Bible Discussion Thread

Psalm 53.

This Psalm shows the state of those who would call themselves "atheists" today. Verse 1 addresses them as a "fool." This reiterates the message of Psalm 14. Also; the first 3 verses show the state of "total depravity" among unregenerate man. We see that theme in Psalm 14 as well as in much of the Book of Romans; Jeremiah 17:9; and passages in Isaiah. The question of terminology as to everyone being incapable of doing good and their "totally depraved" state has been debated as to one's response and decision to repent. I would say scripturally God gives the gift of repentance as well as salvation being a free gift ( Eph. 2:8-9).

As to being saving faith; I have discussed frequently the fact that there must be remorse for offending a Holy God (as seen with Peter's fall) as opposed to Judas falling away where the consequences of his actions were the cause of his grief.

Verse 4 is rather vague; it could be referring to those without faith that affect the mindset of the Jewish nation or actually are those physically attacking them. More often than not; however it was the foreign gods that caused the most damage from intermarriages; or God's direct judgment that brought about an invasion. Verse 5 alludes to an unnamed event; perhaps something like the angel of God slaying 185,000 Assyrians encamped outside the gates of Jerusalem in one night ( 2 Kings 19:36).

Verse 6 also is uncertain as to a time frame; there was as far as I know no major diaspora in the time of David. It certainly is relevant to any future ones; especially in the light of the Babylonian captivity to come and in the future Tribulation. God eventually will complete His actions after bringing back Israel in 1948; but that won't be until near the end of the Tribulation for the 1/3 that are refined in that period (see Zech. 13:8).