Featured Calvin's Commentary about Psalms 19

SovereignGrace · Mar 19, 2016

It should be noted that natural revelation is that which declares God exists. However, it does not proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. That is via the word of God, by preaching it to sinners. There is a caveat at the beginning of Calvin's Psalms 19 commentary, that should be be duly noted...

PSALM 19

To the chief musician. A song of David.

David, with the view of encouraging the faithful to contemplate the glory of God, sets before them in the first place, a mirror of it in the fabric of the heavens, and in the exquisite order of their workmanship which we behold; and in the second place, he recalls our thoughts to the Law, in which God made himself more familiarly known to his chosen people. Taking occasion from this, he continues to discourse at considerable length on this peculiar gift of Heaven, commending and exalting the use of the law. Finally, he concludes the psalm with a prayer.
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So as duly noted, Calvin plainly states David wrote this about believers seeing God's existence, God's glory, via what we see He has created. David never wrote this as a way that idol worshippers who never heard the gospel, never knew of Christ's existence, could worship God via natural revelation.

More to follow...

TCassidy · Mar 19, 2016

Many Christians fail to discern the difference between General (or Natural) Revelation and Special Revelation.

General (or Natural) Revelation refers to knowledge about God discovered through natural means, such as observation of nature (the physical universe), philosophy, logic, and reason.

Special Revelation refers to specific revelation regarding a specific subject. This would include the Life and Ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ.

General Revelation gives us evidence of the existence of God but does not provide sufficient information for salvation.

Specific Revelation, especially as it regards the Person and Work of Christ, is alone Salvific Revelation.

SovereignGrace · Mar 19, 2016

From Psalms 19:1...

The heavens declare the glory of God. I have already said, that this psalm consists of two parts, in the first of which David celebrates the glory of God as manifested in his works; and, in the other, exalts and magnifies the knowledge of God which shines forth more clearly in his word. He only makes mention of the heavens; but, under this part of creation, which is the noblest, and the excellency of which is more conspicuous, he doubtless includes by synecdoche the whole fabric of the world. There is certainly nothing so obscure or contemptible, even in the smallest corners of the earth, in which some marks of the power and wisdom of God may not be seen; but as a more distinct image of him is engraven on the heavens, David has particularly selected them for contemplation, that their splendor might lead us to contemplate all parts of the world. When a man, from beholding and contemplating the heavens, has been brought to acknowledge God, he will learn also to reflect upon and to admire his wisdom and power as displayed on the face of the earth, not only in general, but even in the minutest plants. In the first verse, the Psalmist repeats one thing twice, according to his usual manner. He introduces the heavens as witnesses and preachers of the glory of God, attributing to the dumb creature a quality which, strictly speaking, does not belong to it, in order the more severely to upbraid men for their ingratitude, if they should pass over so clear a testimony with unheeding ears. This manner of speaking more powerfully moves and affects us than if he had said, The heavens show or manifest the glory of God. It is indeed a great thing, that in the splendor of the heavens there is presented to our view a lively image of God; but, as the living voice has a greater effect in exciting our attention, or at least teaches us more surely and with greater profit than simple beholding, to which no oral instruction is added, we ought to mark the force of the figure which the Psalmist uses when he says, that the heavens by their preaching declare the glory of God.

The repetition which he makes in the second clause is merely an explanation of the first. David shows how it is that the heavens proclaim to us the glory of God, namely, by openly bearing testimony that they have not been put together by chance, but were wonderfully created by the supreme Architect. When we behold the heavens, we cannot but be elevated, by the contemplation of them, to Him who is their great Creator;and the beautiful arrangement and wonderful variety which distinguish the courses and station of the heavenly bodies, together with the beauty and splendor which are manifest in them, cannot but furnish us with an evident proof of his providence. Scripture, indeed, makes known to us the time and manner of the creation; but the heavens themselves, although God should say nothing on the subject, proclaim loudly and distinctly enough that they have been fashioned by his hands: and this of itself abundantly suffices to bear testimony to men of his glory. As soon as we acknowledge God to be the supreme Architect, who has erected the beauteous fabric of the universe, our minds must necessarily be ravished with wonder at his infinite goodness, wisdom, and power.
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First of all, this was written by David, and he was addressing believers and not believers. The context by which he wrote this was that believers could see all He has wonderously and marvellously made, and stand and gaze in awe and wonder. Yet, all that He made that we can see, does not tell the redemptive story of Jesus Christ. That is why the necessity of the gospel is expressed in other places. As Calvin stated, the knowledge of God shines forth more clearly through His word...the bible.

SovereignGrace · Mar 19, 2016

From Psalms 19:2...

