As distinct as anything on the attire of the High Priest was the engraved plate attached to the turban which read HOLY TO THE LORD (39: 30). It will be on Aaron’s forehead so that Aaron may bear the guilt connected with the holy offerings…. It is always to be on his forehead, so that they (the Israelites) may find acceptance with the LORD (28: 38). Not only were the things the priest worked with considered holy but he himself was holy to God also. It would have been the height of contradiction for one to be surrounded by holy things and yet be unholy himself. God longs for all of life to be consecrated to Him. Toward the close of the Old Testament, God says that one day even the bells of the horses will be inscribed with the words HOLY TO THE LORD (Zech. 14: 20). God knows no distinction between the sacred and the secular. In the eyes of our Lord all of life is sacred.
This is extremely important to the Christian because God’s Word affirms that all of us are priests (1 Pet. 2: 5, 9; Rev. 1: 6). Having access into the holy presence of God demands that Christian-priests be a holy people. Pursue…holiness – without it no one will see the Lord (Heb. 12: 14). What does holiness mean? It essentially means that we are set apart for God just as the ancient priest lived exclusively for God’s glory.
Our set apart status is of three varieties. For one, we are set apart at a point in time which is our dedication. We experienced that at the moment of our salvation. We have been eternally set apart for God’s divine pleasure. That’s why the New Testament repeatedly calls us saints. A saint is a set apart one. We are bought at a price; therefore [we are to] glorify God in [our] body (1 Cor. 6: 20).
Second, we are set apart in a process over time which is our development. We are not only dedicated to holiness but God is constantly developing holiness in us. Paul’s prayer 2,000 years ago is being answered today: Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely. And may your spirit, soul, and body be kept sound and blameless for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it (1 Th. 5: 23 – 24). God intends for us to be holier tomorrow than today.
Third, we will be set apart in perfection at the end of time which is our destiny. Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her, to make her holy, cleansing her in the washing of water by the word. He did this to present the church to Himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but holy and blameless (Eph. 5: 26 – 27). When our Lord receives us unto Himself we will be free of every imperfection and sin. His Bride will be a spotless, sinless Bride. I’m not what I ought to be but thank God I’m not what I used to be and not what I’m going to be. Written across my brow today, tomorrow and for eternity are the words
HOLY TO THE LORD.