We have just considered the contrast, in Hebrews chapter 12, between Law and Gospel -- under the figure of two mountains, Sinai and Zion. The gospel brings us to Mount Zion. It is not a place of fright, terror and dread, but rather of fulfillment and celebration, the fulfillment of all dreams and aspirations. But wait. God is no domesticated deity, either. He is not at our disposal, in need of our services, incomplete without our company, indifferent to our rejection. "See to it that you do not refuse him who is speaking" (Heb. 12:25). If those who rejected God's voice from earthly Sinai … [Read more...]

Mount Sinai represented Law, but Mount Zion represents Gospel. As believers in Christ, says the author of Hebrews in 12:22-24, we have come to: * Mount Zion -- the joy of believing Israel, the place of God's Presence, the location of inspiration, blessing and peace (many Psalms). * The city of the Living God (which, unlike Sinai, cannot be touched) is the Heavenly Jerusalem, inhabited by tens of thousands of angels, the general assembly (literally, "panegyeric" -- a FESTIVE assembly where orations are made and worthy people honored (remember chapter 11?). * The "church" (literally … [Read more...]

Hebrews 12:18-29 provides a great comparison and contrast between Mount Sinai and Mount Zion -- two mountains which represent Law and Gospel, Moses and Christ. Both mountains are "awful" in the original sense of that word -- inspiring awe in the beholder. That they have in common. But how different they are, as well! The author's description of Mount Sinai is taken from Exodus 19-20 in the Old Testament. Moses brought the people to Mount Sinai, which shook and bellowed out smoke deep and dark. Then Moses went up into the mountain alone, to receive the Law from God himself -- symbolized in … [Read more...]

In the remainder of Hebrews chapter 12, the author moves quickly through the Old Testament again, selecting for a final exhortation texts from the Writings, the Prophets and the Law respectively. It is as if (s)he says, "Why, the whole Bible is full of this message! Read it anywhere and see what you find!" Hebrews 12:5-11 quote from Proverbs 3:11-12 concerning parental discipline, and apply the principle to our heavenly Father's dealings with us. You may view your hardships under that figure, the author implies. Difficulty is really divine discipline, he says, which God intends and will use … [Read more...]

For the writer of the Epistle to the Hebrews, "faith" involves seeing the unseen, and it leads preeminently to endurance during one's pilgrimage through this present world (Heb. 10:39). Hebrews chapter 11 illustrates such enduring faith, as the author leads us through a believer's hall of fame -- from A(bel) to Z(achariah) [unnamed but probably referenced] in the Old Testament, but also including the unnamed Maccabean martyrs between the Testaments. The first part of this chapter discusses faithful people who prevailed against great odds -- the kind of outcome we all enjoy. The second part … [Read more...]

The Epistle to the Hebrews is gospel-packed. Sadly, it is often overlooked in the modern church. Consider the strength to be found, for example, in Hebrews, chapter 10. After discussing the all-sufficient and eternally-atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ (see gracEmail at www.edwardfudge.com/gracemails/jesus_obeyed_for_you.html), the author of this Epistle steps back to ask "so what?" This is the response. SINCE we have confidence (Heb. 10:19), and SINCE we have a great priest (v. 21), LET US draw near (to God) (v. 22), LET US hold fast (our own hope) (v. 23), LET US consider (each … [Read more...]