Sermons

We can be guilty of missing the point when we are focused on details. This happens in Christian life also. The main point of the Gospels is fellowship between God and man. This is David’s hope in Psalm 16. What we specifically look forward to is the beatific vision. This happy sight of glory makes us happy forever. This is the described in the Westminster Larger Catechism’s Question 90:
What shall be done to the righteous at the day of judgment? A. At the day of judgment, the righteous, being caught up to Christ in the clouds, shall be set on his right hand, and there openly acknowledged and acquitted, shall join with him in the judging of reprobate angels and men, and shall be received into heaven, where they shall be fully and forever freed from all sin and misery; filled with inconceivable joys, made perfectly holy and happy both in body and soul, in the company of innumerable saints and holy angels, but especially in the immediate vision and fruition of God the Father, of our Lord Jesus Christ, and of the Holy Spirit, to all eternity. And this is the perfect and full communion, which the members of the invisible church shall enjoy with Christ in glory, at the resurrection and day of judgment.
Verses 1-4 are a picture of David’s saving faith; verses 5-11 are a picture of David’s hope of eternal life. Psalms 15-17 are a doctrinal exposition on salvation and the necessity of righteousness, namely the Messiah’s righteousness. Vs. 2 in Psalm 16 shows us that righteousness must be perfect, and that it comes from God. Verse 2 has two names for God; the first is Yhovah (the covenant name of God) and the second is Adonay (master). This is critical to understanding Jesus as both savior and as Lord, or master. There was in recent decades a false teaching known as “lordship salvation,” saying that one can profess Christ as personal savior and then some time later come to trust in Jesus as lord of life. This is not what David expresses here in Psalm 16; he is not trusting in his own goodness before a holy God. In vs. 3, David rejoices in the faith that joins him to the church. Our faith is not individualistic. Salvation does not normally manifest itself apart from the church. If God’s purpose is to save us, we will joyfully join with the Body of Christ, the church. If you love the Father, you will love your brothers and sisters. David separates himself from false worship. True worship is a primary reason that God sent Jesus. John 4 proclaims that salvation is of the Jews, meaning the Jewish Messiah, Jesus. He is seeking those who will worship in Spirit and in Truth. In verses 5-11, we see David’s hope, rejoicing in this life and in the life to come. Our enjoyment of God is trinitarian. Also, our hope is grounded in the resurrection. Jesus is risen; our faith is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15). We long to see the Father’s glory (Matthew 11:27).