Who may dwell in God's Presence?

The Psalmist is asking a general question about those who will be allowed into the Lord’s Tabernacle. The focus is on being permitted to enter the tent, which highlights the reality that not everyone will be given entrance. (cf Matt 7:21-23)

The Qualifications

The Psalmist gives 10 qualifications that describe a person who will be permitted access to God’s tent. These ten qualifications are representative of lifestyle as opposed to listing one-time events for a checklist.

Broadly speaking, these characteristics can be divided into three (3) areas for reflection. The first sphere is personal; how an individual relates to God. The second sphere is relational: how an individual relates to his neighbor. The third sphere is communal; how an individual lives as a citizen of the community

The Personal Sphere

The one who would dwell or abide with God is a person who walks blamelessly. The verb walk is indicative of lifestyle, a pattern that is recognized over time. “A blameless person lives in obedience to God and maintains a life of integrity.”

The one who lives with God is a person who does what is right. “His activities are in harmony with God’s standards, that is, they are righteous”

Ross, A. P. (1985). Psalms. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary

The one who is given access to God’s presence is a person who speaks truth. While difficult to live out, this is not hard to understand. God’s people are not to lie or spread falsehood. They are to be truthful in all areas of life.

Ross, A. P. (1985). Psalms. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 1, p. 803). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

The Relational Sphere

A person who desires to dwell with God must be a person who does not slander with his tongue. There is no room in God’s tent for gossips and talebearers. ()

This person will also refrain from doing harm to his neighbor. This includes actions and inaction. A godly person should be the the type of neighbor who is desired, not avoided

This type of person will avoid speaking bad things about a neighbor. Sometimes we can slur or bring reproach on a neighbor without lying. Just because it’s true, doesn’t mean we have to share it. (and this includes prayer)

The Communal Sphere

The person who will abide with God is one who is offended by the things that offend God. He or she will take issue with sin, will stand against it, and will refuse to be indifferent to it. This type of person understands that sin does not occur in a vacuum, and it has negative consequences which will affect the community

The person who will abide with God has integrity as a citizen. He does not go back on his word, and is one who can be trusted. These are the type of lawyers, shop keepers, land developers, teachers, etc. that make a community strong and healthy. This type will avoid the “get-ahead at all cost” mentality that is corrupting our society

This last characteristic has stipulations for the Jews living in a theocracy, but the principle remains valid for modern day believers. The law prohibited one from taking advantage of a brother in dire straits - the loaner was not to charge interest to the one in need. (consider a gas station that charges $5/gallon during a hurricane)

The Promise

The Promise is simply that the person who has a lifestyle that reflects these qualities will need not be concerned about being given access to God’s dwelling place. This person will not only be allowed in, he or she will never be asked to depart.

Bear in mind this is an OT Psalm, written before the Incarnation. This Psalm does not support a works-salvation. The OT saints were challenged to live by faith just as modern Christians are. These characteristics could not be obtained simply by going through the ritual of sacrifice; they could only be obtained with a faith that looked forward to God’s ultimate Provision. We know His Name, and it is the Name of Jesus.