There is some deep symbolism with the priestly clothes. First, they were made of the finest materials that Israel had to offer. These garments showed that not just anyone could approach the God of the universe. He could only be one – the high priest – and he was coming with various stones and jewels attached to his garments. On these gems and stones were the names of the Israelite tribes – he was literally "carrying" his people into the presence of God.
Unfortunately, when this passage is looked at, many miss the main point. They say things like, "We must bring our finest to God," or "You must be dressed a certain way to go to church, like the high priest was." Please understand me, there is nothing wrong with dressing up to go to church – but the churches that do not dress up are not in sin. The main point of this passage is that the high priest must be wearing glorious clothes and must be carrying the people to His presence. Our high priest is doing that – Jesus is clothed in glory now (Rev. 1) and is carrying us into His presence daily. It is His righteousness that allows us to pray and come to God. Please hear me – the point is not clothes, nor hair, nor anything else – but the righteousness of Christ on our behalf. Cling to this and be saved!
This same principle is true of the consecration process for the priests. God's point is not to give endless boring rules and precepts that must be followed. God just wants to show us that we are not able to just walk into His presence – He is holy and everything we do should be done in a way to remind us of this. Whatever music is played – if God is the intended audience – worship is happening (no matter how good or bad the quality is). This reminds us to get over our own preferences and desires and to just praise Him and worship the one who made everything.
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