How To Enter Into The Presence Of The Almighty - Christian Perspectives
King David, is the author of Psalm 15. In only 5 verses he laid out for us how to enter into the presence of the Almighty. The outline of this chapter is very simple. Verse 1contains a couple of questions. And the last 4 verses offer us the answers.
Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill? Psalm 15:1
Because of its length, this is one of those Psalms that is very easy to skim right through. We, however, aren’t going to do that. David showed us in 4 short verses what it takes to enter into the presence of Almighty God.
Each of these verses as written in the New Living Translation start with the words “Those who.” I am also going to share with you the simplicity of how these verses are worded in the Message Bible.
“Those Who” Will Enter Into The Presence Of The Almighty
Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts. Psalm 15:2
In the Message verse 2 says Walk straight, act right, tell the truth. That is straight talk. Granted, there are some passages of scripture that need an interpretation. We are going to find that these verses don’t.
David said if you want to be in the presence of God, stay out of trouble, do what is right, and don’t lie. You might be thinking to yourself, continually doing those things is impossible. And you’re right!
When you do violate one or all of them, ask God’s forgiveness with a sincere heart. You will find the closer your walk is with the Lord, you won’t need to ask forgiveness as much. Moving on to verse 3, it says this.
Those who refuse to gossip or harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends. Psalm 15:3 The Message says it like this, Don’t hurt your friend, don’t blame your neighbor;
Watch What You Say
Did you notice that both verses so far deal mainly with what we say? I remember when I was a child, I heard this phrase. Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me. It didn’t take long until I realized how wrong that statement was.
Those who despise flagrant sinners, and honor the faithful followers of the Lord, and keep their promises even when it hurts. Psalm 15:4 The Message says, Don’t despise the despicable.
This verse is saying that we must stay humble. Especially when we are around those who outwardly and actively sin, even though we try to do that which is right. Listen to what Isaiah told us about our righteousness.
We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags. Isaiah 64:6
Also, the Lord is pretty strict when it comes to promises and commitments. So we must give some thought before making them. Because after they are made, He expects us to follow through with them, even if it hurts.
Then finally in verse 5, he deals with money. Paul told Timothy that the love of money is the root of all evil. Here is what the Psalmist says about it.
Those who lend money without charging interest, and who cannot be bribed to lie about the innocent. Such people will stand firm forever. Psalm 15:5
We will Stand Forever
Then David ended this Psalm by saying this, The people that do these things will stand firm forever. Just to make sure we are clear, Jesus is the only way to heaven. The things written in Psalm 15 help us to maintain our relationship with the Lord in this life.
Lord, thank you for spelling out to us how our relations can grow in you.
A Related post called, God Helps the Helpless and Sets Us Free, Tells how much God loves us.
Check out this other post also called, Open The Way And Let The King Of Glory Enter.
Even though it is short, you can read Psalm 15 here.
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