by Steve Hale
"Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD? Or who may stand 'in His holy' place? He who has dean hands and a pure heart, Who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, Nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive blessing from the LORD, And righteousness from the God of his salvation" ( Psalm 24:3-5, NKJV).
This beautiful Psalm of David is often overlooked because of the rightful popularity of the 23rd Psalm. Yet, it is here where David declares "who may ascend in the hill of the LORD." The hill he refers to is Mt. Zion, and the place of reception is the Temple.
What must this person be with whom the LORD receives into His fellowship? Who will that person be with whom the LORD will accept his worship? He is that person who is innocent! He is that person who has a pure mind! He is that person who keeps his promises, and does not fall prey to an idol!
Where in this world can such a person be found? "...for there is no man who sinneth not..." ( 1 Kings 8:46). "But the Scripture has confined all under sin..." ( Galatians 3:22). On our own, then, no such person can be found!
In order to worship and fellowship God, someone must be found who can "clean us up" so that we-may "ascend into the hill of the LORD." .
David goes on to say: "He shall receive blessing from the LORD, And righteousness from the God of his salvation" ( Psalms 24:5 ). "Righteousness" comes "from the God of his salvation" only througfi Jesus Christ! Paul said: "For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him" (2 Cor. 5:21).
Our priestly robes are being clothed-in Christ ( Galatians 3:27) to the extent that we are: "...built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ" ( 1 Peter 2:5). These spiritual sacrifices are offered through our lives and service.
Speaking to unify the Jews and Gentile Christians in the vast church .at Rome, Paul said: "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God" ( Romans 12:1,2). "Reasonable service" (latreia) is drawn from "the serVice of God" or "the worship rendered in the Temple."
Who may offer this to God? Only those who have been cleaned by Christ? Are you a Christian?