18 For you have not come to a mountain that can be touched and to a blazing fire , and to darkness and gloom and whirlwind , 19 and to the blast of a trumpet and the sound of words which sound was such that those who heard begged that no further word be spoken to them. 20 For they could not bear the command , " IF EVEN A BEAST TOUCHES THE MOUNTAIN , IT WILL BE STONED ." 21 And so terrible was the sight , that Moses said , " I AM FULL OF FEAR and trembling ." 22 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God , the heavenly Jerusalem , and to myriads of angels , 23 to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven , and to God , the Judge of all , and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect , 24 and to Jesus , the mediator of a new covenant , and to the sprinkled blood , which speaks better than the blood of Abel . 25 See to it that you do not refuse Him who is speaking . For if those did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth , much less will we escape who turn away from Him who warns from heaven . 26 And His voice shook the earth then , but now He has promised , saying , " YET ONCE MORE I WILL SHAKE NOT ONLY THE EARTH , BUT ALSO THE HEAVEN ." 27 This expression, "Yet once more ," denotes the removing of those things which can be shaken , as of created things , so that those things which cannot be shaken may remain . 28 Therefore , since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken , let us show gratitude , by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe ; 29 for our God is a consuming fire .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Hebrews 12:18-29
Commentary on Hebrews 12:18-29
(Read Hebrews 12:18-29)
Mount Sinai, on which the Jewish church state was formed, was a mount such as might be touched, though forbidden to be so, a place that could be felt; so the Mosaic dispensation was much in outward and earthly things. The gospel state is kind and condescending, suited to our weak frame. Under the gospel all may come with boldness to God's presence. But the most holy must despair, if judged by the holy law given from Sinai, without a Saviour. The gospel church is called Mount Zion; there believers have clearer views of heaven, and more heavenly tempers of soul. All the children of God are heirs, and every one has the privileges of the first-born. Let a soul be supposed to join that glorious assembly and church above, that is yet unacquainted with God, still carnally-minded, loving this present world and state of things, looking back to it with a lingering eye, full of pride and guile, filled with lusts; such a soul would seem to have mistaken its way, place, state, and company. It would be uneasy to itself and all about it. Christ is the Mediator of this new covenant, between God and man, to bring them together in this covenant; to keep them together; to plead with God for us, and to plead with us for God; and at length to bring God and his people together in heaven. This covenant is made firm by the blood of Christ sprinkled upon our consciences, as the blood of the sacrifice was sprinkled upon the altar and the victim. This blood of Christ speaks in behalf of sinners; it pleads not for vengeance, but for mercy. See then that you refuse not his gracious call and offered salvation. See that you do not refuse Him who speaketh from heaven, with infinite tenderness and love; for how can those escape, who turn from God in unbelief or apostacy, while he so graciously beseeches them to be reconciled, and to receive his everlasting favour! God's dealing with men under the gospel, in a way of grace, assures us, that he will deal with the despisers of the gospel, in a way of judgment. We cannot worship God acceptably, unless we worship him with reverence and godly fear. Only the grace of God enables us to worship God aright. God is the same just and righteous God under the gospel as under the law. The inheritance of believers is secured to them; and all things pertaining to salvation are freely given in answer to prayer. Let us seek for grace, that we may serve God with reverence and godly fear.