Some believers see the appearance of Moses and Elijah to Jesus, Peter, James and John on the Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17) as merely a vision. I see the scene as a portal that opened for a brief time when heaven touched earth. Moses (the Law) and Elijah (the Prophets) speaking with Jesus from another dimension — from Eternity into Time.
There being no Time in Heaven, Moses and Elijah would not be a day older — despite the thousands of years of time separating them from the Lord Jesus and the three disciples.
Eternity touched Time in recognition of the fact that the Law and the Prophets were fulfilled in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. So powerful was this ‘intrusion’ (for want of a better word) that it revealed the divine nature of the Son of God as his robe shone more brightly than any bleach could bring about. This “whiter than white” effect on the woven, linen robe worn by Jesus intrigues me!
What also intrigues me is that we in whom Jesus dwells by the Spirit of God are “partakers of the divine nature” (2 Peter 1:4) which indicates that the revelation of the Sons of God will also be both instant and glorious! Moreover, it will be an event by which Creation itself — the natural world — will be transformed in an instant! (Romans 8:18-21) The new nature we received when “born from above” is divine! It cannot sin because it is born of God.
Back to the scene…
Peter (of course) intruded into this unique visitation by suggesting that it be ‘captured’ by building three booths — a “Grace” one for Jesus, a “Law” one for Moses, and a “Prophet” one for Elijah. (Nowadays the sight would call for some selfies.) God’s booming voice put an end to that suggestion:
“This is My Beloved Son, HEAR HIM!”
A vision only? I don’t think so. More a preview of things to come, when the immortal body transforms the old one of flesh in a moment of time when the Last Trumpet sounds and we who are alive and remain are caught up with those who “sleep”, having been counted worthy to rise in the First Resurrection. What an experience! One that will surpass anything this life could offer! I wouldn’t miss it for the world!