Day unto day uttereth speech. Philosophers, who have more penetration into those matters than others, understand how the stars are arranged in such beautiful order, that notwithstanding their immense number there is no confusion; but to the ignorant and unlettered, the continual succession of days is a more undoubted proof of the providence of God. David, therefore, having spoken of the heavens, does not here descend from them to other parts of the world; but, from an effect more sensible and nearer our apprehension, he confirms what he has just now said, namely, that the glory of God not only shines, but also resounds in the heavens. The words may be variously expounded, but the different expositions which have been given of them make little difference as to the sense. Some explain them thus, that no day passes in which God does not show some signal evidence of his power. Others are of opinion that they denote the augmentations of instruction and knowledge, - that every succeeding day contributes something new in proof of the existence and perfections of God. Others view them as meaning that the days and nights talk together, and reason concerning the glory of their Creator’, but this is a somewhat forced interpretation. David, I have no doubt, here teaches, from the established alternations of days and nights, that the course and revolutions of the sun, and moon, and stars, are regulated by the marvellous wisdom of God. Whether we translate the words Day after day, or one day to another day, is of little consequence; for all that David means is the beautiful arrangement of time which the succession of days and nights effects. If, indeed, we were as attentive as we ought to be, even one day would suffice to bear testimony to us of the glory of God, and even one night would be sufficient to perform to us the same office. But when we see the sun and the moon performing their daily revolutions, — the sun by day appearing over our heads, and the moon succeeding in its turns — the sun ascending by degrees, while at the same time he approaches nearer us, — and afterwards bending his course so as to depart from us by little and little; — and when we see that by this means the length of the days and nights is regulated, and that the variation of their length is arranged according to a law so uniform, as invariably to recur at the same points of time in every successive year, we have in this a much brighter testimony to the glory of God. David, therefore, with the highest reason, declares, that although God should not speak a single word to men, yet the orderly and useful succession of days and nights eloquently proclaims the glory of God, and that there is now left to men no pretext for ignorance; for since the days and nights perform towards us so well and so carefully the office of teachers, we may acquire, if we are duly attentive, a sufficient amount of knowledge under their tuition.
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Again, Calvin explains that David was expressing all things He has created point to God's existence. But none of that is the gospel of Jesus Christ.

SovereignGrace · Mar 19, 2016

From Psalms 19:3...

There is no language nor speech [where] their voice is not heard. This verse receives two almost contrary interpretations, each of which, however, has the appearance of probability. As the words, when rendered literally, read thus — No language, and no words, their voice is not heard — some connect the third and fourth verses together, as if this sentence were incomplete without the clause which follows in the beginning of the fourth verse, Their writing has gone forth through all the earth, etc. According to them, the meaning is this:— The heavens, it is true, are mute and are not endued with the faculty of speech; but still they proclaim the glory of God with a voice sufficiently loud and distinct. But if this was David’s meaning, what need was there to repeat three times that they have not articulate speech? It would certainly be spiritless and superfluous to insist so much upon a thing so universally known. The other exposition, therefore, as it is more generally received, seems also to be more suitable. In the Hebrew tongue, which is concise, it is often necessary to supply some word; and it is particularly a common thing in that language for the relatives to be omitted, that is to say, the words which, in which, etc., as here, There is no language, there is no speech, [where445 ] their voice is not heard.446 Besides, the third negation, 447 rather denotes an exception to what is stated in the preceding members of the sentence, as if it had been said, The difference and variety of languages does not prevent the preaching of the heavens and their language from being heard and understood in every quarter of the world. The difference of languages is a barrier which prevents different nations from maintaining mutual intercourse, and it makes him who in his own country is distinguished for his eloquence, when he comes into a foreign country either dumb or, if he attempt to speak, barbarous. And even although a man could speak all languages, he could not speak to a Grecian and a Roman at the same time; for as soon as he began to direct his discourse to the one, the other would cease to understand him. David, therefore, by making a tacit comparison, enhances the efficacy of the testimony which the heavens bear to their Creator. The import of his language is, Different nations differ from each other as to language; but the heavens have a common language to teach all men without distinction, nor is there any thing but their own carelessness to hinder even those who are most strange to each other, and who live in the most distant parts of the world, from profiting, as it were, at the mouth of the same teacher.
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David was saying the heavens say the same thing to every kindred, tribe, nation, and tongue. The heavens declare God's glory to all, but does not declare the gospel of Jesus Christ.

SovereignGrace · Mar 19, 2016

From Psalms 19:4...

Their writing has gone forth, etc. Here the inspired writer declares how the heavens preach to all nations indiscriminately, namely, because men, in all countries and in all parts of the earth, may understand that the heavens are set before their eyes as witnesses to bear testimony to the glory of God. As the Hebrew word 448 Thus we are taught, that the language of which mention has been made before is, as I may term it, a visible language, in other words, language which addresses itself to the sight; for it is to the eyes of men that the heavens speak, not to their ears; and thus David justly compares the beautiful order and arrangement, by which the heavenly bodies are distinguished, to a writing. That the Hebrew word 449 is sufficiently evident from Isa 28:10, where God, comparing the Jews to children who are not yet of sufficient age to make great proficiency, speaks thus:

“For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little.”
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So, the preaching the heavens declare addresses the eyes and not the ears.

Okay...discuss.

Internet Theologian · Mar 20, 2016

I'm pretty certain the post I had here only discussed doctrine, or teaching. In fact I'm totally certain.

