Today we’re continuing our journey into the rich meaning of holiness from the Old Testament, specifically through the lens of the priesthood. Last week, we introduced the Hebrew word Kodesh, meaning “apartness,” “sacredness,” or “separateness.” Now, we’re diving deeper into Exodus 28 to explore how God addresses humanity’s ongoing struggle with sin.
The Golden Plate and Its Meaning
In Exodus 28:36-38, God instructs Aaron, the high priest, to wear a special golden plate engraved with the words:
“HOLINESS TO THE LORD.” (Exodus 28:36)
Aaron wore this plate on his forehead, attached by a blue cord to his turban. This wasn’t just decorative—it carried profound spiritual significance:
- Bearing the people’s sin: Aaron represented the people before God, carrying their iniquities symbolically upon himself.
- Acceptance before God: Because Aaron bore the iniquities, God saw holiness instead of sin when He looked upon Israel.
Why a Golden Plate?
When Aaron, as the people’s representative, faced God, God saw the words “HOLINESS TO THE LORD”. The high priest wasn’t inherently holy, but God chose to view him—and thus all the people—as holy because of this symbolic representation. Similarly, Aaron wore twelve precious stones on his chest, representing each tribe of Israel, reinforcing that God viewed His people as precious and valuable, despite their shortcomings.
Connecting the Dots to Jesus
This Old Testament imagery beautifully points to Jesus, our true and everlasting High Priest. Hebrews 7 makes this clear:
“By so much more Jesus has become a surety of a better covenant…Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” (Hebrews 7:22, 25)
Just like Aaron:
- Jesus bears our sins: Isaiah 53:6 clearly states, “the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.”
- Jesus makes us accepted: Ephesians 1:6 assures us that through Jesus we are “accepted in the Beloved.”
The Power of Acceptance
The word “accepted” (Ephesians 1:6) in Greek is charitoo, meaning “highly favored.” It’s the same word used when the angel greeted Mary, declaring her highly favored. That’s precisely how God views you in Christ—highly favored and fully accepted.
Jesus, Our True Holiness
Aaron’s holiness depended on a symbolic plate, but Jesus Himself embodies holiness. When God looks at Jesus, He sees perfect holiness, not a temporary, symbolic holiness.
Hebrews 7:27 emphasizes this point:
“He does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices… for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself.”
Jesus offered Himself once, perfectly, completely, and forever. Because of His sacrifice, your holiness and acceptance before God are secure and eternal.
Misunderstanding Holiness
Sadly, many believers misunderstand holiness as mere moral improvement or good behavior. They believe revival comes from fixing their actions. But true holiness isn’t an action—it’s a state of being found only in Christ.
Jesus doesn’t just “act holy”—He IS holy. And because you are in Him, your identity is holiness itself before God.
Embracing Your True Identity
If you’re caught thinking you must achieve more holiness through behavior, consider this powerful truth:
- If Jesus cannot become more holy, neither can you, because your holiness is in Him.
- Your security and acceptance before God are not based on your performance but on Christ’s finished work.
Resting in His Finished Work
Instead of striving anxiously for holiness, rest in this amazing truth: your holiness before God is complete because Jesus, your eternal High Priest, continually represents you before the Father.
Holiness isn’t about what you do—it’s about who Jesus is and who you are in Him.
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