Hebrews 12:18-25

Better Access to God than Was at Sinai

So, a careful watch should be kept to avoid the kind of attitude that would cause one to give up his birthright. This is especially true since we labor under a new covenant. Esau lived during the Patriarchal Age, when God spoke to the fathers and directed the family. In theMosaic Age, God spoke on the mountain, but the people were not allowed to approach Him. The awe inspiring events on Mount Sinai actually caused the people to beg that they should not hear any more (Exodus 19:16; Exodus 19:19; Exodus 20:1-7; Exodus 20:19). The people were very much afraid at that time and the writer revealed the reason for their fear by quoting Exodus 19:12-13. Even Moses was afraid, as the writer reveals through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit (Hebrews 12:18-21).

Christians do not come to a mountain in fear, but to the throne of God, which is heaven. Believers also were described as coming to a general assembly, which Milligan says is one of angels around the throne of God. It is representative of the joyous multitude that will assemble around God's throne and celebrate His praises (Revelation 5:11; Revelation 7:11-12). The assembly, or church, of the firstborn is a reference to the faithful saints who will, as the firstborn does, receive their birthright at the coming of Christ. That they will receive these rights is indicated by Luke 10:20 and Revelation 21:27. All of the redeemed will also be before the throne of God and they shall receive a just reward (Hebrews 12:22-23).

Just as Moses was with the people at Mount Sinai, so will Christ be at the throne of God as mediator for His brethren. In being close to Christ, we are also close to his blood. Abel's blood, being shed by Cain, called for vengeance. Christ's blood, which was shed voluntarily, calls for mercy. So, the writer exhorted the Hebrews to heed the voice of God who now speaks through Jesus, His Son (Hebrews 1:1). The people who did not listen to God under the old covenant, when he spoke through Moses, did not escape. So, we should especially not expect to get away with rejecting the voice of God under this new covenant (Hebrews 12:24-25).