Welcome To The Mountain Of Joy Hebrews Chapter 12: Part 4

4 January, 2022

Hebrews 12:18- 25
18 You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom and storm; 19 to a trumpet blast or to such a voice speaking words that those who heard it begged that no further word be spoken to them,
20 because they could not bear what was commanded: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death.” 21 The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, “I am trembling with fear.”
22 But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, 23 to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, 24 to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.
25 See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven? 26 At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.”27 The words “once more” indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain.
28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, 29 for our “God is a consuming fire.”
Exodus 19:10-25 (for additional reading)
Both people and animals did not have permission to go near the mountain. Even Moses is seen trembling when going to mount Sinai. But we the New Testament believers do not have to go to mount Sinai but to mount Zion.
There is the general assembly of the redeemed. The mediator for the new testament believers is not Moses but Jesus himself.
Difference between Mount Sinai and Mount Zion

1. There is a sense of fear and terror when people come to mount Sinai, whereas mount Zion portrays love & joy.
2. Mount Sinai is situated in a desert. Zion is in a city. 
3. Sinai deals with earthly matters while Zion is all about the heavenly things.
4. Only Moses was given the permission to go up Mount Sinai. But on Mount Zion as in the verses above tells us, thousands of angels, everyone who is saved are found. 
5. Sinai portrays the Old Testament and a sort of exclusion of people. Zion on the other hand shows the New Testament and the inclusion of all the people.
6. Sinai shows the laws that were given to the people. Zion is the grace that is showered on all.

Both the heavens and the earth will pass away. But one that cannot be shaken will come for us to receive. This kingdom can never be attacked!
God was fire then and he is fire now. But his grace is upon us his children because of the sacrifice made by the Son on the cross.
Watch the full video here: