The Character Of Scripture

Psalm 19 - The all-sufficient Word of God.

“The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul”

Scripture is completely sufficient in transforming a person’s life. The word perfect is a common word meaning whole, complete, perfect or sufficient. The Scriptures lack nothing, being in themselves a comprehensive teaching from God. They contain all that is necessary for the spiritual life of the people of God. They restore the soul.

“The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple”

Scripture is God’s testimony about Himself. The word ’sure’ means immovable, unwavering, reliable and worthy to be trusted. As MacArthur says, “It is God giving testimony to who He is and what He requires”. Being sure, Scripture provides the necessary authority to bank our life and our eternal destiny on with complete certainty.

“The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart”

All God’s precepts are right, just as He is right. They are judicial by His authority and binding. The Scriptures, being right, guide us into true understanding and as this passage shows, they give cause for sustained joy. Deliverance from anxiety and sorrow can be found in the Scripture, as it is Scripture that rejoices the heart.

“The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes”

Scripture is pure. It is clear. Rather than being ambiguous, in general, the average man can understand it. How does Scripture enlighten our eyes? God graces the elect with special revelation and this revelation is found in Christ and the Scriptures, enlightening us to our sinful condition and the way of salvation.

“The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever”

Scripture is clean and this word indicates purity, holiness, and the complete separation from sin. The Scriptures are without corruption or error. Unlike everything else in the world, our Scriptures can be trusted. They are trustworthy all the time. Fashions change, people change, philosophies change but the Fear of the Lord, the holy Scriptures endure forever.

“The judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether”

Our Scriptures are true. They are always true. This means that they are forever dependable and forever relevant. We can trust them as our sole source of authority, as they proceed from a God of truth.

In this, the 21st century, many seek more revelation from God. This is absurd. The Word of God is sufficient. As we have seen, it is true and absolutely comprehensive.