David begins the nineteenth Psalm with a declaration of the incontroverbile and unmistakeable record of the creation which continually and faithfully testifies with absolute certainty; the glory of HIM who formed it all out of nothing. “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.” (Psalm 19:1) Paul records the same truth to the Romans saying, “Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse.” (Rom 1:19-20)
Men cannot escape from this testimony and witness regardless of the darkness which is in their hearts by nature. It is this very darkness which causes them to rebel against the ONE who has done all things according to the good pleasure of HIS will. It is this shameless insurgence which moves them to desire to rob GOD of HIS glory (which is a futile and self-destructive quest) as they would exalt the creature (or creation) above the CREATOR. This rebellion is that which gives rise to “science falsely so called” which manifests itself in all sorts of will worship and idolatry as Paul goes on to say, “Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.” (Rom 1:21-23)
In the same fashion it comes as no surprise that men in their rebellion against the sovereign right of the LORD to do with that (which HE has made) as HE wills, that they would turn even the redemptive work which HE has conceived and performed into a cooperative effort which would exalt the free will of men as those able to stymie HIS eternal purpose by their own choice. They would lift up and encourage men to exercise “faith” (as though they possessed this ability) in order to purchase that which GOD reveals that HE freely gives according to HIS grace.
Men by nature (showing the work of the law written in their hearts) must maintain that they can gain the favor of GOD by bringing gifts to HIM rather than as the scripture reveals, HE brings HIS favor to them by giving them gifts. “But unto every one of us (i.e.; the sons of GOD) is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.” (Eph 4:7-8)
It is in this very juxtaposition of the order which comes from GOD that men would seek their own glory and make (in their feeble minds), GOD to wait upon men rather than as the scriptures indicate, men must wait upon GOD. Men would characterize the mercy of GOD as being bestowed based upon what men would bring to HIM, rather than bowing before HIS sovereign declaration to Moses, “For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy. For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.” (Rom 9:15-18) Where is the will of man in that decree?
So we see here in Psalm 19, the fact that men are completely accountable for their unbelief in; and rebellion against; the CREATOR since HE has clearly and incontrovertibly displayed HIS power and GODHEAD before them in the wonders of HIS creation. They cannot deny what is so plainly revealed, choosing rather to worship the things of their own desire. While they will not see that which is plainly revealed due to their rebellion, they most certainly cannot see those things which are hidden from them (due to their hardness of heart and blindness to things SPIRITUAL). “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” (1Cor 2:14)
Thus David segues from the display of creation, which men cannot deny, to the beauties of the law of GOD which they cannot behold. (beginning in verse 7) The law that HE speaks of here is not simply what is known as the Ten Commandments, but rather the entire testimony of GOD’s purpose for those who are favored to receive HIS grace. There is not one of those who are born again by HIS SPIRIT who does not find his greatest delight in the WORD of GOD.
This “law” is to them that which is “perfect” (i.e.; lacking nothing, and completely suited to their need). Thus it is used by the LORD in “converting the soul”. This word “converting” literally means “turning back”. It is therefore much akin to that which is spoken of in the scripture as “repentance”. The LORD JESUS clearly taught Nicodemus that a man must be “born again” in order to see the Kingdom of GOD. The evidence of this birth from above is a change of the mind and heart even as Paul said, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2Cor 5:17) This is the very meaning of repentance which is not an activity which men bring to GOD, but rather the action of GOD upon men wherein they are humbled before HIM, confessing their sin and worshipping CHRIST. To be without “repentance” (or conversion) is to surely perish.
The “testimony” (i.e.; the witness, that which is testified to) of the LORD is “sure.” We read of this sure word as Paul says, “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” (2Tim 2:19) Peter says: “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” (2Pet 1:19-21) We have been given this testimony in the written WORD of GOD which makes wise the simple, for to them it is given while it is hid from the wise and prudent.
The “statutes of the LORD are right.” This word literally means “straight and true”. We get here the picture of a line which is drawn from one point to another without deviation. Some often depict GOD as doing right because HE meets their criteria of what is right and good. The truth is that whatever GOD does is right because HE does it. There is no standard by which puny man can measure the rightness of GOD’s statutes (i.e.; the appointed mandates) much less of GOD HIMSELF. HE answers to none. This is a source of great rejoicing for the sons of GOD who have fled to HIM for refuge. HE will spare no expense to effect their deliverance. “Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life.” (Isa 43:4)
The “commandment“ (i.e.; that which is decreed) of the LORD is “pure”. This word literally means “beloved, without defect or blemish”. Thus are the sons of GOD seen by HIM who pronounces them as clean and without sin in JESUS CHRIST. HE remembers their sin no more and if HE is for them who can be against them. They are appointed by HIM to inherit the Kingdom which HE has prepared for their habitation. (see Luke 12:32) They are given a foretaste of the glory of this Kingdom as HE gives them love one for the other as they rejoice in CHRIST together. “As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.” (Psa 133:3) Thus are they enlightened by those gifts which HE gives to the saints. “But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.” (Eph 4:15-16)
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