“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)

There is a dramatic scene in the Old Testament that is easy to misunderstand if we do not look closely at the context. It took place at the base of Mount Sinai. God had just led the Israelites out of Egypt, and His desire was to create a treasured people for Himself. He wanted a holy nation and a kingdom of priests.

To establish this covenant, God descended on the mountain. The sight was absolutely terrifying.

Scripture tells us there was a blinding storm, darkness, gloom, blazing fire, and a trumpet blast so loud the ground shook. The people were strictly warned that if even an animal touched the mountain, it would die. The Israelites were so overwhelmed by fear that they stayed at a distance. They begged Moses to step in as their middleman, saying, “Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have God speak to us or we will die” (Exodus 20:19).

Even Moses, the great leader, admitted he was trembling with fear.

The awesome power of God was magnificent, but under the Old Covenant, it was also terrifying. The people felt entirely unequipped to approach a perfectly holy God on their own. They needed someone to stand in the gap.

A Beautiful Shift in the Landscape

For many of us, this is exactly how we still picture God today. We imagine a distant, unapproachable figure hidden behind dark storm clouds, ready to strike us down the moment we cross a line. We stand at a distance, afraid to bring our true selves into His presence.

But here is a beautiful truth: the writer of Hebrews tells us that because of Jesus, the entire spiritual landscape has changed.

The author writes, "You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom and storm... But you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God" (Hebrews 12:18, 22).

As New Testament believers, we are no longer standing at the base of a terrifying mountain. We have been invited into the joyful assembly of heaven. We do not have to hide in the shadows of fear, because we have been given a perfect mediator: Jesus Christ.

The Better Word of Grace

One of the most striking things about this passage in Hebrews is how it contrasts two different types of blood. In the book of Genesis, Abel’s blood poured out on the ground and cried out to God for vengeance. But Jesus’ blood, poured out for us, speaks a completely different word. It continually speaks for grace (Zechariah 4:7; John 1:16; Hebrews 9:12, 14-15).

Through His sacrifice, Jesus wraps us in His own righteousness. He makes us holy and completely acceptable to God. You are no longer viewed through the lens of your mistakes. God looks at you and sees the perfect grace of His Son. He holds you in high regard as a deeply loved child.

This truth completely changes how we are invited to relate to God. You do not need to tremble at a distance or search for a human mediator to speak on your behalf. The storm has passed. The way has been cleared.

Let this profound insight encourage your heart today: you can run to God without hesitation. When life gets heavy, you can boldly approach His throne. As the writer of Hebrews reminds us, "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).

You are accepted. You are loved. Step out of the fear of the storm, and walk confidently into His grace.

Personal Reflection Questions

1. How does knowing Jesus changed our approach to God transform your view of Him?

2. How does being wrapped in Jesus’ grace change how you see your past?

3. What burden can you bring boldly to God’s throne this week?