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^15 “O mountain of God, mountain of Bashan; O many-peaked mountain, mountain of Bashan! ¹⁶ Why do you look with hatred, O many-peaked mountain, at the mount that God desired for his abode, yes, where the Lord will dwell forever? ¹⁷ The chariots of God are twice ten thousand, thousands upon thousands; the Lord is among them; Sinai is now in the sanctuary. ¹⁸ You ascended on high, leading a host of captives in your train and receiving gifts among men, even among the rebellious, that the Lord God may dwell there.” (Psalm 68:15–18 (ESV)

Most biblical scholars identify Psalm 68 as “a song” celebrating God’s triumphal ascent to Mount Zion. If the superscription of Davidic authorship is correct, (TO THECHOIRMASTER. A PSALM OF DAVID. A SONG), then the occasion may have been David’s conquering the city (2 Sam. 5:6–8), or moving the ark to Zion (2 Sam. 6), or some triumphal procession after a victory, or his victories in general. The greatest triumph to which the psalm is related is Christ’s Ascension, for Psalm 68:18 was paraphrased and applied to Him by Paul (Eph. 4:8).

Today’s text tells of the LORD’s selecting Zion (Mt. Hermon, Deut. 4:48) above other mountains and of His triumphant entry into it like a conqueror. The great mountains of the land of Bashan refer to the Hermon mountain range, only a few miles north of Bashan.  Mt. Zion was also the Jebusite fortress in Jerusalem conquered by David. Zion was eventually used by biblical writers to identify other areas of Jerusalem. It was used as an identification of the entire city. Zion was also used to symbolically describe the eternal city of God.  

Choosing Mt. Zion for His dwelling place, God entered the city with a vast company (thousands of thousands) of angelic hosts, metaphorically pictured here as riding in chariots. Thus the LORD went all the way from Mt. Sinai (cf. v. 8) to His sanctuary in Zion. His entrance into Jerusalem (when David conquered it, 2 Sam. 5:6–8, or when David moved the ark to Jerusalem, 2 Sam. 6) was like a mighty conqueror ascending on high with captives, receiving tribute from the vanquished, the rebellious.”

How does this portion of Psalm 68 pertain to the Lord Jesus Christ? Why does the Apostle Paul quote from it in Ephesians 4:8?

Dr. John Walvoord further explains, “Psalm 68:15-18 was referred to by Paul in Ephesians 4:8. However, rather than quoting the Hebrew, Paul apparently followed the Jewish interpretation of the day (the Targum), which paraphrased this verse as follows: “You did ascend to the firmament, O Prophet Moses! You led captivity captive; you taught the words of the Law; you gave [not received, ‘as in the Heb.] gifts to the sons of men.” (This interpretation saw Moses as God’s representative.) Paul followed this Jewish exegesis because it explained that the conqueror distributed the gifts to His loyal subjects. The apostle applied that idea to Christ’s victory over the forces of evil and His granting spiritual gifts (cf. Eph. 4:11) to those on His side. By this analogy (based more on the Jewish interpretation of the psalm than on the exact Heb. wording) Paul emphasized the greatness of believers’ spiritual victory in Christ.”

Acts 1:6-11 says, “⁶ So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” ⁷ He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. ⁸ But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” ⁹ And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. ¹⁰ And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, ¹¹ and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”

Remember, the Season of Advent does not just concern the coming, or arrival, of the Lord Jesus Christ at His incarnation, but also His arrival in souls of sinners at conversion, and finally His arrival when He returns to Earth in power, might and glory (Rev. 19-22).

Soli deo Gloria!  

We will devote each Lord’s Day in 2021 at hiswordtoday.org to present a portion of the Westminster Confession of Faith (WCF). For those unfamiliar with the WCF, a brief explanation is appropriate. 

The Westminster Confession of Faith is a Reformed confession of faith. Drawn up by the 1646 Westminster Assembly as part of the Westminster Standards to be a confession of the Church of England, it became and remains the “subordinate standard” of doctrine (to Scripture) in the Church of Scotland and has been influential within Presbyterian churches worldwide.

