What actions allow us to enter through the "gate of the LORD"? Verse in Focus “Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter and give thanks to the LORD. This is the gate of the LORD; the righteous shall enter through it.” (Psalm 118:19-20) Actions the Psalm Highlights • Seek the “gates of righteousness.” – Desire to live according to God’s standards, not personal preference (Psalm 15:1-2). • Enter “to give thanks.” – Gratitude is not optional; it’s the first expression of a heart rightly aligned with God (Psalm 100:4). Why Righteousness Matters • Righteousness is God’s requirement. Only those declared righteous may pass through His gate (Psalm 118:20; Isaiah 26:2). • We cannot manufacture it; we receive it by faith in Christ. – “This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.” (Romans 3:22) • Christ Himself is the gate. – “I am the gate. If anyone enters through Me, he will be saved.” (John 10:9) Key Actions That Open the Gate 1. Believe the Gospel • Trust Jesus as Savior and Lord (Romans 10:9-10). 2. Turn from Sin • “Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away.” (Acts 3:19) 3. Receive the Gift of Righteousness • “God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21) 4. Approach with Thanksgiving and Praise • Thanksgiving acknowledges God’s work and welcomes His presence (Colossians 2:6-7). 5. Walk in Ongoing Obedience • “Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness—without it no one will see the Lord.” (Hebrews 12:14) New Testament Echoes of the Gate • Ephesians 2:18—Through Christ we have “access to the Father.” • Hebrews 10:19-22—We “enter the Most Holy Place” by Jesus’ blood, drawing near “with a sincere heart.” • Revelation 22:14—Those who “wash their robes” gain “the right to the tree of life and may enter the city by the gates.” Everyday Application • Confess: Daily reaffirm trust in Jesus’ finished work. • Thank: Begin prayer with gratitude; cultivate a thankful spirit throughout the day. • Turn: Keep short accounts with God—repent quickly when sin surfaces. • Obey: Let Scripture guide choices; righteousness is practiced, not merely possessed. • Worship: Gather with other believers to declare God’s goodness, mirroring the Psalmist’s praise at the gate. |
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