By The Rev. Ron Purkey
Guest Columnist

Read: Psalm 19:7-11

The Rev. Ron Purkey

“The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple” (Psalm 19:7).

The heavens declare God’s glory, and the Scriptures declare his grace (see Hebrews 1:1-3). This law, testimony, commandment, word, of course, is a personal revelation from God, for the name used is not “God” but “LORD,” meaning “Jehovah.” This is the personal, covenant name for God.

First, what the Bible is:

(1) The perfect law — There is no error in the Bible, either in historical fact or in spiritual truth. Of course, the Bible records the lies of men and of Satan, but the total message of the Bible is that of truth (see Psalm 119:128 and 160).

(2) The sure testimony — The word does not change; it is sure and steadfast, It’s God’s testimony to mankind, his witness of what is true and right.

(3) The right statutes — “Statutes” means “precepts, rules for daily living.” Some rules are wrong rules; God’s word is right. Obeying God’s word brings blessing to daily life.

(4) The pure commandment of God. The “sacred books” of some world religions are anything but pure, but God’s word is pure, even when dealing with sin. Nothing in the Bible, rightly understood, could lead a person into sin.

(5) The clean fear of the Lord — The phrase “fear of the Lord” is another reference to “the law,” since the word of God produces a reverence for God. To fear God makes a person clean; to worship heathen idols makes a person filthy.

(6) True, righteous judgments — God’s evaluations of mankind and “things” are true; he knows all things completely. It pays for the Christian to believe what God says and not to depend on his own evaluation. Lot made this mistake and lost everything.

(7) Better than gold — The Bible is our treasure.

(8) Sweeter than honey — The spiritual Christian does not need the artificial things of this world for satisfaction; the word satisfies the spiritual appetite.

Second, what the Bible does:

(1) Converts—This is the same as “restores” in Psalm 23:3. The word converts the sinner from his ways and restores the saint when he wanders. It refreshes and heals.

(2) Makes people wise — It educates us.

(3) Rejoices—The spiritual believer finds joy in the word.

(4) Enlightens—The entrance (opening) of God’s word gives light.

(5) Endures—Other books fade and are forgotten, but God’s word remains. Many a hammer has been worn out on the anvil of God’s word!

(6) Enriches—It is better than gold or silver.

(7) Satisfies—The honey satisfies the body; the word satisfies the soul.

(8) Rewards—Money cannot buy the rewards of a godly life: a clean conscience, a pure heart, joy, peace, and answered prayer. There is a reward in keeping the word, not for keeping it. The reward comes in the doing: “This man shall be blessed in his doing” (James 1:25).

Read Ron Purkey’s Bible study outlines free at rcpbibleoutlines.com. Purkey has been an ordained Baptist minister for 50 years.