Matthew Henry Commentary Hebrews 12:18-29

"For ye are not come unto [a mount] that might be touched, and that burned with fire, and unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest, and the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which [voice] they that heard entreated that no word more should be spoken unto them; for they could not endure that which was enjoined, If even a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned; and so fearful was the appearance, [that] Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake: but ye are come unto mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable hosts of angels, 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 just men made perfect, and to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaketh better than [that of] Abel. See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not when they refused him that warned [them] on earth, much more [shall not] we [escape] who turn away from him that [warneth] from heaven: whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more will I make to tremble not the earth only, but also the heaven. And this [word], Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that have been made, that those things which are not shaken may remain. Wherefore, receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us have grace, whereby we may offer service well-pleasing to God with reverence and awe: for our God is a consuming fire." — Hebrews 12:18-29 (ASV)

Mount Sinai, on which the Jewish church-state was formed, was a mountain that could be touched (though the people were forbidden to do so)—a place that could be physically experienced. Consequently, the Mosaic dispensation was largely concerned with outward and earthly things.

In contrast, the gospel state is kind, demonstrating gracious condescension, suited to our weak human nature. Under the gospel, everyone may approach God's presence with boldness.

But even the most holy person would despair if judged by the holy law given from Sinai, without a Savior. The gospel church is called Mount Zion; there, believers have clearer views of heaven and more heavenly dispositions of soul. All the children of God are heirs, and each one has the privileges of the firstborn.

Imagine a soul joining that glorious assembly and church above, yet remaining unacquainted with God. If this soul is still carnally-minded, loving this present world and its affairs, looking back at it with a lingering eye, full of pride and deceit, and filled with sinful desires, it would seem to have mistaken its way, its place, its spiritual state, and its companions.

Such a soul would be uneasy with itself and with all around it. Christ is the Mediator of this new covenant between God and humanity, 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 finally to bring God and His people together in heaven. This covenant is made firm by the blood of Christ sprinkled upon our consciences, just as the blood of the sacrifice was sprinkled upon the altar and the victim.

This blood of Christ speaks on behalf of sinners; it pleads not for vengeance, but for mercy.

Therefore, see to it that you do not refuse His gracious call and offered salvation. See that you do not refuse Him who speaks from heaven with infinite tenderness and love. For how can those escape who turn from God in unbelief or apostasy, while He so graciously beseeches them to be reconciled and to receive His everlasting favor?

God's way of dealing with people under the gospel through grace assures us that He will deal with those who despise the gospel through 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 rightly. God is the same just and righteous God under the gospel as under the law. The inheritance of believers is secured for them, and all things pertaining to salvation are freely given in answer to prayer. Let us therefore seek grace, so that we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.