Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain?
Psalms 15:1 NIV
In Psalm 15:1, we are confronted with a profound question: “Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain?” Notice, it doesn’t speak of merely visiting or passing through; it speaks of dwelling and living—establishing a lasting residence in the presence of the Almighty. This verse serves as a reminder that there is more to the Christian journey than mere access to God’s blessings; there’s a deeper desire in the heart of God—a desire for all to experience the greater blessing of dwelling in His sacred tent and living on His holy mountain.
First and foremost, it’s crucial to understand that the gateway to dwelling in God’s sacred space is salvation. As Jesus declared: “no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again” (John 3:3). No sinner would be admitted into sacred tent nor His holy mountain. However, through Jesus Christ, salvation is possible. As John 3:17-18 tells us, Jesus came not to condemn but to save the world. Hence, believing in Him is the key. It’s the first step that allows us to enter the realm of God’s sacredness.
Meanwhile, salvation is just the beginning. It’s like gaining entry to an exquisite garden through a grand gate. Imagine, for a moment, that you find yourself in this beautiful garden, surrounded by the fragrant blooms of God’s grace. You’re filled with awe and wonder at the sheer beauty of the place. Soon, you realise that this is a place of profound love and belonging.
Yet, as you explore this garden, you quickly realise that merely entering it isn’t enough. The garden’s full splendour and the depth of your connection with it become evident when you tend to its flowers, nurture its plants, and follow the gardener’s wisdom. This ongoing journey is like salvation—it’s the gateway to God’s presence. But to remain in that presence and experience the fullness of His love requires more. It requires a commitment to live in alignment with God’s instructions, just as Jesus explains in John 15:9-10. It’s a continuous and intentional journey, a dedication to abiding in His love by keeping His commands.
So, who, according to the Bible, may dwell in God’s sacred tent and live on His holy mountain? The answer lies in a lifestyle marked by obedience. Psalm 15:2-5 paints a vivid picture of this individual:
- They walk blamelessly and practice righteousness.
- Truth flows from their hearts, and they avoid slander and wrongdoing.
- They honour those who fear the Lord and despise evil deeds.
- They keep their promises, even when it’s challenging.
- They lend to the poor without seeking interest.
- They stand unwavering against bribery or false accusations.
The beautiful truth is that these principles apply not only to the ancient Psalmist. The same is true to anyone seeking to dwell in God’s sacred presence today. Those who choose this path, marked by unwavering faith and obedience, can rest assured that they will stand unshaken, no matter the storms or challenges of life.
In summary, Psalm 15 paints a portrait of those who may dwell in God’s sacred tent and live on His holy mountain—individuals who walk in unwavering faith and obedience. The journey begins with salvation through faith in Christ, but it doesn’t end there. It requires a commitment to abide in God’s love by following His commands. The qualities described in the Psalm—integrity, truth, compassion, and faithfulness—are not only the attributes of ancient believers but a timeless guide for us today. As we seek to embody these qualities, we can rest assured that we will stand unshaken, regardless of life’s storms. So, let this be our enduring takeaway: Faith, love, and unwavering obedience pave the path to God’s sacred dwelling, leading to a life deeply rooted in His presence and unshaken by the challenges of this world.