Psalm 15:1 asks, “Who shall sojourn in your tent? Who shall dwell on your holy mountain?” This question, posed by David, pierces the heart of human longing: how can sinners abide in God’s sacred presence? The sermon on Psalm 15 unveils Scripture’s mountain motif, revealing God’s dwelling places across redemptive history. In Genesis, Eden sat atop a mountain, God’s first temple where He met humanity (Ezekiel 28:14). A river flowed downward, signaling its elevation (Genesis 2:10). Sinai became God’s meeting place with Moses, marked by smoke and fire, where He gave the law (Exodus 19:18). Zion, the eternal city, represents God’s ultimate presence, where His people worship forever (Hebrews 12:22).

These mountains—Eden, Sinai, Zion—symbolize God’s holiness and humanity’s desire for communion. Yet, sin bars access. The high priest entered the earthly temple’s Holy of Holies only once yearly, with meticulous purification, lest he perish (Leviticus 16). Psalm 15’s question echoes this: who is righteous enough to dwell with God? No one, Psalm 14:3 declares, for “none do good.” But praise God, Jesus Christ, the righteous one, fulfills Psalm 15’s standard. His perfect life, death, and resurrection grant believers access to God’s holy mountain. Through Christ’s imputed righteousness, believers are justified, assured they “shall never be moved” (Psalm 15:5). In Christ, we ascend not by our merit but by His covenantal grace, entering the heavenly Jerusalem where angels and saints worship (Hebrews 12:22–24). This is no fleeting ritual but eternal communion, secured by the Mediator of the new covenant.

Reflect and Pray

Reject man-made paths to God’s presence. Trust Christ, your only way to His holy mountain. Meditate on Hebrews 12:22–24, rejoicing in the heavenly Zion you’ve already approached through Jesus. Pray for faith to rest in His righteousness, longing for eternal worship in God’s presence.

This article was inspired by the sermon, Who Dwells on God’s Mountain?, from May 18, 2025.