Psalms 130:3,4

If thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities Observe them accurately, and punish them severely, as they deserve; O Lord, who shall stand? In thy presence, or at thy tribunal. No man could acquit himself, or escape the sentence of condemnation, because all men are sinners. To stand is a judicial phrase, and imports a man being absolved or justified upon a fair trial. But there is forgiveness with thee Thou art able and ready to forgive repenting sinners; that thou mayest be feared Not with a slavish, but a filial fear and reverence, This mercy of thine is the foundation of all religion, without which men would desperately proceed in their impious courses, without any thought of repentance.