Psalms 15:1-5 - Homilies By C. Short

The essentials of a spiritual religion.

This psalm is supposed by some to have been written on the removal of the ark to Zion. "As it is not only in David's time that the symbol has been placed above the thing signified, and a superstitious efficacy attached to the externals of worship, this psalm has an equal value in every age in keeping before the mind the great lesson that sanctity of life and truth of heart are the absolute essentials of a spiritual religion." How can we dwell truly and in the most intimate abiding fellowship with God ? That is the question which the psalm answers; and the answer is— Access to God lies open to none but his pure worshippers. Two answers are given, each answer having both a positive and a negative form.

I. FIRST ANSWER .

1 . Positively. ( Psalms 15:2 .)

2 . Negatively. ( Psalms 15:3 .) He is not one who injures others

II. SECOND ANSWER . ( Psalms 15:4 , Psalms 15:5 .)

1 . Positively. ( Psalms 15:4 .)

2 . Negatively. ( Psalms 15:5 .)