On Holy Ground
God's holiness is not a barrier to salvation, but the very reason we can enter heaven and experience happiness.
Andrew Bonar emphasizes the transformative understanding of God's holiness in relation to salvation, illustrating that it is through God's holiness that we are granted access to heaven. He reflects on the shift from fearing holy ground to embracing it as a reflection of heavenly joy, recognizing that only a perfectly holy God could have sent His Son for our redemption. Bonar highlights that true happiness in eternity is found in the presence of God's holiness.
Text
"You can remember when you thought you were to get into heaven in spite of God's holiness. Now you know that it is because of His Holiness that you get there, for none but the all-holy God would have sent His Son to die for us, or would have known that only a perfectly holy heaven could make us happy to all eternity. Once you dreaded holy ground-but now holy ground is become to you as the very floor of heaven."
Andrew Bonar
"This is the name by which he will be called: The LORD Our Righteousness." (Jeremiah 23:6)
Sermon Outline
- The Change in Our View of God's Holiness
- From a barrier to salvation to a reason for salvation
- God's holiness is the ground of our salvation
Key Quotes
“Once you dreaded holy ground-but now holy ground is become to you as the very floor of heaven.” — Andrew Bonar
Application Points
- We should approach holy ground with joy and reverence, recognizing God's presence and holiness.
- Our understanding of God's holiness should lead us to a deeper appreciation for His righteousness and salvation.
- We should strive to live in a way that reflects God's holiness and righteousness, both individually and as a community.