It is to that “most precise and accurate summary of the content of biblical Christianity” that we will give our time and attention to each Lord’s Day in the year of our Lord, 2021. I trust you will be edified and encouraged each week by The Westminster Confession of Faith.

Chapter Twenty: Of Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience. Part 3.

4. And because the power which God hath ordained, and the liberty which Christ hath purchased, are not intended by God to destroy, but mutually to uphold and preserve one another; they who, upon pretense of Christian liberty, shall oppose any lawful power, or the lawful exercise of it, whether it be civil or ecclesiastical, resist the ordinance of God.^a And for their publishing of such opinions, or maintaining of such practices, as are contrary to the light of nature, or to the known principles of Christianity, whether concerning faith, worship, or conversation; or to the power of godliness; or such erroneous opinions or practices as, either in their own nature, or in the manner of publishing or maintaining them, are destructive to the external peace and order which Christ hath established in the Church; they may lawfully be called to account,^b and proceeded against by the censures of the Church, and by the power of the Civil Magistrate.^c

a. Mat 12:25; Rom 13:1-8; Heb 13:17; 1 Pet 2:13-14, 16. • b. Rom 1:32 with 1 Cor 5:1, 5, 11, 13; 2 John 1:10-11 and 2 Thes 3:14 and 1 Tim 6:3-5 and Titus 1:10-11, 13 and Titus 3:10 with Mat 18:15-17; 1 Tim 1:19-20; Rev 2:2, 14-15, 20; 3:9. • c. Deut 13:6-12; 2 Kings 23:5-6, 9, 20-21; 2 Chron 15:12-13, 16; 34:33; Neh 13:15, 17, 21-22, 25, 30; Isa 49:23; Dan 3:29; Zec 13:2-3; Rom 13:3-4 with 2 John 1:10-11; 1 Tim 2:2; Rev 17:12, 16-17.

I encourage you to read the portions of Scripture listed in this post.

Have a blessed Lord’s Day.

\Soli deo Gloria!

TO THE CHOIRMASTER: ACCORDING TO THE LILIES. A MASKIL OF THE SONS OF KORAH. A LOVE SONG.

^1 “My heart overflows with a pleasing theme; I address my verses to the king; my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe. ² You are the most handsome of the sons of men; grace is poured upon your lips; therefore God has blessed you forever. ³ Gird your sword on your thigh, O mighty one, in your splendor and majesty! ⁴ In your majesty ride out victoriously for the cause of truth and meekness and righteousness; let your right hand teach you awesome deeds! ⁵ Your arrows are sharp in the heart of the king’s enemies; the peoples fall under you. ⁶ Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of uprightness; ⁷ you have loved righteousness and hated wickedness. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions;” (Psalm 45:1–7 (ESV)

The title of Psalm 45 is significant. To begin with, it is the first Messianic Psalm to be studied which was not written by King David. Rather, it was written by the Sons of Korah. Who were these musicians?

The Sons of Korah were member of the Tribe of Levi, of the division of Kohath (Ex. 6:18, 21). Their ancestor, Izhar, was a member of the priestly family and was related to Moses and Aaron. The rebellion led by Korah, Dathan, and Abiram against Moses and Aaron ended with the death of many members of the Korahite family (Num. 16:31–35). Only those who did not participate survived (vs. 11). They settled around Hebron in the Levitical cities (Num. 26:58).

The Korahites were known as temple singers, according to the superscriptions of Psalms 42, 44–49, 84–85, and 87–88. David put them in charge of the musical service in the house of the Lord after the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem (1 Chr. 6:31–33). They also acted as temple gatekeepers (I Chron. 9:19; 26:19) and bakers of sacrificial cakes (I Chron. 9:31). They are mentioned as singers during the celebration of Jehoshaphat’s victory over Ammon and Moab (2 Chr. 20:19).”

Psalm 45 is a love song. Perhaps it is even more appropriate to identify it as a wedding song. There are no other wedding psalms in the Psalter. A close parallel would be King Solomon’s love poetry in Song of Songs.

