Charles H. Spurgeon on Psalms 119:130

The Self evidencing Virtue of God's Word.

1. Prove it. "Entrance of thy word giveth light." If this be true, God's word is light for only light can give light. But light is self evidencing; it needs nothing to show its presence and its value but itself; so the word of God, show its own truth and divinity to the believer.

(a) His conscience it; in its convictions of sin; in its peace through the stoning blood.

(b) heart proves it; in its outgoings of love to the God, the Christ, and righteousness revealed.

(c) His experience in affliction and temptation it; in the solace and in the strength given by the word.

2. Answer an objection. "If God's word were self evidencing as light is, then everyone would acknowledge it to be truth." Answer, No; for the law holds good universal experience, that the "entrance" only of light gives light. Light cannot enter a blind man.

(a) The Scriptures teach that men by nature blind.

(b) If all men did perceive, by merely reading and hearing word, that it was light and truth, paradoxical as it may seem, the would not be truth.

(c) Hence the want of universal acknowledgment is an objection, but a confirmation.

3. Show its importance.

(a) It the believer independent of church authority for his faith.

(b) He need trouble to examine books of evidence; his faith is valid enough them.

(c) He who receives the word into his soul shall be satisfied of truth and value. J.F.

Psalms 119:131*