What other scriptures emphasize the importance of holiness in God's presence? A Heartfelt Psalm 15:1 Reminder “O LORD, who may abide in Your tent? Who may dwell on Your holy mountain?” This opening line sets the stage: proximity to God is precious, and holiness is the required passport. Snapshots of Holiness in the Old Testament • Exodus 3:5 — “Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” • Leviticus 11:44-45 — “For I am the LORD your God; you must consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy… for I am the LORD, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt to be your God; therefore be holy, because I am holy.” • Psalm 24:3-4 — “Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear deceitfully.” • Isaiah 6:3-5 — The seraphim cry, “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts,” and Isaiah responds, “Woe to me… for I am a man of unclean lips.” God’s presence instantly exposes the need for cleansing. Voices from the Wisdom Books • Proverbs 9:10 — “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.” Reverent awe fosters holy living. • Ecclesiastes 5:1 — “Guard your steps when you go to the house of God.” Approach with thoughtfulness, not casual flippancy. Jesus and the Gospels: Purity Opens Eyes • Matthew 5:8 — “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” • John 17:17 — “Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.” The Lord links holiness to the transforming power of Scripture. Letters That Echo the Call • 1 Peter 1:15-16 — “But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’” • Hebrews 12:14 — “Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.” • 1 Thessalonians 4:7 — “For God has not called us to impurity, but to holiness.” • 2 Corinthians 7:1 — “Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” Your Body—God’s Dwelling Place • 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 — “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you…? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body.” Holiness is no longer tied to a physical tent or mountain alone; it now reaches every fiber of daily life. A Glimpse into Eternity • Revelation 21:27 — “But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who practices an abomination or a lie, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.” The final dwelling place of God and His people is entirely pure. Putting It All Together Psalm 15:1 asks who may dwell with the Lord. Scripture answers consistently: holiness matters—on Sinai’s slopes, in David’s songs, through the prophets, on the lips of Jesus, in apostolic letters, and finally in the New Jerusalem. God Himself provides the cleansing and empowerment we need, yet the responsibility remains: walk in holiness, because the One who invites us in is forever holy. |
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