You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom and storm; to a trumpet blast or to such a voice speaking words that those who heard it begged that no further word be spoken to them, because they could not bear what was commanded: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned.” The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, “I am trembling with fear” 

“But you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the judge of all men, to the spirits of righteous men made perfect, to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel” ( Hebrews 12:18-24 )

God’s desire has always been to create a people for himself. As He assembled the Israelites together at Mount Sinai to give them the law, He told them that if they obeyed His decrees and kept His covenant they would be for Him, a kingdom of priests and a holy nation ( Exodus 19:6 ). They were to be His people, a treasured possession ( Exodus 19:5 ).

At this time, the Lord had Moses assemble the entire nation to speak directly to them from a cloud so the people would hear Him and put their trust in Him, following Moses as their leader and mediator ( Exodus 19:9 ). However they were strictly warned not to touch the mountain or they would be killed ( Exodus 19:12 ). The people washed and consecrated themselves as Moses led them out, to meet face to face with God ( Exodus 19:14, 17 ).

The whole sight was terrifying ( Exodus 19:18-19, 20:18-21, Deuteronomy 4:11-12, 5:4-5), 5:22-27 ). God gave the Ten Commandments to the entire nation of Israel and afterwards they begged Moses to speak directly to God on their behalf.“When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear. They stayed at a distance and said to Moses, “Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have God speak to us or we will die” ( Exodus 20:18-19 ). They wanted Moses to mediate for them, it was such a terrifying experience that they did not want to hear directly from God because they were afraid. They told Moses “Go near and listen to all that the Lord our God says. Then tell us whatever the Lord our God tells you. We will listen and obey” ( Deuteronomy 5:27 ).

This was how it was under the Old Covenant. God’s awesomeness was magnificent but also terrifying. Because of this, the Israelites did not wish to approach God individually they chose to let Moses speak to God on their behalf. However, we as New Testament believers have not come to a mountain burning with fire and to a sight so terrifying that we run and hide. Instead we come to the Mount Zion to the city of the living God and the perfect mediator Jesus Christ ( I Timothy 2:5).

In fact, this illustration is a perfect summary of Hebrews and the differences between the Old and New Covenants. This entire book is focused solely on Jesus Christ and the change He has made in how we approach God now that we are holy and righteous in His sight.

Unlike the Israelites who trembled at the sight and sound of God, we can boldly approach His throne and will always receive grace and acceptance  ( Hebrews 4:16, 10:19-23 ). If Abel’s blood poured out on the ground cried out to God for vengeance ( Genesis 4:10 ), Jesus’ blood poured out on the mercy seat continually speaks for grace upon grace ( Zechariah 4:7, John 1:16, Hebrews 9:12, 14, 15 ).

In light of this, we should have no fear or trepidation in coming to God the Father for anything. We should take a biblical view of what Jesus has done for us and run to Him knowing we are accepted and loved and God considers us holy and righteous. He holds us in high regard and sons and daughters. Therefore, “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” ( Hebrews 4:16 ).

See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son. Afterward, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. He could bring about no change of mind, though he sought the blessing with tears” ( Hebrews 12:16-17 )

Did you know that faith in Jesus brings you into an elite group of royal priests ( I Peter 2:5 ). Jesus bestows His righteousness to you the moment you believe ( Romans 3:21-22, II Corinthians 5:21 ). The result is that God looks at you in the same way, with the same love as He looks at His Son Jesus ( John 17:22-23, I John 4:17 ). This is incredible! Not only are we redeemed and saved from wrath and judgment but we are given the rights of sons and daughters of the Most High God ( Romans 8:15 ) and entitled to an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade ( Romans 8:17, I Peter 1:4 ).

This change happens at the moment we believe and it makes us entirely different than we once were, ( II Corinthians 5:17 ). We no longer belong to the rank of sinners; instead we belong to God as a holy and righteous people. Therefore, it is important for us to act as who we are, not what we were.

Previously, the writer of Hebrews instructed us to be holy by pursuing holiness and acting on the Word of God which gives instruction ( Hebrews 12:14 ). Now, the charge in this verse is geared specifically toward our sexual nature. As believers we are to abstain from sexual sin, because it is God’s will that we are holy ( I Thessalonians 4:3, I Peter 1:16 ).

Paul wrote specifically about this, “Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body” ( I Corinthians 6:18-20 ). The reason the sin is committed against your own body is in the previous verse, “But he who unites himself with the Lord is one with him in spirit” ( I Corinthians 6:17 ).

To help us understand this, the writer uses the example of Esau, who by tradition, rightfully owned the birthright as the oldest son,. In his lust for the physical, Esau traded this incredible blessing for a bowl of stew (Genesis 25:29-34). The Bible calls him godless and sacrilegious because of this ( Hebrews 12:16-17 ). He despised and disdained the family blessing for that which was temporary and afterwards, Isaac honored this transaction and Jacob received the blessing as rightful heir, regardless of the tears and protest of Esau ( Genesis 27:27-29, Hebrews 11:20 ).

In the same way, we are not to trade a holy relationship, defile the marriage covenant for temporary gratification of the body. God has given sex as a special thing between a husband and wife. He has given it to us, to bless us and uses the marriage relationship to illustrate His covenant with us ( Ephesians 5:25-32 ). Which is why, as believers we are to protect this from defilement and honor it our entire lives. God desires so much more for us that what is temporary; “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” ( II Corinthians 4:18 ).