As King David approached to enter the temple to worship God for his victory in battle, He asked this question in Psalm 24:3-4 and also gave an answer, "Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god." King David knew that the ones who could enter in the presence of God were the righteous before God. Being righteous before God means being innocent of sin and not trusting idols. During the time of King David, people would offer animal sacrifices to the priests for the forgiveness of their sins. Today, we do not need to offer animal sacrifices to God or punish our bodies for penitence, but we simply believe in our Lord Jesus and ask for forgiveness. This is possible for us today because Jesus paid the penalty for our sins with His own life on the cross. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, "God (God the Father) made Him (Lord Jesus) who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God."
Jesus came to die on the cross for our sins so that we can become righteous before God through faith in Him. Being good is not enough for us to enter God's presence. We must believe in Jesus as our Lord and Savior to enter God's presence and stop trusting idols. Idols are anything that we trust apart from our Lord Jesus. Jesus said this in John 8:24, "I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that I am He you will die in your sins." And Jesus asked this question in John 11:25-26, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?" This is the question that we all need to answer. Our answer to our Lord Jesus' question will determine our forgiveness and salvation.
King David was able to enter the presence of God in the temple because he was righteous before God through the animal sacrifices, but we enter the presence of God through faith in our Lord Jesus. We are righteous not because of what we have done but because of what Jesus has done for us on the cross.
Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you). How can I enter the presence of God? Why is it important for me to believe in Jesus as my Lord and Savior? How can I become righteous before God?
Write down all the worries you face today and lift them up to God.
Prayer:
Father in Heaven, thank you for sending my Lord Jesus to die for my sins so that I can become righteous before you through faith in Him. Please help me not trust my good works for my forgiveness and salvation. My good work is the result of your good work in my life. Thank you that your presence is always with me. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.