Psalm 19

“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night reveals knowledge. There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard. Their line has gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them He has set a tabernacle for the sun, which is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoices like a strong man to run its race. Its rising is from one end of heaven, and its circuit to the other end; and there is nothing hidden from its heat.” Psalm 19:1-6 (NKJV)

I can understand how Christians have different religious views and even that other people would follow after false religion. What is completely baffling to me is how a person could claim to be an atheist to deny that God exists at all. All people, everywhere, receive nature’s testimony (also see Romans 1:20)! Therefore, the atheist is a “fool.”

“The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God.’” Psalm 14:1a (NKJV)

Today’s psalm tells us that God’s glory is declared by nature itself! No honest, open-minded person could deny the existence of a creator because creation shouts, “Believe!”  So, does that mean a person is saved, apart from trusting in Jesus, by simply by taking a trip to Yosemite? Absolutely not! (Acts 4:12)  Creation prompts people to search for a Creator, but that search always leads them first to His perfect Law. When we get closer to God, we must face the fact that He is holy and has articulated a standard through which communion (fellowship) with Him is possible. That is why Psalm 19 moves from nature’s revelation to Scriptural revelation.

“The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them Your servant is warned, and in keeping them there is great reward.” Psalm 19:7-11 (NKJV) (see also: 1 Corinthians 14:1)

Once nature says there is a God, and Scripture tells us how Holy He is, we face a dilemma: We are not holy at all! Therefore, something (or Someone) must cleanse us from our iniquity! (1 John 1:9) Enter Jesus. In Him, alone, are we saved.

“Who can understand his errors? Cleanse me from secret faults. Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and I shall be innocent of great transgression. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:12-14 (NKJV)

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Messiah died for us.” Romans 5:8 (NKJV)