“Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully.” -Psalm 24:3–4
There are echoes of Psalm 15 in David’s question and answer here. His focus on the requirements for entering the presence of the Lord has moved us from the general observation that the entire Earth belongs to the Lord to the specificity of his presence among and favor for a certain people. Further, David is making a distinction between those in the company of “God’s people” who are merely Israel by biology and those who are Israel, spiritually.
Only those who are true worshippers are those who are allowed to enter the presence of the Lord—those who are pure in hand and heart, and worship the true God in spirit and in truth.
“God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”” -John 4:24
Christ has made this possible for both Jew and Gentile, alike. He is our entrance to the throne of grace!
“Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” -Hebrews 4:14–16