9.6. ENDURING FAITH FEARS NOT, ENJOYING HEAVENLY REALITIES (Hebrews 12:18-24)

In the section of the Epistle (Hebrews 12:18-24 ) a contrast is drawn between Mt Sinai as representing the Old covenant, and Mt Zion as representing the New covenant:

Hebrews 12:18 "For you have not come to the mountain that may be touched and that burned with fire, and to blackness and darkness and tempest," (NKJV)

(Deuteronomy 4:11; 5:22 ). They came to an earthly mountain - their experience was external. We come to a heavenly - our experience is internal. They came to a terrifying place that aroused unbearable fear. We come to the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16 ) and boldly.

Hebrews 12:19 "and the sound of a trumpet and the voice of words, so that those who heard it begged that the word should not be spoken to them anymore." (NKJV)

Ordinances and terrifying warnings, announcements of severest penalties. We receive pardon, mercy and grace to help in every time of need (Hebrews 4:16 ). Even Moses is said to have experienced fear (Hebrews 12:20-21 ). They heard their just condemnation and found the word overwhelming. We hear the word of no condemnation in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1 ) and rejoice in the good news.

Hebrews 12:22 "But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels," (KJV)

"You have come" indicates personal experience with continuing effect. This is the city the Patriarchs sought (Hebrews 11:10,16 ). Paul called "Jerusalem that is above" (Galatians 4:26 ) mother of all believers. As believers we are already citizens of it (Philippians 3:20 ). Angels are ministering spirits who minister with joy to us as believers, helping us too in our living the life of faith and our service for Jesus (Hebrews 1:14; Acts 27:23-24 ).

Hebrews 12:23 "... church of the firstborn, ... to God the Judge of all, ..." (KJV)

This is the privilege membership of all of us who have put our faith in Christ. We rejoice because our names are written in heaven (Luke 10:20 ). As firstborn we are heirs together with Christ who is heir of all things (Hebrews 1:2; Romans 8:17 ). As firstborn it is God's plan,

James 1:18 "... that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures." (KJV)

(See Ephesians 1:12 ). As believers we have everlasting life,

John 5:24 "... and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life." (NKJV)

As members of Christ's body we are accountable to God (Romans 14:10-12; 1 Corinthians 3:10-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10 ). There is a final judgment with terrible consequences for those whose names are not written in the book of life (Revelation 20:11-15 ).

Hebrews 12:23 "... to the spirits of just men made perfect," (KJV)

"For the most part, these were pre-Christian believers such as Abel (Hebrews 11:4 ) and Noah (Hebrews 11:7 )." NIV Study Bible

Like Abraham, all believers before the cross, had their faith credited as righteousness - their justification was complete by the blood of Jesus, together with our justification. It would be strengthening to the first readers of Hebrews to recognise this truth, and to us, as it establishes there is no salvation except that in Christ (Acts 4:12 ). The referring to them as "spirits" indicates they are waiting for their resurrection bodies when 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 will be fulfilled.

Hebrews 12:24 "And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. " (KJV)

The sprinkled blood speaks of total covering for our sin, and acceptance in Christ Jesus. Abel's blood called for vindication - Christ's blood of propitiation (1 John 2:2; 1 Peter 1:19 ). What great present and eternal advantages there are for us in Christ!

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QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. In contrast with the terrifying place that aroused fear, to which Israel came, where do you come (Hebrews 12:18; 4:16 )? And what do you receive?

2. As having come to the church of the firstborn, what are your privileges, and what is God's plan for you (Hebrews 12:23; James 1:18 )?