This scripture is an incredible mind picture metaphor that contrasts the mountain upon which Moses stood (referencing the the old covenant-the ten commandments) which the people were forbidden to come to and were terrified of God, because they were not good enough to come near to it, in stark contrast with Mount Zion-the Holy mountain of God.

The ”smoking mountain”  represented moral codes and laws, and those who measured their lives by that mountain knew they would die if they set foot upon it.  Today,  most all people measure their lives by not realizing they are comparing it to a smoking mountain, that is to say a moral code.  In other words they say to themsleves subconsciously, “I will be good, and good enough ( I hope) to pass the judgment test.  As a result of that approach they never pass the smell test, never grow spiritually, and always live in hope ( with fear) not faith.  They try to live on the good side of a moral code.

But where does this undefined code internal code come from that varies from individual to individual?  Moral codes derive their impetus and imprinting from a variety of sources, but they all operate as an attempt to regulate human behavior.  But the problem is,  human behavior is not up to the task of aligning with moral codes,  so the result is the individual fears the consequences of his mis-behavior (judgment).

We cannot ascend the Holy Mountain of God by being good (meaning a self regulation of our own behavior by attempting  to live by moral codes).  If we try to live this way we will never touch Mount Zion the Holy Mountain.

It may sound strange,  but seeking to live by moral goodness comes from an incredible identity crisis.  That isn’t to say, obviously, that being immoral is the answer, which couldn’t be further from the Truth.  Living morally will have it’s benefits in the shadow world,  but it will not promote, stimulate nor increase spirituality.  Neither is it the measure of spirituality. In fact it can be a source of pride; a mis-calculation and mis placed focus on who the real self is.  This is a focus on the body identity.

But then there are the mental gymnastics where others who aren’t so strict on themselves,  rationalize, and justify that “I can do whatever I want as long as it does not hurt anyone else.”   That is their moral code.  Others have said similar things which are mis understandings of grace, saying,  “ surrender to God and do as you please.” Once again placing a subjective guidance system, or and internal code that regulates body behavior.  These are “smoking mountain” mentalities.

The ones that practice does and don’ts (rigid religous codes- and or whatever they tell themselves what is OK or not OK)  are merely walking in the flesh.  Both approaches focus on the external behavior of this present human condition, but the reality is that the Kingdom of Heaven is within, and Mount Zion, the mountain we are called to can be touched and climbed by faith for it is within ourselves

We have come to a Holy mountain (that dwells within) Religions of the world (Christianity included) are no different then human governments which focus on the outer man.  And man made religions, governmental laws and self imposed codes are the attempts to rule an individual’s external behavior.  But when we come to realize that Christ died so that we can begin to transcend our physical man,  we learn that the Kingdom of Heaven ( the city of God- the Holy Mount Zion) is within,  we can engage that mountain by faith.

Then we can literally touch a mountain that exudes power or Amtricity, thus enlarging our spirit ( our true self)  and our external behavior begins to align with righteousness and holiness.    

But unfortunately most people live by moral codes and the “smoking mountain” trying and in vain to reform their fleshly bodies as opposed to the Holy Mountain which they can approach for life and divine energy,  because that mountain has been sprinkled with blood.  When we align with Mount Zion within even our flesh becomes Holy.