The Scriptures cited above show that David had a heart of integrity and righteousness. He fully followed God, turning neither to the right nor to the left. Yet was God’s “measuring stick” perfect? No! David did not live up to God’s perfect standard of righteousness. We know of his adultery with Bathsheba and his murder of Uriah to cover it up (2 Sam 11-12), his numbering of the people (2 Sam 24:10), and his error in moving the Ark of the Covenant (1 Chron 15:13).
Perhaps David’s life was 95% righteous. If so, this would mean that he needed God’s grace to forgive him of his 5% of unrighteousness. David spoke about the heavy burden of guilt that he carried until he confessed his sin and God forgave him. (Ps 32:1-6) God covered his sin and He did not count it against him anymore, but considered him 100% righteous. (See also Romans 4:5-8.)
Manasseh was one of the wickedest kings God’s people ever had. He made idols and put them in God’s temple. He sacrificed his children to these idols. He turned to the occult and he sought the counsel of mediums and spiritists. Manasseh did more evil than the Canaanites that God considered wicked enough to let Israel drive them out. (2 Chron 33:1-9) Perhaps Manasseh was 0% righteous when compared to God’s standard of righteousness.
Yet, the story of Manasseh had a happy ending. God judged him for his sins by having the king of Assyria put hooks through his nose and take him in chains to Babylon. In his distress, Manasseh humbly begged for God’s forgiveness. God was moved and He returned him to His kingdom where he demonstrated the fruit of true repentance. He removed the idolatrous worship, set up the worship of the Lord, and ordered his subjects to worship Him. (2 Chron 33:10-17) God’s grace forgave Manasseh’s 100% unrighteousness and he was counted 100% righteous!
From the information we have recorded in the Scriptures, it would not be surprising to find both David and Manasseh in heaven, singing together, “Amazing grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me.” No one is so righteous that he does not need grace. No one is so wicked that God will not give him grace.
Whether you are as “righteous” as David or as “sinful” as Manasseh or somewhere in between, you must have God’s grace to make up the difference between your life and God’s perfect standard of righteousness. Whether you are a Christian or a non-Christian, you need to meet God’s conditions of grace to receive His forgiveness. Non-Christians see Romans 10:9-10 and Acts 2:38. Christians see Acts 8:22 and 1 Jn 1:7-2:2. Let us all seek and receive God’s forgiveness so that we may join David and Manasseh in the heavenly chorus singing “Amazing Grace”.