Psalm 45:1-7 focuses on the righteousness of the King of Israel. Most likely, King David is the ideal monarch the Sons of Korah have in mind. However, even David could not perfectly embody all the descriptions given. Therefore, the psalm foreshadows a greater King of Israel; greater even that either David or his son Solomon. That King is the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the greater King of Israel because He is also God incarnate (Heb. 1:8-9).

Dr. R. C. Sproul writes, “David’s throne, because it was established and preserved by God, could rightly be called God’s throne, and that is exactly what we find in Psalm 45 (see 2 Sam. 7). Since the throne of Israel was the throne of the Lord, the king was expected to be a model of the One who loves righteousness and hates wickedness (Ps. 45:6–7a; see Deut. 17:14–20). When this was true, the Davidic king enjoyed an anointing from on high with the oil of gladness (Ps. 45:7b), a successful reign that brought joy to the kingdom and its citizens.”

“Christ ensures that David’s throne is the throne of God, for Jesus the son of David is the incarnate Lord of all (John 1:1–18). The bride depicted in Psalm 45:10–17, therefore, is a type of the bride of Christ, namely, the church. Like the foreign queen of ancient Israel, we can be joined to the Savior as His beloved spouse if we forsake all other gods and lovingly submit to Him alone (Acts 17:22–34). When we do so, we will be beautified by our Husband.”

Saint Augustine of Hippo comments on this psalm, giving this message to believers: “Thy God is ‘thy King,’ thy ‘King’ is also thy Bridegroom. Thou weddest to thy King, who is thy God: being endowed by Him, being adorned by Him; redeemed by Him, and healed by Him. Whatever thou hast, wherewith to be pleasing to Him, thou hast from Him.”

1 What Child is this, who, laid to rest,
On Mary’s lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?

Chorus:
This, this is Christ, the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing:
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary!

2 Why lies He in such mean estate,
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear: for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading.[Chorus]

3 So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh,
Come, peasant, king to own Him.
The King of kings salvation brings;
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.[Chorus] 

Merry Christmas!

Soli deo Gloria!

^“Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me.” (Psalm 41:9 (ESV)

Psalm 41 is also a Psalm of King David. David tells how the LORD blesses those who help the poor. He also calls upon the LORD to heal him and thwart the plans of those who are waiting for him to die. A suggested outline for Psalm 41 is as follows.

I.   God’s Favor (41:1–3): Special blessings are bestowed on those who honor the poor.

A. Protection (41:1–2)

B.  Prosperity (41:2)

C.  Help in sickness (41:3)

II. God’s Forgiveness (41:4): David asks the Lord for forgiveness and healing.

III.     God’s Faithfulness (41:5–13): David calls upon the Lord to rescue him from his enemies, who anxiously await David’s death.

In the midst of our celebrating the incarnation of the Lord Jesus Christ, it might be forgotten that not all prophecies concerning the Lord’s life on earth are pleasant. Some are dark and foreboding. Take the one from today’s text as an example.

David was lamenting that in the midst of his trials, even a close friend of his had turned against him. The Hebrew idiom has lifted his heel against me refers to a great effort initiated against someone. Biblical scholars explain that David had in mind the treachery of his friend Ahithophel, who betrayed him, and then hanged himself (2 Sam. 16:20–17:3, 23).

On the night prior to His crucifixion, Jesus quoted Psalm 41:9 while in the upper room with His disciples. John 13:18-21 says, “¹⁸ I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled, ‘He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.’ ¹⁹ I am telling you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am he. ²⁰ Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.” ²¹ After saying these things, Jesus was troubled in his spirit, and testified, “Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.”

Dr. John MacArthur writes, “David’s close companion betrayed him; he kicked him while he was “down.” The Greater David’s experience and the employment of this reference in John 13:18 was to Judas (cf. Matt. 26:21ff.).”

God the Father orchestrated all things which occurred in the life of our Lord Jesus Christ. Noting was left to chance. This includes our salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.

I wonder as I wander out under the sky
That Jesus my Savior did come for to die.
For poor on’ry people like you and like I
I wonder as I wander out under the sky.

