As strangers and sojourners in this barren land, we are not left without instructions. Just as the Old Testament Jews had Moses as their guide to the promise land, we too have been given instructions for life as we wait to enter our eternal promise land (vs. 54). God’s law shows us the path we should follow, and illumines our way through the darkness (vs. 101, 105).

As New Covenant believers, we are no longer under the curse of the law (Galatians 3:13). Christ’s atoning work on the cross saves us from the burden of keeping the law perfectly (Philippians 3:12-16). However, does that mean we no longer need it? What good is the law for us today?

Below are a few answers to that question from Psalm 119. This by no means is an exhaustive list; the depths of Psalm 119 could not be plumbed in an entire lifetime. Rather, think of this as a starting point for considering the uses and purposes of God’s law.

God’s Law Exposes Our Sin

God uses the law as a benchmark for holiness. When people wander from His commands, God’s punishment will eventually follow (vs. 21). Those who do live according to the law are contrasted with the insolent (vs. 85), wicked (vs. 95, 110), evildoers (vs. 115), foes (vs. 138-139), and persecutors with an evil purpose (150). God’s law is the standard by which man is currently, and will be ultimately, judged.

God’s Law Points Us to Christ

God’s word points us to Christ by making us long for coming salvation (vs. 81). Because the weight of our own inability to keep God’s law is ever before us, we are driven to our knees. We plead for our holy God to bring the promised redeemer who will show us salvation (vs. 81-82, 123, 174). Unlike the wicked ones who know not His statues, we desire to have salvation brought near (vs. 155).

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