Who May Stand In His Holy Place?

In the Old Testament, before the appointed High Priest, either Aaron or one of his descendants, could enter the Holy of Holies to worship God, they had to first, as commanded by God, wash their hands and feet in a laver of water, otherwise they would die.

"They shall wash their hands and feet

so that they will not die.

This is to be a lasting ordinance for Aaron

and his descendants for the generations to come."

Exodus 30:21 (NIV)

The practise of the Levites washing themselves before worship is symbolic of what we, as God's children, must do before we enter worship — before we ascend the hill of the Lord and stand in His holy place. The Bible says we must have clean hands and a pure heart. We must have no other god before Him and never swear by what is false.

"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."

Psalm 24:3-4 (NIV)

In church, worship leaders and musicians should spend quiet time before the service allowing God to reveal any impurities within them, and to cleanse their hearts from sin. Worship leaders should choose singers and musicians based not solely on their talent, but also (and more importantly) on the conditions of their hearts. And churches should set aside a regular time before a worship service for people to, with the option of coming to the altar, have God purify their hearts.

"Create in me a pure heart, O God,

and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Do not cast me from your presence

or take your Holy Spirit from me.

Restore to me the joy of your salvation

and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me."

Psalm 51:10-12 (NIV)

If we humble ourselves and allow God to purify our hearts and souls before we enter worship, whether in church or at home, we will see the impact of God's mighty presence! If we don't see such things, it's because we continue to live in sin and rebellion against God, having no joy of salvation, nor willingness of spirit to steadfastly obey God at all costs.