Sanctification: God's War

Hebrews 12:18-29

Hebrews 12:18–29 NASB95

18 For you have not come to a mountain that can be touched and to a blazing fire, and to darkness and gloom and whirlwind, 19 and to the blast of a trumpet and the sound of words which sound was such that those who heard begged that no further word be spoken to them. 20 For they could not bear the command, “If even a beast touches the mountain, it will be stoned.” 21 And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, “I am full of fear and trembling.” 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. 25 See to it that you do not refuse Him who is speaking. For if those did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape who turn away from Him who warns from heaven. 26 And His voice shook the earth then, but now He has promised, saying, “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth, but also the heaven.” 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; 29 for our God is a consuming fire.

Eschatology

The study of prophecy within the scope of “Thus saith the Lord” and “End Time” conclusions of God’s plan.

Mount Sinai

An experience with the Living God

An experience with the Holy God

An experience with the Old Covenant

An experience that can only be experienced by an exclusive gathering of people (Levities, Priests, and Moses)

Deut. 4:11, 5:22-25; Ex. 19:12-19; 2 Cor. 3:4-18

Mount Zion

An experience with the Living God

An experience with the Loving God

An experience with the New Testament

An experience that can be experienced by everyone.

2 Sam. 5:1-15; 1 Kgs. 8; Ps. 78, 87, 110; Obadiah 17; Matt. 21:5; Rev. 4, 14, 21

Two Mediators

Moses and Jesus

Moses was the negotiator between the nation of Israel and Yahweh, chosen/elected by Yahweh to lead Israel

Jesus is the intermediary between the Church and Yahweh, chosen/elected by Yahweh to lead the Church

Moses’ position focused on the “go between” aspect of the mediator

Jesus’ position focuses on the “restorer/redeemer” aspect of the mediator; He is the Lamb, High Priest, and Sacrifice

Two Martyrs

Abel - Blood speaks because of his faith, because of his first-fruits offered, accepted by God; bounded by time and the Old Covenant agreement

Jesus - Blood speaks because of His faith, because of His first-fruits offered, accepted by God;

Idolatry

This is the ultimate warning. What is an idol? Anything that a person believes to be a Savior, Deliverer, Redeemer. Anyone and anything that replaces Jesus as the Christ or gives anyone or anything Christ (savior/deliver/redeemer/etc.) type attributes.