Word says, “The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up. 7 The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up.” (I Samuel 2:6-7), and “A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven” (John 3:27). Only God, the Creator, has the power and authority to bless us or take away all our blessings. According to www.fire.ca.gov/incidents, the recent wildfire, fuelled by strong winds in Los Angeles, California, destroyed 16,249 homes and buildings and claimed 29 lives in January 2025. Many celebrities lost their wealth and properties! Additionally, numerous people have lost their lives to earthquakes, floods, plane crashes, car accidents, wars, and other disasters.

Therefore, if your happiness depends on material possessions or worldly values, it will not last. You may recall a moment of joy when you received a long-awaited gift, graduated with honours, earned a promotion, or gained fame. However, you would also admit that such happiness was only temporary and fleeting. Life in this world is notalways as simple, easy, bright, or beautiful as you might imagine. Challenges such as difficulties, suffering, competition, misunderstandings, criticism, family breakdowns, disobedient children, opposition, sadness, temptations, illnesses, accidents, natural disasters, and wars can quickly take away the happiness you once had. Many people have not found true happiness in their spouses, families, careers, or wealth. Likewise, many have not found lasting fulfilment in worldly philosophies or religions. While some may appear happy on the outside, their hearts are often burdened with dissatisfaction, disappointment, pride, greed, jealousy, envy, bitterness, anger, or lust. The root cause of this emptiness issin and the sinful nature of humanity, as the Bible says, “your sins have withholden good things from you” (Jeremiah 5:25).

The Lord Jesus says, “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul” (Matthew 16:26). In this verse, the Lord Jesus emphasises that even if you were to gain the entire world – enjoying good health, wealth, a loving family, success and fame – it would be meaningless if you lost your soul in the process. However, if you lose your soul in Hell after death due to your sins, youcannot offer anything, not even wealth or fame, in exchange for your soul. Once you are in Hell, there is nothing you can do to save your soul. The Lord Jesus speaks of a rich man who, after death, finds himself in Hell, suffering from the heat, thirst, and torment of the flames. He cries out for help, but it is too late. If you reject God’s love and the salvation He offers through Christ while you are still alive, you will experience separation from God for eternity. True and eternalhappiness is found in the salvation of your soul. God’s Word says, “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered” (Psalm 32:1). What does it mean? Who can forgive your transgression and cover your sin? What should you do to be saved and enjoy this blessing or happiness?

THE MEANING OF PSALM 32:1

God’s Word says, “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.” What does it mean?

1. Blessed means a person’s state of bliss, especially a person or nation who enjoys a relationship with God (TheComplete Word Study Dictionary). Do you have a blessed relationship with God as your Heavenly Father and Jesus Christas your Lord and Saviour? True happiness comes only from the living and true God, the Creator, who can fill your heartwith lasting joy and peace. If God is not your Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ is not your Saviour, then you are missingout on the true and eternal happiness that only comes through Him.

2. Transgression means rebellion against God and His laws (The Complete Word Study Dictionary). Are you in rebellion against God and His commandments? The Lord Jesus summarised the essence of the Ten Commandments in two profound statements: “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thymind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. 31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these” (Mark 12:30-31). Do you truly love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love your neighbours as yourself? If not, then you have transgressedGod’s law. Do you prioritise living

according to God’s will above all things, including your relationship with parents, spouses, children, and others in your life – whether in family, work, worship, or service? If not, you have transgressed God’s law. If anything, including worldly values or even your own desires, takes precedence over God and His will, then that has become an idol in your heart. In doing so, you have transgressed God’s law. Do you honour your parents? Are you faithful to your spouse in both actions and thoughts? If not, you have transgressed God’s law! Have you ever felt envy, harboured hatred, or told alie? If so, you have transgressed God’s law!

3. Sin means a transgression as well as a shortcoming according to God’s holy standard. According to God’sstandard, sin occurs when we fall short of His glory, holiness, righteousness, and so on (Romans 3:23). It is also a sin whenwe doubt God’s existence, His love, His power, His Word, or His works (Romans 14:23). It is a sin when we obey God’s will only partially, choosing instead to follow our own desires or the will of others (1 Samuel 15:19-23). It is also a sin when we know what is right but fail to act on it (James 4:17). Additionally, sin occurs when we act wrongly, make mistakes, or misjudge others, whether through our thoughts, words, or actions, because all unrighteousness is sin (1 John 5:17). Can you honestly say that you have no sin? God’s Word confirms that all have sinned and come short of God’s glory, and “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8).

4. All sinners will be in Hell after death and face eternal punishment in the Lake of Fire on Judgment Day according to God’s Word, “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death” (Revelation 21:8). Are you sure you are without sin and able to escape God’s righteous judgement?

5. You and I are truly blessed if our transgressions are forgiven, and our sins are covered by the precious blood and righteousness of Jesus Christ (Romans 3:25; Hebrews 9:22). This immense blessing and happiness are gifts from God, our Creator alone! All people, including you and I, have sinned and rebelled against God and His laws. As a result, we all face judgement and condemnation, with the ultimate consequence being eternal separation from God in Hell andthe Lake of Fire. Since every person is born with a sinful nature, it is impossible to save ourselves through good works, self-discipline, abstinence, or ascetic practices. We are incapable of improving our standing before God by our own efforts. All the religions, philosophies, wealth, and possessions in this world cannot save us or change our sinful nature. In such a hopeless and helpless state, we come to realise that we are in desperate need of God’s love, grace, and mercy – without which we are bound to perish! It is then that we understand that the greatest blessing and true happiness lie inGod’s forgiveness and salvation. With a humble heart, we echo His Word, saying, “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.” What about you?

