The Agent of Change

We've previously discussed 2Cor.3:18, and offered this paraphrase: "As we behold the glory, we are changed ... from glory to glory." In Ex.29 I've found another interesting confirmation of the premise of being "changed in the presence."

Ex. 29:37 KJV [and 30:29] states, "whatsoever toucheth the altar shall be holy," But there is a significant translation question attached to this passage. Interestingly, many later translations (NKJV, AMP, NIV) adjust the King James translation, making this important distinction. "...Whatever touches the altar must be holy."

Studying this reference, I'm persuaded this slight alteration totally misrepresents a very important point and must be seen in light of vs.43, "the place is made holy by my glorious presence." (NLT) In truth, the place (the tabernacle of meeting) was not made holy by human cleansing in order to qualify for God's presence; it was made holy by encountering God's presence. Following this reasoning, (NLT) translates 29:37, "...Whatever touches it [the altar] will become holy." Jesus confirms this interpretation in Mt.23:19 (AMP) "Which is greater: the gift, or the altar which makes the gift sacred?"

Why is this important? Because encountering the glory is our agent of change. We are changed in the presence...face to face! We do not somehow perfect ourselves in order to qualify for audience with and access to Gods glory. Personal spiritual transformation cannot be purchased. It cannot be produced by willpower or psychology, nor can it be earned by penance or suffering. Only by "touching the altar" and encountering the Gods presence are we transformed into Jesus' likeness.

Furthermore, Ex.29:37 includes this guarantee. It is impossible to truly touch His glorious presence, and not be changed! Selah.\o/