Hebrews 12:18-29
Our God is indeed “a consuming fire”, but through faith in Christ, we are not burned. “22 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, 23 to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, 24 to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel.”
Our worship in Christ’s church on earth is focused on Christ, because His blood makes all the difference for our faith: “Abel’s blood for vengeance Pleaded to the skies; But the blood of Jesus For our pardon cries” (TLH 158, v. 4).
God’s Word of Law speaks judgment against all wrong-doing and pleads to God, as the Judge of all, for justice. God’s Word of Gospel speaks grace to all who repent of their wrong-doing and plead for mercy—mercy which comes in “Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant.” Jesus steps in as a sinless sacrifice to appease the call for justice. Therefore, those who appeal to this blood—the blood of Jesus, “the blood of springling that speaks better things than that of Abel”—receive mercy and grace through faith, instead of judgement.
Through faith in Jesus and the blood of His sacrifice for us on the cross, we are joined to “the great assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven” and look forward to when we will come fully “to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem” and “the spirits of just men made perfect.”
Let us pray: Almighty and eternal God, show your mercy to your humble servants. We put no trust in our own merits. Do not deal with us with your judgment, but with your forgiveness; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
