A changed Heart
Psalm 15:1 A Psalm of David. O LORD, who may abide in Your tent? Who may dwell on Your holy mountain?
2 He who walks with integrity and practices righteousness, who speaks the truth from his heart,
3 who has no slander on his tongue, who does no harm to his neighbor, who casts no scorn on his friend,
4 who despises the vile but honors those who fear the LORD, who does not revise a costly oath,
5 who lends his money without interest and refuses a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken. 2Co 5:21 God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.
Easy believism is Satan’s all-time deception, the idea that we can be right with God without a changed heart and life. David challenged this delusive doctrine by asking, “Who shall abide in the [LORD’s] tabernacle?” (Psalm 15:1), meaning who will dwell with the Lord in eternity. The answer affirms a true believer’s growing and fruitful practice: “He that doeth these things shall never be moved,” assuring one’s eternal security (v. 5a). When our Lord Jesus Christ saves a sinner from his sins, his heart is transformed as a new creation, unilaterally affecting his outward behavior (Ephesians 4:24). This involves a positive directional change—not perfectionism, but a true, germinating growth (Romans 7:25).
So, what outward changes are we talking about? A question/answer construct unpacks David’s answer, revealing what’s growing and what’s diminishing in the believer’s changed life in a 12-part response—six positive characteristics (v. 2, v. 4a-c) and six negative (v. 3, vv. 4d-5b).
The apostle John also challenged believers not to fall prey to this deception: “Let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous” (1 John 3:7). There’s nothing we can do to earn salvation, but a saved life practices righteousness.
By Charles C. "CHAS" Morse, M.C.ED / Days of Praise
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