The “price of admission” wasn’t so much their character as it was their clothing. Not about all the good they had done, but all about the garments they would don. Less about their resume, more about their robe. Chewing this morning on what it takes to be ministering in the Holy Place.

From the blue and purple and scarlet yarns they made finely woven garments, for ministering in the Holy Place. They made the holy garments for Aaron, as the LORD had commanded Moses.

(Exodus 39:1 ESV)

Ministering in the Holy Place . . . Serving in the sanctuary. Doing for God in the very presence of God. Worshiping within the veil. What privilege for the priest. What access for Aaron, the “light bringer”.

Aaron. You know, the guy who made the golden calf (Ex. 32). Who not only brought great shame upon himself, but also great sin upon the people (Ex. 32:21). Yeah, that Aaron. But now the one who would not only enter the Holy Place but also have access to the Holy of Holies where the glory of God rested above the cherubim. Talk about a comeback. Talk about not getting what you deserve. Talk about grace. And if I’m picking up what’s being laid down here, it was because of what he would wear. The clothes really do make the man.

The clothes make the man. The clothes make the woman. A modern proverb reflecting a modern reality that a person’s appearance affects how a person is perceived. That a person will be judged by others by what they wear. In that context, it’s perhaps somewhat shallow. But when it comes to ministering in the Holy Place, you better believe the clothes make the man, that the garments make the woman. True then. True today.

As believers, we are priests. A holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ (1Peter 2:5). A royal priesthood, proclaiming the excellencies of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light (1Peter 2:9). And, like Aaron, priests not because of who we are or what we’ve done — actually, despite of who we were and what we did — but ultimately because of the clothes we wear.

I will greatly rejoice in the LORD;
       my soul shall exult in my God,
for He has clothed me
       with the garments of salvation;
He has covered me
       with the robe of righteousness.

(Isaiah 61:10a ESV)

For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

(Galatians 3:27 ESV)

Clothed with garments of salvation . . . covered with the robe of righteousness . . . having put on Christ. That’s what admit us into the Holy Place. That’s what qualifies us for service. Nothing in our pedigree nor our performance. All, and solely His provision.

O’ the wonder of being an “insider.” Of having access to the very presence of God.

But greater yet is the worship, as I meditate on filthy rags (Isa. 64:6 NKJV) being covered up by a righteous robe. As I wonder at the polluted garments (ESV) which have been exchanged for Christ’s perfect character. My union with Christ alone being the finely woven garments allowing me access to the Holy Place. And there, to minister before the Holy One.

Hallelujah! What a great salvation.

Hallelujah! What a Savior!

All dressed up and ready to go.

Only by His grace. Only for His glory.