24 And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that ofAbel.

Hebrews 12:24

Explanation:

We are not come to Mount Sinai, left with just the law and our condemnation by it. (Hebrews 12:18)

We are come to Mount Sion, to the festal celebration gathered together, and the church of the living God- Jesus Christ in heaven. (Hebrews 12:22-23)

How are we at this second mountain?

The preacher let’s us know how we have come to this incredibly joyous status! We are come by Jesus who is the mediator of a new covenant. The old covenant given to us at Mount Sinai was mediated by priests who shed the blood of bulls and goats. This could only point to the coming effective and permanent solution for our sin, and could not cover our sin itself. The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin! 

The blood of Christ speaks better things than that of Abel. Abel’s blood cried from the ground for justice. The blood of Abel’s sacrifice was pleasing to God because of his obedient faith, but it had no atoning power. Christ’s blood alone can cleanse us from sin and brings alone redemption and forgiveness forever. 

Application:

I sure do like Mount Sion. What an incredible thing we will experience when we get to heaven with those innumerable angels, the saints of the Old Testament, and the assembly of saints from the church age. All of us will be there, not because of our works, but because of the work of Jesus Christ in keeping the law on our behalf, and dying the death that we deserved, shedding his blood for us to be cleansed.

• We should believe in Christ alone.
• We should be thankful to God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit for the wonderful work of salvation.
• We should tell everyone we can. Invite everyone to the feast! There is plenty!

Response:

• Thank you Lord for the gift of your Son.
• Thank you for the hope of an incredible future with you.
• Help me to give this Gospel truth to someone today!