Read Psalm 99:6-9. 6Moses and Aaron were among his priests, Samuel also was among those who called upon his name. They called to the Lord, and he answered them. 7In the pillar of the cloud he spoke to them; they kept his testimonies and the statute that he gave them. 8O Lord our God, you answered them; you were a forgiving God to them, but an avenger of their wrongdoings. 9Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at his holy mountain; for the Lord our God is holy!
The psalm began with a declaration of God’s holiness and it will end with the same. In the middle it describes the ancient encounters with the holiness of God. Moses, Aaron, and Samuel, each met God in his holiness as the priests of God.
Now we, his holy priests in Christ, encounter the holiness of God at the mountain of God. Like the priests of old our prayers are heard and answered. Like them we are in need of constant forgiveness and we faithfully endure the avenging of our wrongdoings.
The holiness of God in Christ requires him to do both – forgive every sin and punish every sin. Ultimately these took place together in the cross, but they continue to take place every day in our hearts. Our holiness in Christ will, often painfully, root out each sinful attitude and affection, while applying the never ending mercy and grace of unconditional forgiveness to each offense.
To live is Christ is what allows the final words of the psalm to be spoken – the Lord OUR God is holy. It is the imputed holiness of Christ that keeps God ours.
You: Are you experiencing God’s forgiveness and his purifying holiness? Which of these seems absent to you?
You in Christ: Why does union with Christ require both God’s mercy and his purity in our lives?
Christ in you: How does knowing that every sin has punished in Christ allow you to confess and repent from your sins daily?
Pray: Father, I know that I am positionally holy in Christ, but I also know that sin continues to rear its ugly head in my heart. I know that your forgiving mercy is true, but so is your avenging purity. Let both continue to collide in me. Purify me for your service today. Amen.
To Live is Christ 