The term "Holy Hill" is a metaphorical title used to describe the Church, emphasizing its sanctity, elevation, and the divine presence that dwells within it. This title draws from biblical imagery and symbolism, reflecting the Church's role as a sacred and exalted community set apart for God's purposes.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of a "Holy Hill" is rooted in the Old Testament, where hills and mountains often symbolize places of divine encounter and revelation. Psalm 2:6 states, "I have installed My King on Zion, upon My holy mountain." Here, Zion is depicted as a holy hill, representing God's chosen place for His presence and authority. This imagery is extended to the Church, which is seen as the spiritual Zion, the dwelling place of God among His people.

In Psalm 15:1 , the psalmist asks, "O LORD, who may abide in Your tent? Who may dwell on Your holy hill?" This verse underscores the holiness required to dwell in God's presence, a characteristic attributed to the Church as the body of Christ. The Church, as the holy hill, is a community called to live in righteousness and purity, reflecting God's holiness to the world.

Theological Significance

The title "Holy Hill" signifies the Church's elevated status as the bride of Christ and the temple of the Holy Spirit. It highlights the Church's role as a beacon of light and truth in a fallen world, set apart to proclaim the gospel and manifest God's kingdom on earth. The Church, like a city on a hill, is visible and influential, drawing people to the transformative power of the gospel.

The holiness of the Church is not inherent but is derived from its union with Christ. Ephesians 5:25-27 describes how Christ "loved the church and gave Himself up for her to sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to Himself as a glorious church, without stain or wrinkle or any such blemish, but holy and blameless." This passage emphasizes the Church's sanctification through Christ's sacrificial love, making it a holy hill.

Practical Implications

As the "Holy Hill," the Church is called to uphold and embody the values of the kingdom of God. This involves a commitment to holiness, justice, and love, serving as a witness to the transformative power of the gospel. The Church is tasked with maintaining its distinctiveness from the world while engaging with it in mission and service.

The Church's identity as a holy hill also calls for unity and purity among its members. Believers are encouraged to live in harmony, reflecting the unity of the Spirit, and to pursue holiness in their personal and communal lives. Hebrews 12:14 exhorts, "Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord."

Conclusion

The title "Holy Hill" encapsulates the Church's sacred calling and elevated position as the dwelling place of God. It serves as a reminder of the Church's mission to be a light to the nations, a community set apart for God's glory, and a testament to His redemptive work in the world.Psalm 15:1
Lord, who shall abide in your tabernacle? who shall dwell in your holy hill?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

To John the Oeconomus.
... But this common use of titles gives no offence to men who are instructed in true ...
Teachers of the Church, however, constantly used the names of the ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/cxlvi to john the oeconomus.htm

On the Clause, and in one Lord Jesus Christ, with a Reading from ...
... And He is called by two names, Jesus Christ; Jesus ... inspired Prophet Moses conferred
these two titles on two ... an Apostle, because I persecuted the Church of God ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture x on the clause.htm

Church Fabrics and Services.
... forcibly, and with much charm of language, upon the moral beauty of a virtuous and
holy life. But there had never been a time when the English Church in general ...
/.../the english church in the eighteenth century/chapter x church fabrics and.htm

The Gospel of Matthew
... in the present dispensation, the Church has superseded ... WL Tucker has pointed out,
these titles correspond exactly ... who reigned over Israel whose names are here ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/why four gospels/the gospel of matthew.htm

He Then Exposes the Ignorance of Eunomius
... the doctrines of the synagogue to the Church of God ... Word," "Seal" and "Image," and
all similar titles with the ... but transcending all the power of names to express ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/section 3 he then exposes.htm

Origen's Commentary on the Gospel of John
... Be Interpreted by the Same Method as the Other Titles of Christ. ... is to Be Paid to
the Proper Names in Scripture ... the Sin is Taken Away, is Said to Be the Church. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/

The First vision "In Heaven": Chapters 4-5
... this book as one of the Divine titles of the ... a good precedent for leaving their other
names, Zoon and ... as being distinct from that of the Church, though bound ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the first vision in heaven .htm

The Life of Mr. George Wishart.
... a charge in the queen and governor's names, to trouble ... single life, the cursings
of the holy church, &c. ... Upon which Lauder (repeating the several titles of the ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr george.htm

Antichrist in the Psalms
... the Revenger," are two of the many names of the ... Destroyer." This is another of his
titles which points a ... another company of believers after the Church which is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/antichrist in the psalms .htm

The Fourth Theological Oration, which is the Second Concerning the ...
... They are the titles of the Son. ... never err, either in the loftier or the lowlier names;
Jesus Christ ... quoted, is that of the Head of the Church, representing the ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xxx the fourth theological.htm

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