Everyone is a sinner even before their birth. Sin runs in our veins and it is part of our nature.
So who, then, can be seen in favor with the Lord?
- Those with an afflicted heart
Psalm 10:17 – “You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry,” We must constantly be in affliction as we fight this spiritual war against Satan and our sinful nature. We need to cry out for His protection, His guidance through the narrow gates.
- Those with a honest heart
Psalm 7:10 – “My shield is God Most High, who saves the upright in heart.” We must stay holy; separated from the world. The world in which people lie and cheat others. We need to have an upright heart. - Those with a contrite and broken heart
Psalm 34:18 – “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” True believers have no pride. They do not rely on their own thoughts and ways, but seek earnestly for God’s will for them. They are humble and declare themselves to the Lord. - Those with the heart of the fear of God
Jeremiah 32:38-41 – “They will be my people, and I will be their God. 39 I will give them singleness of heart and action, so that they will always fear me and that all will then go well for them and for their children after them. 40 I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never stop doing good to them, and I will inspire them to fear me, so that they will never turn away from me. 41 I will rejoice in doing them good and will assuredly plant them in this land with all my heart and soul.” Fear God. Tremble before God. Be afraid of what He is able to do. Fear Him so much that we cannot do anything but to obey our Creator and never turn away from Him. People might ask, “Tremble? Be afraid? What happened to the relationship that God wanted between true believers and Him?” True believers know that while fearing the one and only God, they feel complete joy and freedom when following His ways.