Sketches of Four Hundred Sermons Psalm 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. I. WHAT IS HERE MEANT BY CONVERSION? In margin it is rendered "restoring." This restoring the soul is from its fall in Adam to its salvation in Christ. 1. From the darkness of ignorance to the light of Divine knowledge. Ignorance is general where the means of knowledge are not realised. The light of Divine knowledge, employing and enriching the understanding, is essential to the restoration of the soul. 2. From the oppressive weight of contracted guilt to a state of conscious acceptance with God (Romans 5:1). 3. From inward depravity, derived from our first parents, to a conformity to the moral image of God. The removal of guilt from the conscience, and the being "sanctified wholly," are distinct attainments in the Christian life. 4. From a state of misery to the possession of real happiness. How can men but be miserable in sin! II. THE MEANS BY WHICH THIS RESTORATION IS EFFECTED. By the perfect law of the Lord. For law read doctrine. This doctrine is — 1. Divine in its origin. 2. Pure in the means of its communication. 3. Harmonious, and well adapted to the condition of man in all its parts. 4. Energetic in its operations. Improvement, — ministers must understand the doctrine of the Lord before they can make it known to others. (Sketches of Four Hundred Sermons.) Parallel Verses KJV: The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.WEB: Yahweh's law is perfect, restoring the soul. Yahweh's testimony is sure, making wise the simple. |
    |