Merry Christmas!

Soli deo Gloria! 

TO THE CHOIRMASTER. A PSALM OF DAVID.

“I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. ² He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. ³ He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord. ⁴ Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust, who does not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after a lie! ⁵ You have multiplied, O Lord my God, your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us; none can compare with you! I will proclaim and tell of them, yet they are more than can be told. ⁶ In sacrifice and offering you have not delighted, but you have given me an open ear. Burnt offering and sin offering you have not required. ⁷ Then I said, “Behold, I have come; in the scroll of the book it is written of me: ⁸ I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.” (Psalm 40:1–8 (ESV)

King David wrote each psalm that has thus far been examined regarding the incarnation of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. The text examined today is no exception. David’s immediate circumstances foreshadow a greater fulfillment in the person and work of the incarnate Son of God and Son of Man.

In vs, 1-5 of Psalm 40, David proclaims what God has done for him. There are three main point which David makes. First, the LORD lifted him out of despair (vs. 1-2). Second, God set David’s feet upon solid ground (vs. 2b). Third, the LORD gave David a new song to sing (vs. 3-5).

The metaphorical images David conveys in these first five verses of Psalm 40 are realized in one’s covenant relationship with Yahweh. This is accomplished by grace alone, through faith alone, in the person and work of Jesus Christ alone. God the Father lifts sinners from the despair of their sin, sets their lives upon the solid rock of salvation, and gives the new believer in Christ a joy which expresses itself in heartfelt singing.

In vs. 6-8, David expresses the true evidence of the repentant sinner: obedience. To do the will of God is the delight of believer in Christ.

However, the obedience of which David speaks in his own life was perfectly fulfilled by none other than Jesus Christ. This is why the writer of the Book of Hebrews cited these verses in Hebrews 10:5-7.

Hebrews 10:5–7 (ESV) says, “⁵ Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said, “Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, but a body have you prepared for me; ⁶ in burnt offerings and sin offerings you have taken no pleasure. ⁷ Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come to do your will, O God, as it is written of me in the scroll of the book.’ ”

Dr. R. C. Sproul writes, “The obedience of Jesus in the body is to offer Himself once for all, replacing the animal sacrifices of the Old Testament.”

Consider the lyrics of this Christmas carol.  

1.Let all mortal flesh keep silence,
And with fear and trembling stand;
Ponder nothing earthly-minded,
For with blessing in his hand,
Christ our God to earth descendeth,
Our full homage to demand.

2. King of kings, yet born of Mary,
As of old on earth he stood,
Lord of lords, in human vesture,
In the body and the blood;
He will give to all the faithful
His own self for heavenly food.

3. At his feet the six-winged seraph,
Cherubim, with sleepless eye,
Veil their faces to the presence,
As with ceaseless voice they cry:
Alleluia, Alleluia,
Alleluia, Lord Most High!

Soli deo Gloria! 

²²   I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will praise you: ²³ You who fear the Lord, praise him! All you offspring of Jacob, glorify him, and stand in awe of him, all you offspring of Israel! ²⁴ For he has not despised or abhorred the affliction of the afflicted, and he has not hidden his face from him, but has heard, when he cried to him. ²⁵ From you comes my praise in the great congregation; my vows I will perform before those who fear him. ²⁶ The afflicted shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek him shall praise the Lord! May your hearts live forever! ²⁷ All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations shall worship before you. ²⁸ For kingship belongs to the Lord, and he rules over the nations. ²⁹ All the prosperous of the earth eat and worship; before him shall bow all who go down to the dust, even the one who could not keep himself alive. ³⁰ Posterity shall serve him; it shall be told of the Lord to the coming generation; ³¹ they shall come and proclaim his righteousness to a people yet unborn, that he has done it.” (Psalm 22:22–31 (ESV)

David’s despair contained in vs.1-21 gives way to heartfelt praise and worship in vs, 22-31. The reason for such optimistic praise and gladness is fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ. It is a work to which David look forward. Today, it is a finished work of which the church today looks upon and remembers.