It was called 'very unnecessary' after deletion, but that is hard to prove when it is gone. So we can see what is really offending 'the management' try showing us EXACTLY what it was. Thank you.

SovereignGrace · Mar 20, 2016

Internet Theologian said: ↑

I'm pretty certain the post I had here only discussed doctrine, or teaching. In fact I'm totally certain.

It was called 'very unnecessary' after deletion, but that is hard to prove when it is gone. So we can see what is really offending 'the management' try showing us EXACTLY what it was. Thank you.
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Well, if someone is expressing false theology, their false teaching and themselves both need exposed, no?

Internet Theologian · Mar 20, 2016

SovereignGrace said: ↑

Well, if someone is expressing false theology, their false teaching and themselves both need exposed, no?
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Not allowed to mention the teaching in another thread bro. Even if you only mention the teaching (doctrine). Even if you don't mention the name of the teacher, not allowed.

SovereignGrace · Mar 20, 2016

Internet Theologian said: ↑

Not allowed to mention the teaching in another thread bro. Even if you only mention the teaching (doctrine). Even if you don't mention the name of the teacher, not allowed.
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Then change this site's name to baptist-dull's-villeboard.com

SovereignGrace · Mar 20, 2016

I'm still waiting for my debating buddy to join this thread...

Ohhhhh....mwc!?!?!

Pastor_Bob · Mar 20, 2016

SovereignGrace said: ↑

Well, if someone is expressing false theology, their false teaching and themselves both need exposed, no?
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The only problem is that "false teaching" is subjective. If you don't agree with me, in my opinion, you are a false teacher. If your theology does not line up exactly with my theology, then you are teaching false theology.

What is the proper way to handle such areas of disagreement? State what you believe and back it up with Scripture. If another member chooses not to engage in that particular discussion, do not try to call them out or state what you assume they believe.

The members of this board have zero obligation to respond to any post to which they do not want to respond. To try and force them to do so would be considered trolling which is a violation of the rules and will be enforced.

That is EXACTLY what we're talking about.

SovereignGrace · Mar 20, 2016

Pastor_Bob said: ↑

The only problem is that "false teaching" is subjective. If you don't agree with me, in my opinion, you are a false teacher. If your theology does not line up exactly with my theology, then you are teaching false theology.

What is the proper way to handle such areas of disagreement? State what you believe and back it up with Scripture. If another member chooses not to engage in that particular discussion, do not try to call them out or state what you assume they believe.

The members of this board have zero obligation to respond to any post to which they do not want to respond. To try and force them to do so would be considered trolling which is a violation of the rules and will be enforced.

That is EXACTLY what we're talking about.
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Do you believe Abram was a believer and therefore God called him? Do you believe the unregenerate have pure hearts and thereby God saves them because of said pure heart? These two beliefs being bandied around in here neither side(well, the vast majority of both sides) hold to these beliefs.

Internet Theologian · Mar 21, 2016

Pastor_Bob said: ↑

The members of this board have zero obligation to respond to any post to which they do not want to respond. To try and force them to do so would be considered trolling which is a violation of the rules and will be enforced.

That is EXACTLY what we're talking about.
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I've yet to witness any person doing the above on this board.

Pastor_Bob · Mar 21, 2016

SovereignGrace said: ↑

Do you believe Abram was a believer and therefore God called him? Do you believe the unregenerate have pure hearts and thereby God saves them because of said pure heart?
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What I believe is irrelevant to the point. In the event that you and I disagreed, I would not start a thread with the sole intent of demeaning you or your theology. I would not try and draw you into the discussion by misrepresenting your beliefs and thus forcing you to set the record straight. I would simply state my belief supported by the Word of God and let the chips fall where they may.

I am a firm believer or that the truth needs to be spoken in love.

Pastor_Bob · Mar 21, 2016

Internet Theologian said: ↑

I've yet to witness any person doing the above on this board.
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Is it safe to assume that you agree that doing so would indeed be a violation of board rules?

SovereignGrace · Mar 21, 2016

Pastor_Bob said: ↑

Is it safe to assume that you agree that doing so would indeed be a violation of board rules?
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And how can we force anyone to respond? If we forced them to, yeah. But how can we force someone to do anything?

Internet Theologian · Mar 21, 2016

Pastor_Bob said: ↑

Is it safe to assume that you agree that doing so would indeed be a violation of board rules?
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Forcing someone to respond to a thread? I don't see how any person could accomplish that, and again, I've never seen it done.

Internet Theologian · Mar 21, 2016

SovereignGrace said: ↑

And how can we force anyone to respond? If we forced them to, yeah. But how can we force someone to do anything?
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You can't force a person to respond.

Exactly. We've gone from one thing to another now. Can't mention what a person believes, to forcing a person to respond. Kind of cloudy imo. The latter never happened.

TCassidy · Mar 21, 2016

Internet Theologian said: ↑

You can't force a person to respond.
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No, but you can troll them in an attempt to get them to respond. And that is a violation of BB rules.

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