Digging Deep No. 11 Topic: Conditions for entry to heaven Text: Psalms 15:2

INTRODUCTION: In the last study in our examination of Psalms 15:1, we discovered conditions for gaining access to God. In this study, we wish to examine the conditions for entry to heaven as specified in Psalms 15:2. How many conditions are specified here? Why are they crucial?

1. Why must I be upright? What exactly is the meaning of uprightness? What rewards are there in being steadfastly holy? Ps.24:4, Matt. 5:8, Job 22:30, Proverbs 4:18, ii Samuel 23:3-4, Proverbs 2:7, Psalms 37:18, Proverbs 2:21, Ps. 37:9-27. Uprightness means having clean hands (don’t give and don’t receive bribes, don’t write destructive letters/commendations, watch you hand, particularly behind locked doors, don’t steal. Don’t forget, be careful how you fill those tax forms and mileage claim etc., pure heart (no bitterness or hatred, no sinful intentions lurking there, no ungodly ambitions, no unforgiving spirit etc.) walking according to the commandments of God, perfecting holiness in the fear of God, of course, the steadfastly holy shall inherit the land since no one having put his hand on the plough and looking back is fit for the kingdom of God.
2. Why is righteousness so crucial? Why must I be righteous? Can you give some reasons? Joshua 10:12, Proverbs 11:17-18, Galathians.6:7-8, Psalms 34:15, 17, Psalms 34:19. To be righteous means to be holy. Whatever you sow is what you reap. This is the unchangeable law of harvest. If you sow righteousness you reap mercy, the reward of truth. Your prayers are answered; you are delivered from all sorts of troubles and inherit eternal life.
3. Why must I tell the truth always? Can’t I tell white lies, that are lies told that no one is injured as a result? Psalms 26:7, Psalms 51:6, Ephesians 4:25, Proverbs 12:19, Proverbs 23:23. Truth is very precious in the sight of the Lord because He himself is the Truth. Just as He stands sure forever, everyone who tells the truth always will also stand forever.

CONCLUSION:How can I remain standing (upright steadfastly holy) through life without ever slipping, without falling? Is it enough just to look onto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith? It is not enough to lust look onto Jesus because occasionally our gaze might be diverted by “storms” or material pursuits. It is absolutely necessary to hold on the hand of Jesus. Psalms 73:22-24. Will you like to call on Him tonight to hold your hand as He held the hand of Peter as you walk on the ocean of life?