ONLY GOD THE CREATOR AND HIS SON JESUS CHRIST CAN SAVE US

We should always be thankful to God for His boundless love for humanity. He gave His only begotten Son, who, inHis humility, became fully Man, suffered and died to atone for our sins, shedding His precious blood on the cross. On thethird day, He rose again, offering forgiveness and salvation to all who repent, turn away from sin, and exalt Him to betheir Lord and Saviour (John 3:16; Romans 4:25). What then should we do to be saved?

1. Compare ourselves with God’s holy standard, even the Lord Jesus and His Word

The Lord Jesus says, “They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Mark 2:17). Just as we only seek a doctor when we are sick, we only recognise our need for the Saviour, Jesus Christ, when we see the depth of our sins and the reality of the condemnation they bring. Many people believe they are good, or at least not so bad, and thus feel they do not need a Saviour. Modern philosophies and psychology encourage individuals to avoid negative self-talk, urging them to think. “Never believe you are bad, sinful, ugly, incompetent, helpless, or hopeless; instead, focus on being good, valuable, and capable.” Such thinking canobscure the true nature of our sins. As a result, many fail to recognise their need for the Saviour, Jesus Christ. God, the Creator of all things, has made us in His image, and as our Creator, He holds the ultimate authority over our lives. Hehas the authority to demand our love, worship, service, and obedience. One of His most crucial commands is that we beholy, as He is holy (1 Peter 1:16). However, when we fall short of this standard, we rebel against God, and this rebellion is called sin. It’s easy for us to compare ourselves with others or to human standards of morality and feel that we are doing fine – perhaps even better than others. But God’s standard is far higher, and the only true measure of our lives is His Word. As we read the Holy Bible, we must measure our lives against God’s holy law (Rom 3:20) and the example ofHis Son, Jesus Christ, who is the perfect model of holiness (Rom 8:29). In doing so, we will clearly see our own sins and shortcomings and be reminded of our need for His grace, forgiveness, and salvation.

2. Acknowledge our sins and sinful nature

Many people fail to recognise their sins and sinful nature, which prevents them from seeing their deep need for God’s forgiveness and salvation in Christ. However, David acknowledged his sins and his fallen state, crying to God,“For I acknowledge my transgressions... Against thee, thee only, have I sinned... Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me” (Psalm 51:3-5). This humility before God is a recognition of our need for grace. The Lord Jesus teaches us in Matthew 5:3 that we are blessed when we acknowledge our spiritual poverty because He came to save those who recognise their helplessness and need for Him. What about you and me?

3. Confess our sins and humbly pray for God’s mercy, forgiveness and salvation

The Lord Jesus teaches us to humbly pray for God’s mercy and salvation, just as the tax collector did, so that wemay receive forgiveness and be justified (Luke 18:13-14). When we acknowledge and confess our sins before the Lord,He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). What about you and me?

4. Pray for a new heart and a new spirit

David acknowledged his sinful nature, and in repentance, he prayed to God, asking Him to create in him a clean heart and renew a right spirit within him (Psalm 51:10). God, in His infinite wisdom, understands that humanity, with its sinful nature, cannot change their hearts on their own, just as an Ethiopian cannot change his skin or a leopard its spots (Jeremiah 13:23). Therefore, God, in His grace, promises to give repentant sinners a new heart and a new spirit with theindwelling of the Holy Spirit, enabling them to walk in obedience and keep His commandments (Ezekiel 36:26-27). What about you and me?

5. Submit to the reign of King Jesus and the control of the Holy Spirit

Many profess to believe in the Lord Jesus, attend church, and have been baptised, assuming they are saved. Yet,they refuse to submit to the reign of King Jesus and the control of the Holy Spirit. They continue to live as they please –watching, listening, speaking, teaching, and preaching according to their own desires rather than His will. Though they may prophesy, cast our demons, or perform miracles in His Name, the Lord Jesus will reject them when He returnsbecause they never truly surrendered to Him (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 19:27; Eph 5:18). What about you and me?

6. Constantly rely on the Lord Jesus to live a victorious life

Living a holy and victorious life as a Christian is not easy in a world filled with temptations, opposition, and attacksfrom Satan. The Lord Jesus understands that apart from Him, we cannot bear the fruit of the Holy Spirit or walk in victory. Therefore, He teaches us to continually depend on Him and submit to His control, allowing His life to be manifested inus (John 15:5; 2 Corinthians 4:10). When we constantly abide in Christ, it is God, who “always causeth us to triumph inChrist, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place” (2 Corinthians 2:14). That is what sets Christianity apart from all other religions in the world – Christians must have the Lord Jesus living in them. But have we always relied on Him and fully submitted to His Lordship?

7. Be constrained by Christ’s love to live for Him and share His salvation with others

Paul was once a blasphemer and persecutor who did not believe in the Lord Jesus. He blasphemed His Name and persecuted Christians. However, everything changed when he encountered the Lord. Humbled and convicted, herepented and fully surrendered his life to Christ. His transformation was radical – no longer an enemy of the faith, he became a devoted servant of the Gospel. Compelled by the love of Christ, he dedicated himself to living for the Lord and sharing the good news of God’s love and salvation with others (Romans 1:14-15; 2 Cor 5:14). What about you and me?

According to God’s holy standards, all have sinned, and every unrepentant sinner will face judgment and condemnation in Hell. What good is it to gain the whole world but lose your soul forever? Regret in eternity cannot be undone! No human effort or religion can forgive, save, or transform us. True happiness comes only from God, ourCreator! Only God can forgive sins, save us, and give us a new heart and spirit so that we may become His children and live with Him forever in Heaven, even after death. This is God’s greatest gift of salvation for mankind, made possible through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Have you received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour? May God have mercy on us all and grant us the grace to receive His salvation with gratitude, and to enjoy this true happiness before it is too late. Amen. HN.

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True Happiness from the Creator