Hebrews 12:14-29
Q.1. What is the message that the writer of Hebrews wanted to convey regarding Esau? How important is holiness to God? – (Heb.12:14-17)
Esau was in line to receive the birthright and blessing of his father, Isaac, but forfeited it by his carnality (see Gen.25:27-34). Even his remorse could not bring back what he had sold for a bowl of lentil soup (see Heb.12:15-17). His descendants, all the way to Haman and the Herod’s, would become the sworn enemies of God’s people (see Est.3:1-6 c.f. Mt.2:7-8, 16; Acts 12:1-3). Similarly, these lapsed Jewish seekers addressed in the book of Hebrews were in danger of forfeiting the blessing of God’s perfect provision through Christ. God’s standard of righteousness and the process of sanctification could never be achieved through the Old Covenant. The writer challenged them to reconsider the gospel – Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord (Heb.12:14). Pleasing God is only possible through the merits of Jesus Christ.
Q.2. What point is the writer making by contrasting Mount Sinai with Mount Zion? How much better is the New Covenant? – (Heb.12:18-24)
The writer wanted the readers to remember that the giving of the first Covenant brought fear through the awesome display of God’s holiness and power (see Heb.12:18-21). The contrast with the New Covenant could not be more different – 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 (Heb.12:22-24). There could be no comparison between the Old and the New Covenant – a Covenant that transcends the limitations of an earthly Tabernacle, a human priesthood, and animal sacrifices under an old, obsolete Covenant. Believers have their entrance tickets into a heavenly Jerusalem, and an audience of numberless angels in the company of all God’s blood-bought children. It cannot get any better than this.
Q.3. How would these backslidden Jews understand the warnings? How secure are those who have come under the New Covenant? – (Heb.12:25-29)
The writer didn’t mince words about these backsliders. He had given them numerous warnings regarding – (i) the danger of drifting from the faith, – (ii) the danger of unbelief and hardening their hearts, – (iii) the danger of apostasy, – (iv) the danger of willful sin, and – (v) the danger of closing their hearts to God’s voice (see.Heb.2:1-4; 4:12-13; 6;4-8; 10:26-31; 12:25-29) They are refusing the One Who warns from heaven. At the giving of the Law the mountains had shaken. The writers predict a time when the earth and the heavens again will be shaken, as God re-landscapes the earth in preparation for His millennial reign. This judgment will eclipse all before it. Only that which is lasting will remain – 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 (Heb.12:27-28). Since our future is secure, we should run the race with gratitude, reverence, and awe (see Heb.12:28). Awe because – our God is a consuming fire (Heb.12:29).