The praise of God’s people are given to the LORD in fearful respect of the LORD. God’s people stand in awe of Him and glorify Him (vs. 22-23).

The LORD has not ignored, despised or abhorred the affliction of sinners. He has heard the sinner’s lament (vs. 24).

Consequently, the converted shall be satisfied in their covenant relationship with the LORD. They shall praise Him forever (vs. 25-26). In fact, all kinds of people from all over the world and of every nations will worship Him (vs. 27).

For the LORD is King of kings and LORD of lords. Everyone will bow before Him; even the lost and condemned (vs. 28-29).

It is the LORD who alone is righteous. All who He chooses to serve Him receive His imputed righteousness. It is because of the work He alone has done that this is possible. It is this good news which is to be proclaimed to those yet born (vs. 30-31).

David cannot contain himself; he must testify loudly in the great assembly of God’s great mercies. His exuberance is meant to be contagious (cf. Heb. 2:12). King David speaks of the greater King who is none other than Jesus Christ.

During this Advent 2021 season, may each of us praise and thank the LORD for sending His Son to take our place on the cross and to endure the curse from God for our sin (Romans 3:21-26). It is a work of God alone that is worth celebrating.

Soli deo Gloria! 

To the choirmaster: according to The Doe of the Dawn. A Psalm of David.

¹ My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning? ² O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest. ³ Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel. ⁴ In you our fathers trusted; they trusted, and you delivered them. ⁵ To you they cried and were rescued; in you they trusted and were not put to shame. ⁶ But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by mankind and despised by the people. ⁷ All who see me mock me; they make mouths at me; they wag their heads; ⁸ “He trusts in the Lord; let him deliver him; let him rescue him, for he delights in him!”       ⁹ Yet you are he who took me from the womb; you made me trust you at my mother’s breasts. ¹⁰ On you was I cast from my birth, and from my mother’s womb you have been my God. ¹¹ Be not far from me, for trouble is near, and there is none to help. ¹² Many bulls encompass me; strong bulls of Bashan surround me; ¹³they open wide their mouths at me, like a ravening and roaring lion. ¹⁴ I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint; my heart is like wax; it is melted within my breast; ¹⁵ my strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to my jaws; you lay me in the dust of death. ¹⁶ For dogs encompass me; a company of evildoers encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet—¹⁷ I can count all my bones— they stare and gloat over me; ¹⁸ they divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots. ¹⁹ But you, O Lord, do not be far off! O you my help, come quickly to my aid! ²⁰ Deliver my soul from the sword, my precious life from the power of the dog! ²¹ Save me from the mouth of the lion! You have rescued me from the horns of the wild oxen! ” (Psalm 22:1-21 ESV).

Psalm 22 is the beginning of a trilogy of psalms with the Holy Spirit joining it to Psalms 23 and 24. The despair of Psalm 22 gives way to the security of Yahweh the Shepherd in Psalm 23 and the imputed righteousness from Yahweh the King in Psalm 24. The truths expressed by David in all three psalms respectively drives away personal despair and provides eternal security in the LORD for the believer.

It is apparent that the suffering David experienced predicts the greater suffering Jesus Christ will experience while on the cross. David’s personal sense of abandonment by God (vs. 1-2) parallels the greater abandonment Jesus experienced on the cross. David’s physical suffering points (vs. 14-15) to the greater physical suffering Christ will experience on the cross. David’s keen awareness of his enemies (vs. 16-18) parallels the greater persecution Jesus will experience on the cross.

However, throughout the beginning portion of this psalm, David repeatedly speaks of trust in Yahweh, the sovereign LORD. He not only remembers the trust God’s people had in the LORD during their lives (vs. 4-5), but also the trust David had in his own life (vs. 10-11), and his trust in the LORD concerning the future (vs. 11, 19-21).

