A Rhetorical Question

3) Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? 4) The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not appealed to what is false, and who has not sworn deceitfully.

Psalm 24:3-4 (CSB)

At some point in your life, like every Christian, you often find yourself asking, in one form or another, “Am I worthy to enter God’s presence?” It’s not by chance that you ask yourself this question. You might think it stems from strong emotions related to a sin you’ve committed or a wrong you’ve caused others, a wrong your conscience reproaches you for. But it’s more than that.

First, ask yourself why David himself felt this way. Two thousand years ago, he was in the same situation we are in today, asking himself the same question. Except that, through his experience with God and the acknowledgment of his sin, he found the answer. That’s why it was a purely rhetorical question. When you live under the influence of the Spirit of God, He always whispers a phrase in your ear that awakens a reflection within you on your relationship with Him. If you answer yes, He convicts you of your sin. It is this spiritual instinct that, without your conscious awareness, makes you feel unworthy.

Your sin does not make you impure in God's eyes, but it makes you feel guilty. Jesus bore impurity on the cross, suffering the consequences. God searches hearts to know your intentions. You may have sinned, but it was never intentional. Thus, your confession purifies your hands and your heart, allowing you to enter His presence. This is the whole point of confession. On the other hand, if your intention is evil, no matter how good your actions, you will always be in the wrong. This is why it is essential to always ask yourself this rhetorical question. Then, refer to David's answer and identify your position.

May the grace and peace of God be with you all.