Today, we explore Psalms 51 through 57 in our daily devotional. These passages challenge us to confront a profound question: what does it truly mean to be “good,” and is being “good” enough to gain entry into heaven? This is an enduring question that touches on the nature of humanity, sin, and the divine standard. Many believe that they are good by their own or society’s definitions, but the psalms present a different perspective, revealing a need for forgiveness and redemption beyond human goodness. Psalm 51 poignantly shows David’s repentance, highlighting humanity’s inherent sinfulness and the need for God’s mercy. As we dig deeper, we encounter powerful reminders that none are truly righteous on their own and that only trust in God provides hope and salvation. To learn about reincarnation, read the daily devotional on Psalms 45-50.
Psalms 51-57 Commentary by Allen J. Huth
Today, we are in day ten of our journey through the Book of Psalms. We will look at seven psalms. Many people think they are good. Do you think you are good? How good is good enough to get into heaven? Please read or listen to Psalms 51-57.
What Does It Mean to Be Born Into Sin?
This was a very long reading today, so I will summarize these psalms quickly. Looking at my journal in 2007 (NASB), I wrote, “Sin. We are born in sin. We are not basically good. We are sinful and need to be forgiven and saved from our sinfulness.
What Is the Meaning of Psalm 51?
“Psalm 51:5 says, ‘Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.’ David fell in sin, but he sought forgiveness. That is really what Psalm 51 is all about. He also acknowledges the Holy Spirit was back in the Old Testament in Psalm 51:11.
How Can a Man Trust God?
“Are we good or evil? Psalm 53:3 says, ‘there is no one who does good, not even one.’ Psalm 55:12-14 remind us even friends turn on friends. And Psalm 56:4 (NASB) says but, ‘What can mere men do to me?’” We finish with “Trust in God. He will save us and protect us.”
“The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, doing abominable iniquity; there is none who does good. God looks down from heaven on the children of man to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God. They have all fallen away; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one” (Ps. 53:1-3).
Is It Enough to Be Good to Go to Heaven?
Many people think they are going to heaven because they think they are good. By whose definition? How good is good enough? Is good different to a Christian, a Jew, a Muslim, a Buddhist, a Hindu, or an agnostic? Is fifty-one percent good, or does it need to be more like two-thirds, or seventy-five percent good?
What Is the Meaning of Romans 1:21-22?
Do we get to define good or does God? “For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools” (Rom. 1:21-22).
How Can I Apply Psalm 53 to My Life?
Psalm 53:1 and 3 say, “there is none who does good” (v. 1), “they have all fallen away . . . there is none who does good, not even one” (v. 3). Zero, zip, nada, none. Romans 3:23 says, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”. So any level of human good falls short according to scripture. We cannot depend on goodness to get us into heaven.
What Is the Meaning of Romans 5:8?
However, Romans 5:8 tells us, “but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Not Muhammad, not Buddha, not the Dalai Lama; Jesus who is the Christ. Those who call on His name shall be saved, “For ‘everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved’” (Rom. 10:13).
Do not rely on goodness as a ticket to heaven; rely on the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus the Christ, the Lord.
What Is the Prayer of Confession Psalm 51?
Lord, we thank You for the reminder that good is not good enough. Thank You for dying on the cross at Calvary for the sin of the world, including my sin. Thank You for rising from the dead to conquer sin, hell, and the grave. Thank You for the free gift of salvation in Christ alone. Today, I stop relying on my goodness and put my trust in You.
Lord, as I do:
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from your presence,
and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and uphold me with a willing spirit (Ps. 51:10-12).
As David prayed about his sinful behavior, we also pray for ours. Thank You that You will create in us a clean heart, and you will renew a right spirit within us. Thank You for reminding us as we put our trust in You, man cannot hurt us. Lord, thank You for Your forgiveness and Your future protection. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
