I read Psalm 15 in my devotions this morning, it it King David asks the rhetorical questions, “O Lord, who shall sojourn in your tent? Who shall dwell on your holy hill?” (Psalm 15:1, ESV). He then provides the answer.
He who walks blamelessly and does what is right
and speaks truth in his heart;
who does not slander with his tongue
and does no evil to his neighbor,
nor takes up a reproach against his friend;
in whose eyes a vile person is despised,
but who honors those who fear the Lord;
who swears to his own hurt and does not change;
who does not put out his money at interest
and does not take a bribe against the innocent.
He who does these things shall never be moved, (Psalm 15:2-5, ESV).
Looking at that list there is a temptation, I’m sure for some to say, “I did not do those things, I abstained. I’m blameless.” But the simple fact is none of us are (Romans 3:23). We all have done some of those things.
We need a righteousness that is not our own. Thank God that Jesus who knew no sin became sin so that we might become the righteousness of God, (2 Corinthians 5:21). His imputed righteousness, not our own. Relying on our own we could never be blameless. Trusting Christ for salvation we can take on His.