Holy to the Lord

We all understand that the blood of Christ redeems us from sin. It is interesting to note, however, that sin is not the first emphasis of redemption. Sin is not the all-encompassing preoccupation of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It has been dealt with once and for all and will not mar the new heavens and new earth. Therefore, the Everlasting Covenant between Father, Son and Holy Spirit involves much more than just redemption from sin. Christ died to redeem us so that we can come into the position of a firstborn son and receive our inheritance. Those familiar with covenant history will know that the inheritance of the firstborn was the double portion of kingship and priesthood.

Christ applies His redeeming work to us as individuals. He is bringing us back from the dead to the place of a firstborn son. We think of Ishmael and Isaac. As the older son, Ishmael had the right to the inheritance. However, Isaac was redeemed by blood on Mt Moriah when a ram was offered in his stead. But his redemption was not firstly to do with his sin. It was to bring him into the position of a firstborn son so he could receive the inheritance.

By the redeeming work of Christ, we also receive an inheritance. We are established as king-priests and given a place in the church of the firstborn. Heb 12:23. But it doesn’t stop there! He wants to sprinkle blood and oil on our priestly robes to anoint us. We are familiar with the redeeming and sanctifying work of the blood of Christ. 1 Pet 1:18,19. And of course, the oil is the symbol of the Holy Spirit, the oil of joy. Psa 45:7. In the Old Testament, blood and oil were involved when priests were ordained. Ex 29:21. The priests were redeemed by the precious blood of a lamb when they came out of Egypt. But, they were sanctified on the day of their ordination when the oil and the blood were sprinkled.

In the book of Revelation we read of the ordination of the priests. We hear the cry, ‘Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God the Almighty’. Rev 4:8. We remember that the high priests wore a gold-plated crown which read, ‘Holy to the Lord’. Ex 39:30. This means ‘Holiness to Yahweh.’ The Greek word for ‘holy’ is ‘sanctified’ which is more than just being separated.

He wants to sanctify us to our holy place in the body of Christ. What a joy it is to see people beginning to move in their sanctification or their holiness. This does not mean that they are separate from others or morally better than others. Our individual position of being ‘holy to the Lord’ is an authority to walk in His courts. That’s why the priest Joshua in the book of Zechariah had his robes washed and the angel said, ‘I will give you places to walk’. Zech 3:7.

David Falk

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Feature Articles
April 2009

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Behold the Lamb

Pray without ceasing

The springs of song

Holy to the Lord

Supporting identity

Why do we fast?

Making vows

Watch over your soul

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God is. Great!