From Psalm 24…

3 Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place?

4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully.

5 He will receive blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation.

This stood out because they receive righteousness after they have clean hands and a pure heart. It seemed backward. They are receiving righteousness from the God who is their salvation.

This is just like the James 4:8 verse, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” In order to draw near to God, you need to be clean and pure, just like Psalm 24 says. How do we get clean and pure? We need to first come through the cross and confess our sin and receive forgiveness. Then, a gift of our salvation is the blessing of the righteousness of Christ. It is for…

6 … those who seek him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob.

And in the boldness of that righteousness, we can lift our heads that the King of glory may enter, who lives in you as…

8  … The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle!

He is mighty to save.