Dr. R. C. Sproul writes, “The Gospels tell us that on the cross, Jesus prayed Psalm 22 (Matt. 27:46). He endured true forsakenness—for a time—on the cross, the darkness at that hour showing the removal of the light of God’s countenance from Him. Our Lord’s fear in anticipating the cross proved to be justified (26:36–46), for He did not pass through any ordinary death. Instead, He bore in the place of His people the judgment of divine wrath upon transgression. John Calvin comments that the reason for Christ’s anguish was not merely death “but because there was before his eyes the curse of God, to which all who are sinners are exposed.”

During this Advent 2021 season, may each of us praise and thank the LORD for sending His Son to take our place on the cross and to endure the curse from God for our sin.

Soli deo Gloria!  

A Miktam of David.

^1 “Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge. ²I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.” ³ As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight. ⁴ The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply; their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out or take their names on my lips. ⁵ The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. ⁶ The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.           ⁷ I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. ⁸ I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. ⁹ Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. ¹⁰ For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption. ¹¹ You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalm 16 (ESV)

Psalm 16 is also a Psalm of David. The psalm’s outline is as follows.  

I.   David’s Security (16:1–7)

A. David’s confidence (16:1–2, 5–7): David finds security in the Lord.

1.  The Lord protects him (16:1).

2.  The Lord provides for him (16:2, 5–7).

B.  David’s companions (16:3): David looks up to the godly of the land.

C.  David’s commitment (16:4): David vows never to offer sacrifices to idols.

II. David’s Son (16:8–11): These verses, although written by David, predict the future work of Jesus Christ.

A. Jesus’ reliance upon his Father (16:8).

B.  Jesus’ resurrection by his Father (16:9–10).

C.  Jesus’ reign with his Father (16:11).

Psalm 16:8-11 is quoted in two New Testament passages. Both passages are found in the Book of Acts.

First, Acts 2:24-31 says, “²⁴ God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it. ²⁵ For David says concerning him, “ ‘I saw the Lord always before me, for he is at my right hand that I may not be shaken; ²⁶ therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; my flesh also will dwell in hope. ²⁷ For you will not abandon my soul to Hades, or let your Holy One see corruption. ²⁸ You have made known to me the paths of life; you will make me full of gladness with your presence.’ ²⁹ “Brothers, I may say to you with confidence about the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. ³⁰ Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants on his throne, ³¹ he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption.”

The Apostle Peter quoted Psalm 16 concerning Jesus Christ on the Day of Pentecost. David was speaking about his own human experience and suffering. However, Peter understood that David was ultimately speaking about Jesus.

The Apostle Paul also quoted from Psalm 16 as recorded by Luke in Acts 13:34-37. The text says, “³⁴ And as for the fact that he raised him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, he has spoken in this way, “‘I will give you the holy and sure blessings of David.’ ³⁵ Therefore he says also in another psalm, “‘You will not let your Holy One see corruption.’ ³⁶ For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep and was laid with his fathers and saw corruption, ³⁷ but he whom God raised up did not see corruption.”  

Dr. John MacArthur writes, “These words expressed the confidence of the lesser David, but were applied Messianically to the resurrection of the Greater David (the Lord Jesus Christ) both by Peter (Acts 2:25–28) and Paul (Acts 13:35).

Advent not only points to the birth of Christ, but also to the death, burial and ultimately the resurrection of Jesus. That is why He came to earth: to deliver His people from their sins and to impute his righteousness upon those who are recipients of God’s sovereign grace and God given faith (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Soli deo Gloria!

We will devote each Lord’s Day in 2021 at hiswordtoday.org to present a portion of the Westminster Confession of Faith (WCF). For those unfamiliar with the WCF, a brief explanation is appropriate. 

The Westminster Confession of Faith is a Reformed confession of faith. Drawn up by the 1646 Westminster Assembly as part of the Westminster Standards to be a confession of the Church of England, it became and remains the “subordinate standard” of doctrine (to Scripture) in the Church of Scotland and has been influential within Presbyterian churches worldwide.

It is to that “most precise and accurate summary of the content of biblical Christianity” that we will give our time and attention to each Lord’s Day in the year of our Lord, 2021. I trust you will be edified and encouraged each week by The Westminster Confession of Faith.

Chapter Twenty: Of Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience. Part 2.

