Moses is considered one of the most important prophets if not the greatest of the Old Testament. “And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face,” (Deut. 34:10)
He appeared with Elijah in Matthew 17:1-8. The Mount of Transfiguration is the event. Many of us know the story. Two specific figures, Elijah and Moses, along with Jesus, appear on a mountain eye-witnessed by Peter, and the two brothers James and John. But… why Elijah and Moses? Why is it significant?
We all know nothing is recorded in scripture without lending itself to some specific revelation or meaning. Even individual words and names alone have a deep meaning in Hebrew culture. Again why specifically Elijah and Moses?
Elijah represented the Prophets and Moses represented the Law.
The event upon that mountain was saying precisely what?
WHAT IT IS SAYING
It was a declaration that the Prophets and the Law of Old were to step aside for the New. For the new covenant had come. They were to step aside for Jesus because He was the fulfillment of centuries of Prophecies and the fulfillment of the Law for those who believe. That is why Jesus said "I did not come to destroy the Law and the Prophets, but to fulfill. (Matthew 5:17)
Jesus was the sum total of what was spoken by the Prophets, and the fulfillment of the law by all who are "In Christ.” The fulfillment of what no man could ever keep, that no man could stand up under the weight of.
Moses is a recognized figure in Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. He is a recognized and respected figure as being a godly servant of the Most High Jehovah.
Yet… he sinned and was not allowed to enter His Rest (the Promise Land). But… that does not mean heaven!
(Num 20: v12. And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.
Hebrews 3:18-19 v18. And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not? v19. So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.
Deut. 34:4-5 >v4.And the Lord said unto him, This is the land which I sware unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, saying, I will give it unto thy seed: I have caused thee to see it with thine eyes, but thou shalt not go over thither. v5. So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the Lord.)
Yet Moses is recorded in Mathew 17 as being visually seen and is listed among those of faith in Hebrews 11:23-28. He made heaven!
Shadows and Typologies
Now keep in mind that Old Testament text is chock full of shadows and typology of things to come; Of Christ to come, and of the direct plan of salvation for mankind to come. Salvation unto those who do what Jesus said - and that was to believe in Him. We see this biblical truth throughout the writings of John.
Moses himself was a type of Messiah in the Old Testament. Another typology.
Now I will not go into semantics regarding the different texts that involve the subject of Moses' death and his eternal destiny. Nor will I speculate as to when it was that Moses essentially became saved. We just know that he made heaven because of the testimony of Peter and John.
(One can delve into the text and read the following regarding Moses not entering the Promised Land, and being buried by God where no man knows where. The dispute over Moses' body between the Devil and Michael the archangel.> Deut 32; Numbers 20; Exodus 17; Jude 9)
But, we do know this. Moses appears with Elijah and Jesus before Peter, John, and James and speaks to Jesus. (Matt.17:1-8).
Salvation or Rewards?... Actually Both.
However, what I do know regarding Moses, and His not entering the Promise Land (His rest), is that it is a clear shadow and typology of two biblical subjects (1)Soteriology, the Doctrine of Salvation, and (2) the Doctrine of Rewards.
The Promise Land is a clear representation of Eternal Life and of Eternal Rewards to come. Two separate teachings, two separate subjects, two separate biblical doctrines in one event.
Again… As for Moses, we know he was eternally secure simply because he shows up in the story of the Mount Transfiguration.
Moses worked so hard to get the children of Israel to the Promised Land. He himself had to have a longing for it as well.
How does the story of Moses and the Promised Land interrelate with the biblical concept of Salvation and or Eternal Rewards?
First Salvation (Eternal Life)
Moses followed the model set by God the Father through Abraham. Abraham believed God and it was accounted to him as righteousness. This very same model of believing to be saved has withstood the test of time and has been the model of salvation to this very day. We are to believe the record spoken of the One called Yeshua Hamashiach, the Christ, the Messiah… Jesus.
Jhn 1: v12. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
Eph 2: v8. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: v9. Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Now… As for "Reward" (The Promise[d] Land)
The Promised Land was clearly a type and shadow of the doctrine of Blessing and Reward we read about in the NT. A teaching that Jesus himself spends time discussing, along with the Apostle Paul, and Moses. (Rev 22:12-16; Matt 6:33; Romans 8:32; Deut 28:1-14; Matt 5:12 and many more.)
Keep in mind that [obedience pertains to Blessing], and [Rewards] specifically pertain to [doing things for the Lord,] things like service (service and discipleship) winning souls to Christ (the Great Commission), sacrificial service within the bounds of ministry in general all pertain to the Doctrine of Reward. All of the above pertain the the Judgement Seat of Christ. (2 Corinth. 5:10; Luke 19:11-16; Rom. 14:10,12 and more.)
So then… in conclusion. MOSES was saved even though Satan and Michael the Archangel disputed over his body (Jude 1:9) he was saved and appeared at the Mount of Transfiguration. His salvation was secure for the same reasons it was secure for Abraham and for the same reasons it is secure for us… because we Believe, having faith in Christ work alone, not ours. Now, as for his reward of the promised land it was lost, it was taken from him due to his sin of unbelief at Meribah-Kadesh (Deut. 32:51-52). He lost his Reward. He wandered for 40 years leading God's people and he lost his reward, but not heaven. Not eternal life.
-Brent Hartford Grace Apologetics 101