SOUL Salvation

David begins his praise of God’s Law with a profound statement in Psalm 19:7: “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul.” One of the functions of God’s Law is to convert the mind, will, and emotions so that they are in harmony with God’s ways and thoughts. This is necessary because of God’s assessment recorded in Isaiah 55:8:

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

In Psalm 19:7, the Hebrew word translated converting is shuwb. It means to “return … come back to; to turn around (figuratively); to turn to Jehovah … to cease from … to restore (Lexical Aids to the Old Testament, The Hebrew-Greek Key Study Bible). This same goal for the soul is given to us in James 1:21, “Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.”

So, how does the Law of God convert the soul? Note the sequence in Psalm 19:

1. “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul.” The Law reveals the holy nature of God, which is in direct contrast to the sinful nature.
2. “The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.” Testimonies are the stories of God’s dealings with individuals and His nation. They reveal His ways, which often involve the birth, death, and fulfillment of a vision.
3. “The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart.” Statutes are Biblical principles applied to specific situations. The heart affirms their wisdom.
4. “The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.” As we read God’s Word, the Holy Spirit reveals to us truths that we would not otherwise understand and brings us to conclusions that we would not reach using our own reasoning.
5. “The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever.” When we are aware that God is watching and evaluating every one of our words, thoughts, and actions, we begin to understand wisdom, which is an essential tool for every converted soul.
6. “The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.” The formal decrees of God are just and right because they are expressions of His holy nature.

Until the soul is converted, we will not understand the ways of God and will often be frustrated by things that happen.

God’s Law can convert our souls, but only as we read it. When was the last time you read the five books of Moses?