Hebrews 12:22-24 But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, 23 to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, 24 to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.
The author now lists why a person should put their trust in God’s promises in Jesus and what the benefits of the decision are. Mount Sinai of verses 18-21 with its old system of laws and regulations is now compared to Mount Zion with its new covenant and promise of heaven. God only temporary visited the earthly Mount Sinai but lives in the heavenly Mount Zion. It is his city, the heavenly Jerusalem. Jerusalem represents the place where God’s throne is and the very presence of this Almighty and only Holy God. There are further descriptions of this city. It is where “thousands upon thousands” (with a limitless idea) of angels. Verse 22 recalls John’s visions in Revelation 4-5. What the angels do in their “joyful assembly” is give praises to God. It is a fun place to be where there is overwhelming joy and happiness. There are also believers there, the church. These are the people who have their names written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. The readers of this epistle should desire more than anything to have their names written in this book. The choice is up to them, whether they will follow God’s promises or reject Jesus and turn back to the old system of Mount Sinai. This choice is implied with the idea that God will judge all people. Are you part of those who have been made righteous and perfect, or will you face the judgment of God? This is the implied exhortation behind these verses. The hope for heaven is found in the new covenant mediated or brought about through Jesus. The author has gone through great length in this epistle to compare the old and the new. Why would anyone want to choose the old way? This covenant was made by Jesus’ shedding of blood on the cross. The blood of Abel spoke of an innocent who was killed by his jealous brother. That is a powerful testimony, but Jesus’ blood is even stronger because Jesus died as the perfect sacrifice. These verses challenge us as readers to put our focus on Jesus and not turn back because of the temptations, snares, and enticements of the world. Our hope is found only in Jesus.
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