POST 2--PSALM 119;1

PSALM 119;1--''Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the
LORD''.

The longest of the psalms, and longest of all the chapters of the Bible, begins
as does the first psalm, with a pronouncement of blessing upon a life lived in
righteousness and true holiness [EPHESIANS 4;24]. This way of holiness, also called
the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus [ROMANS 8;2], is the way of all God's
true children by virtue of His very nature being implanted in them through the
miracle of regeneration.

An altogether different law, an opposing law, the law of sin and death, is served by
the one who habitually walks in the counsel of the ungodly, stands in the way of
sinners, and sits in the seat of the scornful [PSALM 1;1].

This stark contrast between the heirs of heaven and those who continue to obey Adam's
fallen nature is further noted in descriptions given by the Apostles. Paul, in
Hebrews commends the faith of those who ''confessed that they were strangers and
pilgrims on the earth'' [11;13]; to such Peter says, ''Dearly beloved, I beseech you
as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul''
[I PETER 2;11]; and John sets forth the same contrast; ''Love not the world, neither
the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father
is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of
the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world''
[I JOHN 2;15-16].

This promised blessedness encompassing spiritual life and health, communion with
God and saints, and the obtaining of His many promises concerning every area of life
is joined to walking, not to professing. A lifeless, hypocrital, empty profession of
faith costs nothing, but walking with God implies a movement forward, even when the
way is through adversity, persecution, and temptation. GGod's Word does not teach
that this way must be or will be sinless. The desire of God's child, as he meditates
upon His goodness and glory is like that of the disciples who asked to stay on the
mount of transfiguration with Christ [MATTHEW 17;7], or like the spouse in Song of
Solomon who said, ''I have put off my coat; how shall I put it on/ I have washed my
feet; how shall I defile them/'' [5;3]. But return he must to the arena of daily
battle with sin which does so easily be set him. Yet he has the promise of the Saviour's cleansing blood to be ever his. SEE I JOHN 1;7, 9.