What does Psalms 51:11 Mean?

Study Notes

Take not
No believer of this dispensation, aware of the promise of His abiding John 14:16 should pray, "Take not Thy Holy Spirit from me." Ephesians 4:30 but while Christian position is not found here, Christian experience in essence is.

Verse Meaning

Casting away from God"s presence implies a rejection as God"s servant. Saul had suffered such a fate for his continuing rebellion against Yahweh. In Old Testament times God gave His Holy Spirit selectively (to empower only some believers) and temporarily (primarily to empower them for special acts of service). Since the Day of Pentecost all believers enjoy the permanent indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the Church Age ( John 14:17; Romans 8:9). Consequently the possibility of God withdrawing His Spirit from David was a real one for him, but it is not for us. ^[1] It is possible that a Christian may lose his or her opportunities to serve the Lord, however ( 1 Corinthians 9:27). For example, a Christian who gets involved in gross sin will not lose his or her salvation ( John 10:28-29), but he or she may lose the opportunity to serve God in a leadership capacity (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:27). [source][source]

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Context Summary

It is not enough to be forgiven; the true penitent longs to be kept from breaking out into the old sins. He desires a clean heart that abhors the least taint of sin; a right or steadfast (r.v., margin) spirit, influenced by God's holy Spirit, and therefore a willing spirit as well. Then shall follow the joy of salvation, success in soul-winning, humility of soul, the blessing of Zion, and the upbuilding of the Church. What glorious results are these-like the fair colors extracted from coal-tar!

There are no sacrifices so dear to God as broken hearts; no offerings so precious as contrite spirits. It would be impossible to compute all the walls that have been built; all the Jerusalems, that have been blessed, all the congregations that have been moved, all the revivals that have resulted because sinful men and women have been loved back from the pit of corruption and reinstated into the clear shining of God's forgiveness and favor. Do not be content with forgiveness; seek restoration to the old place and then strive for a better. [source]

Chapter Summary: Psalms 51

¹  David prays for remission of sins, whereof he makes a deep confession
⁶  He prays for sanctification
¹⁶  God delights not in sacrifice, but in sincerity
¹⁸  He prays for the church