Characteristics of a "Christian" (Psalm 15:1-5)

"Who shall dwell on your holy hill?" (Ps 15:1; ESV)

Questions:

1. What is Psalm 15:1 asking (Ps 24:3; Isa 33:14)? What 2 ideas does God's "tent" suggest (Exo 29:42; Ps 27:4; 84:1-2)?
   
2. What are the 12 ethical requirements which focuses on life-and-lip qualities (Ps 15:2-5)? What does this tell us about the man's character, words, allegiance, dealings and place?
   
3. How can a man never be shaken (Ps 15:5c; 16:8; 21:7; 55:22; 62:2,6)?
   

Who can come in the presence of God (Ps 15:1)? God's reply is not a list of rituals, but a searching of the conscience (Ps 15:2-5; 24:3-6; Isa 33:14-17). It reveals the pure in heart, a man after God's own heart, a "Christian" who loves and honors God.

God's "tent" (and holy mountain/hill) conjures 2 ideas: worship/sacrifice (Exo 29:42) and hospitality. Man comes to God to worship, but he also comes as an willing invited guest (Ps 27:4; 84:1-2). The encounter is both one of awe and friendship, transcendence and immanence, holy and personal. Notice the 12 ethical requirements (Ps 15:2-5), which focuses on life-and-lip qualities. The qualities described are those that God creates in a man, not those he finds in himself:

1. Blameless: not sinless, but whole, wholehearted and sound. His lifestyle exhibits integrity.
2. Does what is right/righteous: promotes happiness. His deeds exhibit justice.
3. Speaks the truth: not merely correct but what is trustworthy. His speech exhibits reliability.
4. Tongue utters no slander, which has the meaning of "going around," spying things out, spreading them abroad.
5. Does no wrong to a neighbor: He does not harm his fellow man.
6. Casts no slur on others (Prov 10:12).
7. Despises a vile person. His allegiance is clear cut, not Pharisaical but loyalty and declaring what he admires and where he stands (Gen 14:17-24).
8. Honors those who fear the Lord: He respects the people of God.
9. Keeps an oath to his own hurt: He holds himself accountable.
10. Does not change: He is not fickle.
11. Lends money to the poor without interest: He is not greedy or exploitative.
12. Does not accept a bribe: He cannot be bought.
    

"Whoever does these things will never be shaken (moved)" (Ps 15:5c). The threat of insecurity expressed often in the Psalms by the word "moved" is met not by siding with the strong, but by steadfast  trust in God. Psalm 16:8 says, "I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand I will not be shaken."

References:

1. Psalms 1-72, Derek Kidner, 1973: A Man After God's Heart
   
1. God as man's host (Ps 15:1)
2. Man as God's guest (Ps 15:2-5)
1. His character: true (Ps 15:2).
2. His words: restrained (Ps 15:3).
3. His allegiance: clear cut (Ps 15:4).
4. His dealings: honorable (Ps 15:4c-5).
5. His place: secured (Ps 15:5c).
   
2. MacArthur Study Bible, 2006: Description of a Citizen of Zion
   
• A 12 part response (Ps 15:2-5) to a 2 part question (Ps 15:1).
  
3. Reformation Study Bible, 2005: Who Shall Dwell on Your Holy Hill?
   
• The 10 requirements for approaching God's presence (Ps 15:2-5) are ethical, not formal or liturgical.
  
4. ESV Study Bible, 2008.

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