1 Samuel 6: God’s Holy Presence Through Christ

God’s holiness demands reverence. Only through Christ’s atonement can sinners approach Him and find mercy instead of judgment.

Introduction

When the Philistines sent the ark back to Israel, they acknowledged God’s power but did not understand His holiness. When the men of Beth-shemesh looked inside the ark, they knew who God was but treated His presence lightly. Both the pagan and the covenant people faced the same truth: no one can stand before a holy God apart from mercy. Yet this same God who struck in judgment also provided a way for His presence to return. That way is fully revealed in Jesus Christ. Through Him, God’s holiness and mercy meet perfectly.

Christ our Atonement

The Philistines’ guilt offerings of gold could never take away sin. Only Christ’s death on the cross can satisfy God’s justice and remove our guilt. He bore the wrath we deserve so that we could be forgiven.

Christ our Mediator

The men of Beth-shemesh died because they approached God without a mediator. Christ stands between God’s holiness and our sin. He brings us near safely, reconciling us to the Father by His blood.

Christ our Glory

When the ark returned, Israel rejoiced and trembled. In Christ, God’s glory returns to dwell with His people—not in terror, but in grace. He is Emmanuel, God with us, who fills our hearts with joy in His presence.

Christ our Holiness

God’s holiness once condemned sinners, but in Christ it now transforms believers. His righteousness becomes ours. His Spirit shapes us to walk in purity and reverence. The holiness that once brought death now produces life in those who belong to Him.

Invitation

God’s holiness still demands judgment for sin, but His mercy now calls through Christ. You cannot enter God’s presence by your own effort or goodness. Sin separates, and guilt cannot be covered with human offerings. But Christ has already paid for sin with His blood. Change your mind about sin. Stop trying to approach God on your own terms. Call on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, who died for your sins and rose again. Trust Him to make you clean and bring you near. Then the holy presence that once condemned will become your greatest joy—the presence of God Himself dwelling with you forever.