The Bible declares that only a fool rejects the existence and accountability of God (v1, Prv 1:7). In reading the words of David, we are reminded that we still live in a fallen world corrupted by disbelief. Paul taught that there exists an enmity in our human disposition towards God, “For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed it cannot” (Rom 8:7). Our first parents (Adam & Eve) were patient zero that infected the entire creation with death due to their disobedience (sin). Jesus is the only antidote.
Truth of God veiled. To further complicate things, the Bible teaches that we are incapable to live out the wisdom of God without divine intervention because the devil blinds us from the light of such truth. Paul warns of this spiritual reality that the church mission will be confronted with, “And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. (4) In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God” (2 Cor 4:3-4). God has the final say in judgement as he examines the hearts and ways of man from heaven. David rightly observes that no one in their own human will and strength understands nor seeks after God, thus our diagnosis, “They have all turned aside; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one” (cf. Rom 3:10-18). We are completely and utterly doomed to a hopeless life of sin and eternal damnation if God does not step in.
Why the Gospel is the good news. In order for us to begin to grasp the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God as it concerns his redemptive work, we must understand the totality of our depravity in our human condition. Think about it, who embraces a Savior if they believe they do not need saving from anything? In our self-sufficiency, that is our natural attitude in our hearts, “I’m good…….I can handle it myself……….or I am not as bad as most people……..or my good outweighs my bad………or God knows my heart.”
Here is an example to explain what I mean: What if I had a serious illness in my body, but acted as if I had no problem and refused to see a doctor? This attitude is foolish. Why? Because pride (strengthened by fear) says “I got it”, but humility motivated by desperation seeks help. It takes a person outside of myself with more experience and expertise to apply their knowledge to administer proper testing to bring to light the full extent of the sickness within. Only with proper diagnosis can we understand the true depth of our illness and agree with the doctor on proper treatment before it is even possible to travel on the road to healing and better quality of life.
Likewise, God is the “Greater One” outside of and higher than us (Isa 55:8-9, cf. 1 Cor 1:25) who grants us self-awareness of and unveils our spiritual condition. Such revelation (empowered by faith) leads to confession of sin that acknowledges our great need for God. We cannot appeal to God based on merit, but rather like the blind beggar in Luke 18, we cry out for mercy (Lk 18:35-43)! Only in the presence of God can our true condition be exposed and we begin to understand that you and I were numbered with a group of, “…there is none who does good…” Only then are the scales that the devil used to blind us are removed and we can finally see (by God’s Spirit) that grace is available through Jesus to come out of the darkness into his glorious light. The Gospel is good news because it serves as the only rescue from our destitute estate and hopeless future. It is a life raft in the midst of a raging sea, as it is the only option accessible and available to us that will preserve our lives that we do not perish.
God saves the fool-hearted. David says that God looks down from heaven and declares that all have rejected him, thus, “they have all turned aside; together they have become corrupt;…” (v3). We should praise God that his actions towards humanity did not end here. Peter’s sermon on the day Pentecost placed a spotlight on and exposed the hearts of those who heard this good news of Christ, “Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, ‘Brothers, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37). God granted them the ability to hear the diagnosis and then next embrace cure, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the Holy Spirit (39) For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself” (Acts 2:38-39). Through Christ, a fool is now given the wisdom of God, and thus able to turn away from their destructive ways (repent) and place faith in God’s salvation. This is partly why David cries out for the promise of God, “Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion!” The good news is salvation did, and his name is Jesus Christ (cf. Mt 1:1-17).
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D
www.springoflivingwaters.com