Enter Into The Presence Of The Lord

King David authored Psalm 15. In only five verses, he laid out how to enter into the presence of the Lord. He began this chapter with a question followed by four answers.

Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill? Psalm 15:1

When you come across short Psalms, do you tend to skim right through them? It’s like, yes, I’ve finished one more chapter! In today’s Psalm, we’ll take some time to examine each verse.

The question at hand deals with entering into the presence of the Lord. David referred to joining God on His holy hill. Our concern, however, deals with joining Him in Heaven for all eternity.

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The New Living Translation starts each of the following four verses with “Those who.” So, as you read these verses, examine your heart and make sure your life meets each standard.

Who May Enter into the Presence of the Lord?

Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts. Psalm 15:2

I must tell you none of us can meet that first qualification of entering into the presence of the Lord. But we can still reach it. Fortunately, Jesus fulfilled it by dying on the cross for us.

His death and resurrection made the way for us to stand blameless in the presence of the Lord. But that only happens by accepting for yourself that which Jesus accomplished.

Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault. Colossians 1:22

Along with standing blamelessly in the presence of the Lord, He wants us to live righteously. Paul said that when we enter His presence in heaven, we will receive a crown of righteousness.

And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:8

The definition of righteous living simply means to do what is right in the sight of God. The Message Bible gives us a short and practical way of living out Psalm 15:2.

Walk straight, act right, tell the truth. Psalm 15:2 (MSG)

If you violate one or all of them, ask God’s forgiveness. You will find the closer you walk with the Lord, the less you’ll ask His forgiveness. Let’s move to the second answer in verse three.

Who May Enter into the Presence of the Lord?

Those who refuse to gossip or harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends. Psalm 15:3

The first answer David gave dealt with how we stand before God. This second one deals with how we treat others. Jesus modeled how we should treat one another, and He also said,

I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. John 13:34

The Psalmist said we must refuse to gossip. Speaking ill of others and mistreating them hurts them, revealing the wickedness in our hearts. Stay in the presence of the Lord and love others.

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:31-32

Again, the Message Bible gives us a simple and practical way to word David’s second answer.

Don’t hurt your friend, don’t blame your neighbor; Psalm 15:3 (MSG)

David’s third answer of entering into the presence of the Lord involves our friendships. It deals with who we hang out with and how we treat God’s faithful followers.

Who May Enter into the Presence of the Lord?

Those who despise flagrant sinners, and honor the faithful followers of the Lord, and keep their promises even when it hurts. Psalm 15:4

Flagrant means someone involved in evil or immorality, so evident that it can’t be overlooked. The Psalmist says we should despise being close to them, even professing Christians.

I meant that you are not to associate with anyone who claims to be a believer yet indulges in sexual sin, or is greedy, or worships idols, or is abusive, or is a drunkard, or cheats people. Don’t even eat with such people. 1 Corinthians 5:11

Also, we should give serious thought before making a promise to God or anyone else. After we make a commitment, the Lord expects us to follow through with it, even if it hurts.

A man who makes a vow to the Lord or makes a pledge under oath must never break it. He must do exactly what he said he would do. Numbers 30:2

The Message Bible translated this verse simply as Despise the despicable. Psalm 15:4 (MSG)

Then, finally, verse five talks about how we deal with money and how money deals with us. Paul told Timothy the love of money is the root of all evil. The Psalmist says the following about it.

Who May Enter into the Presence of God?

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

The Psalmist’s fifth answer of those found in the presence of the Lord gives the implication of generosity. This doesn’t negate making a contract with someone for a loan charging interest.

It does, however, mean to help someone experiencing hard times. Our generosity will never out-give God. Remember, the Lord often blesses us when we bless others.

Take notice of the common thread in David’s four answers. They have to do with our tongues. Those who will stand in the presence of the Lord must be careful of their words.