Because God saves . . .

 

READ Psalm 119

Religion says: “Obey God and God will save you.” The Gospel says: “God has saved you and enabled you to obey Him.” Some say the OT is about the first statement, but the NT is the second. As I read this amazing psalm, I could see many verses where the psalmist declares gospel truth. He knows that his obedience depends on God’s enabling and declares it many times. Here are some examples, in his words and in my words:

I will praise you with an upright heart, when I learn your righteous rules. I will keep your statutes; do not utterly forsake me! (Psalm 119:7–8)

While the psalmist learns the Word of God, he also knows his need for God so he can learn and obey it: “With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Blessed are you, O Lord; teach me your statutes! With my lips I declare all the rules of your mouth.” (10–13)

This dependence is expressed several ways: “Deal bountifully with your servant, that I may live and keep your word. Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.” (17–18) He knows the truth; we need God’s grace to see his truth and grace to keep it! We also need new life: “I will run in the way of your commandments when you enlarge my heart!” (32)

I also know that God must teach me His way before I can keep it and delight in it. He must turn me from selfishness and worthless living. I cannot do it without the life of Christ in me! (33–37)

He also gives me words to answer opposition (41–43) and even the ability to remember those words when I need them (119:49) and the judgment to know when to speak and when to shut up. (119:66)

The psalmist also points out the value of trials, as does the gospel. He says, “It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes. The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces.” (71–72)

He knows where his life and understanding come from, never taking credit for the wisdom God gave Him. “Your hands have made and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.” (73) This also is a gospel truth. Apart from Christ, I know nothing of what it means to obey God. It is His love and His life that enables my obedience and even the ability to remember what I am supposed to know and obey and even think about all day:

In your steadfast love give me life, that I may keep the testimonies of your mouth . . . . I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life . . . . Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day. (88; 93; 97)

He teaches me to “hate every false way” (104) and His Word is a light and guide (105) with promises to protect me from shame, keep me safe, and maintain my regard for His ways. (116–117)

I can say with the psalmist:

Therefore I love your commandments above gold, above fine gold. Therefore I consider all your precepts to be right; I hate every false way . . . . The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple. (127–128; 130)

And I can ask God to: “Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me” and “Make your face shine upon your servant, and teach me your statutes.” Because His testimonies are righteous forever and because He gives me understanding that I may live . . . . I know He has “Saved me, that I may observe His testimonies . . . . and redeemed me; giving me life according to His promise!” Amen!