Friday, November 30, 2012

Who Will Ascend To The Hill Of The Lord?

"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 by what is false.  He will receive blessing from The LORD and vindication from God his Savior."  Psalms 24:3-5 (NIV)

Here King David asks a rhetorical question, rephrases it, then he proceeds to answer it.  Who may stand in God's holy place?  The innocent, those with pure motives, those who do not worship idols, and those who are truthful and fair.  They will receive a special blessing from The Lord and they will receive eternal life. 

Although the Bible scholars disagree on exactly where "the hill of The Lord" and "His holy place" refers to, it is clear that is in the presence of God.  It is also clear that that only those who qualify will receive the special blessing and vindication from God.  It does not require being free from sin, but it does require the right intentions and motives in addition to the right behavior.  For us to qualify, we would have to confess our sins, ask for forgiveness, and ask Him to create in us a clean heart and a right spirit. (Psalms 51:1-4 & 9-11)  If we would humble ourselves, and pray, and seek His face, and turn from our wicked ways, (2 Chronicles 7:14) then He would bless and vindicate us.


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