Exodus 29:43-46 (NASBStr)
I will meet there with the sons of Israel, and it shall be "consecrated" by My glory. I will "consecrate" the tent of meeting and the altar; I will also "consecrate" Aaron and his sons to minister as priests to Me. I will dwell among the sons of Israel and will be their God. They shall know that I am the Lord their God who brought them out of the land of Egypt, that I might dwell among them; I am the Lord their God.
In the last four chapters of Exodus Moses has been telling his brother (Aaron) and Aaron's sons how to build the tabernacle and how to preform the sacrifices morning and evening in the tabernacle. There are elaborate steps to take to make sure God's Word is followed explicitly. As we reach the end of the section the above verses are given to Moses, Aaron, the sons, and the nation. God wants them to know that despite their strict obedience to the commands of God and their faithful carrying out of each step, it is HE and only HE who will make all of it holy and worthy for Him (That is the meaning of the word used three times above, consecrate.) God wants them to know obedience will lead to consecration, but it is wholly an act of God. Through faith we obey God and God looks on favor of that faith-based work and makes the work holy. Our efforts do not make us holy. Our obedience doesn't make us holy. It is God ho makes us holy. Many believers know that Justification comes wholly by faith. Many don't remember that Sanctification comes wholly by faith. God is then only One who can make something wholly. Despite our efforts of perfection and constant obedience it is still God who must consecrate us to Himself. Let us know forget that the entire salvation process is via faith. Faith provides justification, to sanctification, to glorification. Aaron can follow God's Word but it is God who must consecrate him in the end.
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