Explore: A new kind of community

• The Explore the Bible lesson for Nov. 23 focuses on Hebrews 12:18-24.

As the writer of the book of Hebrews approaches the end of his marathon sermon, his purpose becomes increasingly clear. His congregation is undergoing suffering and difficulty—facing persecution because of their faith. Under these circumstances, many seem to be flirting with the idea of apostasy.

The writer offers them sharp words of warning. He warns of the dangers of abandoning their faith, of drifting away from the covenant community of faith. To others in his congregation, he speaks words of encouragement, cheering them on to persevere and to endure.

Two mountains

In Hebrews 12:18-24, a vivid picture of two mountains is painted—a representation of the old and new covenants that have been described. The terrifying picture of gloom and doom at Mount Sinai stands in stark contrast to the joyful festivities, forgiveness and grace at Mount Zion. Each description is one long sentence using the verb “to come to,” or “to approach.” The writer used this same verb elsewhere in Hebrews (4:16; 7:25; 10:22; 11:6) to describe how humans can approach God.

In parallel structure, seven descriptors are used to contrast the covenant of the law given at Mount Sinai with the covenant given to the Christian community in Christ. Although the text does not specifically mention Mount Sinai, this congregation immediately identified it as the place where the Law was given to Moses. The description of these events echoes the Greek versions of Exodus (19:16-22; 20:18-21) and Deuteronomy (4:11-12; 5:22-27). Although the covenant under the law provided a way for humans to approach God, the exodus generation lived in constant fear and dread of God’s wrath and judgment.

In verse 22, the doomsday scene gives way to an image of a heavenly celebration on the new holy mountain, the site of the heavenly Jerusalem. Great multitudes of angels join with the redeemed in ecstatic worship in the presence of God. God as Judge who restores all Christians to perfection on Mount Zion replaces the stormy picture of judgment on Mount Sinai. In the place of Moses, Jesus brings a new covenant of grace and forgiveness available to all who approach God through Christ. The blood of Jesus surpasses the blood of the martyred Abel, whose blood “still speaks, even though he is dead” (11:4).

The choice is clear

Even for a congregation facing persecution and martyrdom for their faith in Christ, the choice is clear. The blood of Jesus makes possible a new covenant, where Christians can “approach the throne of grace with confidence” (4:16). A life of fear and dread belongs to the old covenant of the law. Despite the suffering the congregation faces, they can look ahead to the heavenly festival of the redeemed together with the angels. And they can have unshakable confidence in this kingdom in the here and now.

The differences between the two mountains—between the two covenants—are stark. Dread and fear give way to acceptance and joy. Jesus as Mediator supersedes Moses as prophet. The covenant based on obedience to the law gives way to a covenant of grace based upon Jesus’ work on the cross. But the similarities are notable as well. Humans approached God on both mountains (vv. 18, 22).

God speaks through both covenants (vv. 19, 24). The God of the Old Testament is the God of the New Testament. Perhaps the two pictures are not as polar as they may seem. Perhaps we are seeing two sides of the same mountain—one through the lens of the law, and one through the lens of Christ.

Final judgment

In The Last Battle, the final book in The Chronicles of Narnia, C. S. Lewis paints a vivid description of Christ’s judgment: “But as [the creatures] came right up to Aslan one or other of two things happened to each of them. They all looked straight in his face, I don’t think they had any choice about that. And when some looked, the expression of their faces changed terribly—it was fear and hatred … . But the others looked in the face of Aslan and loved him, though some of them were very frightened at the same time.”

All of us will approach God, in the here and now or in the afterlife. If we “refuse him who speaks” (v. 25), we have reason to fear judgment. But those who have placed their trust in Christ can have confidence in what Christ has done, will do, and is doing now. Like the Hebrews congregation, we can respond in gratitude and reverent worship (v. 28).