You are a member of an established congregation. You are called a Christian by those outside as well as by those within the church of God here below. But note the words of David wherewith he closes Psalm 15, namely,"He that doeth these things shall never be moved'' Psalm 15:5.
He had asked who shall dwell with God in covenant fellowship in His house of many mansions; and he had answered that it was only those who walk uprightly and work righteousness because they spoke the truth in their hearts. And now he points out that we must do these things, if we are to be God's blessed guests. We must do more than agree with David. We must do what is holy to live with our holy God.
Sing the versification that goes thus:
Doing this and evil spurning,
He shall nevermore be moved;
This the man with Thee sojourning
This the man by Thee approved.
Did you note the comfort here? Because of our flesh we will slip and slide into sin. But while we walk uprightly, we have God's word for it that we shall not be moved. And the idea is that our names will not be removed out of the book of life. We will have the forgiveness of our sins, through the blood of God's Son. And if we fall into sin we will be brought back to sorrow and an upright walk, because "He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ" Philippians 1:6.
However, we will have this comfort only while we are doing the things David listed, If no sorrow for sin arises, and we do not feel bad about our sins, we do not even want to live with the holy God in heaven. Then we do not even want the assurance of enjoying the rest Christ prepared.
If you do hate sin and are fighting your sinful flesh, this comfort is yours. Satan cannot recapture you. There is a place for you in God's house of many mansions prepared by Christ and reserved for you. And once you get there, you will never have to move or be removed. It is an everlasting blessedness God has for His people.
Read: II Peter 1
Psalter versification: 24:3
Devotions on the Heidelberg Catechism
Song for Meditation: Psalter #54
Sing along!!
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Through the Bible in One Year
Read today:
Leviticus 14:1-57
Mark 6:30-56
Psalm 40:1-10
Proverbs 10:11-12
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Quote for Reflection:
(On the thief on the cross) …. Now the first proof which he gave of his repentance was, that he severely reproved and restrained the wicked forwardness of his companion. He then added a second, by humbling himself in open acknowledgment of his crimes, and ascribing to Christ the praise due to his righteousness. Thirdly, he displayed astonishing faith by committing himself and his salvation to the protection of Christ, while he saw him hanging on the cross and near death. – John Calvin
Additional Info
- Date: 23-February
