In our study of Hebrews, we have spent several sessions examining the tabernacle God instructed Moses to build (Exodus 25:8 and 9). Hebrews shows us that this earthly sanctuarwas a copy and shadow of the true sanctuary in heaven (Hebrews 8:5, 9:23 and 24). It also reveals an incredible truth. Through Jesus Christ, our High Priest in the order of Melchizedek, we may draw near to God (Hebrews 6:19 and 20, 7:17).

The Most Holy Place contained the ark of the covenant and the mercy seat, Only the high priest could enter the Most Holy Place, and he did so once a year on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:2, 29, 30 and 34, Hebrews 9:7). Hebrews tells us that Christ entered the heavenly sanctuary on our behalf (Hebrews 9:11-12 and 24). Through His blood, we are cleansed, and we may come boldly to the throne of grace (Hebrews 9:14, 10:19,-22, 4:14, 15 and 16). We can come before God’s throne, and we have a High Priest seated at God’s right hand who understands our weaknesses and sympathizes with us (Hebrews 10:12, 4:15).

With that in mind, let’s return to Psalm 15. It begins with a question: “LORD, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill?” (Psalm 15:1). The psalm directs our attention to the sanctuary/tabernacle we have been studying in Hebrews, but it also asks us to consider the kind of character God is developing in those who may abide in God’s Tabernacle.

A Heart That Speaks the Truth

Psalm 15:2 answers, “He who walks uprightly, and works righteousness, and speaks the truth in his heart.” God’s Word is truth, and His laws show us how to live truthfully (Psalm 119:142 and 151, John 17:17). This is more than speaking with discipline. It describes a heart established in God’s truth, so our actions and speech reflect what is right.

The psalm then turns to how we treat others. The person who dwells with God does not slander with the tongue, do evil to a neighbor, or bring reproach against a friend (Psalm 15:3). A name given to Satan is "Devil," which means slanderer, and he lives up to his name as “the accuser of our brethren” (Revelation 12:10), but God is developing a different character in us. We are to speak truthfully and refuse to tear others down or cause them harm.

God’s law teaches us how to love both God and our neighbor (Mark 12:29, 30 and 31). Psalm 119:165 says, “Great peace have those who love Your law.” As God’s law, working through His Spirit, forms our hearts, it helps us pursue peace with Him and with the people around us (Galatians 5:22 and 23).

Honoring Those Fear The Lord

Psalm 15:4 says that the faithful person does not admire wickedness but honors those who fear the Lord. Our values should reflect God’s values. We should not look to wickedness as an example to follow. We should respect those who seek to live in reverence toward God.

The verse also describes someone who keeps a commitment, even when doing so proves costly. “He who swears to his own hurt and does not change” (Psalm 15:4). Godly character means being dependable and truthful, even when following through is inconvenient or puts us at a disadvantage.

Acting Justly with What We Have

The final verse speaks about the use of money and influence. The person who dwells with God does not use money to take advantage of others or take a bribe against the innocent (Psalm 15:5). Godly character includes fairness, honesty, and concern for those who need justice.

Psalm 15 concludes, “He who does these things shall never be moved” (Psalm 15:5). This points to the security of those who walk with God and remain faithful to Him. They will not be moved from the dwelling place of God described in verse 1.

God’s Dwelling on Earth

Now let’s go to the end of the Bible, to Revelation 21. There we read of a time when God’s dwelling will be with humanity: “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God” (Revelation 21:3).

The vision describes the New Jerusalem coming down from God (Revelation 21:1-2). This fulfills the hope Psalm 15 points us toward. God will dwell with His people, and His rule will be openly established throughout the renewed creation (Revelation 21:1, 2 - 3, 1 Corinthians 15:24 and 28). Those who are never moved from God’s holy hill (Kingdom) are those in whom He has developed His character through the power of the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:18, Galatians 5:22 and 23). That character is expressed in the heart and actions described in Psalm 15.

Psalm 15 is not a list of deeds by which we earn access to God. Christ makes that access possible (Hebrews 10:19-22). Through His sacrifice, we may draw near. Through His Spirit, God is developing His character in us. So let’s use Psalm 15 to examine our lives. Do we speak truth from the heart? Do we avoid slander and harm? Do we honor those who fear God, keep our commitments, and treat others justly?

When we see where we fall short, let’s ask God to help us grow in the character He is developing in us. Through Christ, we may draw near to God. With His help, we can develop His character, never be moved, and dwell with Him forever.

I hope all enjoy the blessing of a weekly "rest" from our regular labor!