"REVELATION AND CONVERSION" (Pastor Tom Henry) ~ 12/2/25

“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament sheweth his handiwork.”

“There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.”

“The Law of the LORD is perfect, convicting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.” (Psalm 19:1, 3, 7)

We have no way of knowing the time or occasion of this Psalm’s original composition, only that David wrote it and submitted it to the chief musician for use in the sanctuary. We have no need to know anything more since its message is timeless and well suited for all times and occasions.

From David’s earliest days he gave himself to the study of two major books of Divine authorship - the book of nature (Vs. 1-6) and the Book of Scripture. (Vs. 7-11) Of these two volumes, he here renders a devout criticism and contrast. In the first volume, the book of creation, God declares His glory in universal language, while at the same time giving hints that this is not His greatest revelation. Only as we see God’s glory in the second volume, the Book of Scripture, can we then truly appreciate His glory in the first volume.

The vast heavens afford us a glimpse of God’s handiwork. “In the face of fools who deny Him, God flies His starry flag. He who looks at the firmament and then writes himself an atheist brands himself as either an idiot or a liar.” (Charles Spurgeon) Yet, how does the unconverted soul find comfort there? The truth is, he doesn’t. The starry heavens and the restless sea manifest the infinity and power of God, but to the sinner, oh how fearful! “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. 1:20)

David attributes a power to the second revelation that is not attached to the first. The creation, with its various parts speaks a language that is translated into every tongue, and heard in every region and realm, but it cannot bring a soul into right relationship with God. Rather, it can only render him without excuse for not worshipping his Creator. But of the second revelation we read, “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.” It has power to “make wise the simple.” The Apostle Paul speaks in like manner in Romans 10:16-18. No doubt thinking of this very Psalm he writes, “Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth.” Yet they had not been moved, because faith does not come by such means. Rather, “faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

By “the law of the Lord” David intends the entire doctrine of God’s Word. The word also carries its noun form which speaks of integrity, declaring it to be unblemished, undefiled, upright truth. By “law of the Lord” the psalmist is referring to the entirety of Scripture as represented in the six titles of this instructive hexapla: law, testimonies, statutes, commandment, fear, judgement. (Verses 7-9)

The true value of any book is made known by its effect. The Bible stands alone, far above all other books in its wholesome effects upon the reader for time and eternity. Some books bear fruit for penitentiaries, executioners, and for hell itself. A book need not necessarily be religious in nature to be profitable, but it cannot be irreligious and bear good fruit. (The same might be said of music) The Bible, however, never fails to elevate societies wherever it is taken.

The Bible bears fruit for heaven. First, God’s Word is pure, unmitigated, undefiled truth, and it converts the soul. Second, God’s truth purifies and sanctifies the converted soul fitting it for heaven.

Conversion by the perfect Word is a most excellent work. It features repentance without despair, and pardon without presumption. It gives rest while promoting holy action.

Soul-conversion is the excellent and exclusive work of the perfect Word of God. Let us then preach the Word, not in veiled rhetoric, but plainly; not partially, but fully, shunning not to declare the whole counsel of God.