BibleProject | Heaven and Earth on the MountainНамуна

The Ultimate Heaven-and-Earth Overlap

Today we’ll see New Testament authors recalling previous mountain scenes to describe the way that humans bring Heaven down to Earth.

While reading Hebrews 12, notice how the author contrasts the earthly Mount Sinai with the heavenly Mount Zion. Seven descriptions of Mount Sinai in verses 18-19 highlight how frightening God’s fiery appearance once was to the Israelites. Even Moses was originally terrified by the threat God’s presence posed to the people when they turned away from his wisdom (compare Heb. 12:21 with Deut. 9:19).

Then, in verses 20-24, we read seven-plus-one descriptions of the heavenly Mount Zion that portray Zion as greater than Mount Sinai. Just as Moses sprinkled blood on the Israelites at Mount Sinai to formalize their covenant relationship with God (Exod. 24:8), so Jesus’ blood is sprinkled on his followers as a sign of a new covenant (see Luke 22:20).

Those who enter into this new agreement to love God and neighbor become part of the true Israel—God’s “firstborn” (see Exod. 4:22). They are “enrolled” as citizens of Heaven (Heb. 12:23).

When we choose to trust God and live according to his instruction, we have no fear about drawing near to him. And we can look forward to the day when God will make all things right and bring this heavenly mountain down to Earth so that his heavenly realm and our human realm become one.

As we await the fulfillment of God’s promise to reunite Heaven and Earth—eliminating all sin and injustice—Hebrews urges us to serve God faithfully by following his ways. As we do, we become like places where Heaven and Earth meet, like biblical mountains.


Reflection Questions:
What contrasts does Hebrews 12:18-29 make between Mount Sinai and the heavenly Mount Zion? How do these passages encourage us to live now as we wait for God to bring Heaven down to Earth?

According to the video, what is the story of the Bible all about?