2. God alone is Lord of the conscience,^a and hath left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men which are in anything contrary to his Word, or beside it, in matters of faith or worship.^b So that to believe such doctrines, or to obey such commands out of conscience, is to betray true liberty of conscience;^c and the requiring of an implicit faith, and an absolute and blind obedience, is to destroy liberty of conscience, and reason also.^d

a. Rom 14:4; James 4:12. • b. Mat 15:9; 23:8-10; Acts 4:19; 5:29; 1 Cor 7:23; 2 Cor 1:24. • c. Psa 5:1; Gal 1:10; 2:4-5; 5:1; Col 2:20-23. • d. Isa 8:20; Jer 8:9; Hosea 5:11; John 4:22; Acts 17:11; Rom 10:17; 14:23; Rev 13:12, 16-17.

3. They who, upon pretense of Christian liberty, do practice any sin, or cherish any lust, do thereby destroy the end of Christian liberty; which is, that, being delivered out of the hands of our enemies, we might serve the Lord without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.^a

a. Luke 1:74-75; John 8:34; Gal 5:13; 1 Pet 2:16; 2 Pet 2:19.

I encourage you to read the portions of Scripture listed in this post.

Have a blessed Lord’s Day.

\Soli deo Gloria!

To the choirmaster: according to The Gittith. A Psalm of David.

“O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above  the heavens. ² Out of the mouth of babies and infants, you have established strength because of your foes, to still the enemy and the avenger. ³ When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, ⁴ what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? ⁵ Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. ⁶ You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet, ⁷ all sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field, ⁸ the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the seas. ⁹ O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” (Psalm 8 (ESV)

Psalm 8 is one of the more familiar psalms in the Hebrew collection. In fact, numerous gospel songs have been composed from vs. 1 alone. The outline of this Psalm of David is as follows:

I. The Lord’s Greatness (8:1–3, 9): David marvels at the glory of the Lord.

A. As seen in creation (8:1, 3, 9): The majesty of the Lord fills the heavens and the earth.

B.  As sung by children (8:2): Little children praise the Lord.

II. The Lord’s Goodness (8:3–8)

A. The amazement (8:3–5): Considering the Lord’s greatness, David is amazed that the Lord has shown such concern for humans and has crowned them with honor.

B.  The assignment (8:6–8): The Lord placed humans in charge of everything he has made.

The subject of Psalm 8 is the LORD’s greatness and goodness. Creation reveals the majesty of the Creator. Three New Testament passages ascribe greatness and goodness of the LORD to Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 15:27–28 (ESV) says, “²⁷ For “God has put all things in subjection under his feet.” But when it says, “all things are put in subjection,” it is plain that he is excepted who put all things in subjection under him. ²⁸ When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to him who put all things in subjection under him, that God may be all in all.”

The Apostle Paul references Psalm 8:6 when he says the God has put all things in subjection under his feet. The person to whom Paul is referring to is Jesus Christ (I Corinthians 15:20-26).

Ephesians 1:22 (ESV) says, “And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church.”

Once again, it is the Apostle Paul quoting from Psalm 8:6. The apostle is stating that God the Father placed all things under the subjection of God the Son, Jesus Christ.

The final New Testament reference is from the Book of Hebrews. Hebrews 2:5–10 (ESV) says, “⁵ For it was not to angels that God subjected the world to come, of which we are speaking. ⁶ It has been testified somewhere, “What is man, that you are mindful of him, or the son of man, that you care for him? ⁷ You made him for a little while lower than the angels; you have crowned him with glory and honor, ⁸ putting everything in subjection under his feet.” Now in putting everything in subjection to him, he left nothing outside his control. At present, we do not yet see everything in subjection to him. ⁹ But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. ¹⁰ For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering.”

The writer of Hebrews clearly identifies the person about whom David was ultimately writing.  That individual is the Lord Jesus Christ.

During this Advent Season of 2021, let us take time to praise the Lord Jesus Christ for being not only our Creator but also our Sustainer. Everything is in subjection to His authority.

Soli deo Gloria.