Hebrews 12:14-29

 “Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness, for without it no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God, that no one be like a bitter root springing up and causing trouble, and through him many become defiled. And see to it that no one becomes an immoral or godless person like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a single meal. For you know that later when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no opportunity for repentance, although he sought the blessing with tears. For you have not come to something that can be touched, to a burning fire and darkness and gloom and a whirlwind and the blast of a trumpet and a voice uttering words such that those who heard begged to hear no more. For they could not bear what was commanded: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned.” In fact, the scene was so terrifying that Moses said, “I shudder with fear.” But you have come to Mount Zion, the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, to the assembly and congregation of the firstborn, who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous, who have been made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks of something better than Abel’s does. Take care not to refuse the one who is speaking! For if they did not escape when they refused the one who warned them on earth, how much less shall we, if we reject the one who warns from heaven? Then his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “I will once more shake not only the earth but heaven too.” Now this phrase “once more” indicates the removal of what is shaken, that is, of created things, so that what is unshaken may remain. So since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us give thanks, and through this let us offer worship pleasing to God in devotion and awe. For our God is indeed a devouring fire.”

— ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭14‬-‭29‬‬

The fifth and most harsh warning passage in Hebrews. I have mentioned the five topics to outline when reading these passages (not to overlook careful interpretation of the text), but it is possible to get bogged down in weeds that conclusions can eventually contradict. Don’t want to get into an inerrancy discussion here, but even if different authors have different emphases or suggest different ideas, it’s less likely that the same author will present conflicting themes in his book. Also need to remember Hebrews is a sermon in written form.

Not going to dive into all 16 verses here, but some key thoughts.

Prov 4:26-27 are the verses that tie first half of chapter to this. Mention holiness and godliness and how the wise person can gain both. Hebrews quotes this verse. 

Come short of the grace of God? This wouldn’t be God’s doing, since His grace is immeasurable. The exhortation is again the falling away of chapter 6. It’s the sin of Esau who traded something “priceless” for something temporarily fulfilling. The opportunity to repent is only in the present time. We could have a more full discussion on what repentance is/isn’t and how the relates to following Jesus. The point is that Jesus is king/the superior sacrifice, and we belong to His kingdom.

The contrast between something that can be touched and something invisible/untouchable is difficult. I’m sure there are options, whether it’s simply that God’s kingdom is superior or can’t be controlled by humans. There really is not comparison when reading about Mt Sinai and Mt Zion. But the point is there’s no comparison in the punishment for turning away from Mt Sinai and Mt Zion. And I’m not just saying burning flesh forever.

He removes everything that rejects Him so that the unshakable kingdom remains. All impurities are removed. But the author of Hebrews always ends with some whiff of optimism. 

Give thanks. We have received the kingdom. We just need to hold fast. Worship God. He is worthy of our devotion and wonder. 

I’m sure there’s different perspectives on consuming fire. There’s obviously different understandings of God’s wrath and people are uncomfortable. There are definitely caricatures on both sides. 

What’s important here at least is that this book wasn’t really directed to the world at large. This was to a group of self-proclaimed Christians. It’s a mixed group most likely. The author may or may not know who is following Jesus. The description of God as purifying His kingdom at least begins in the church, think 1 Cor 3. Pursue holiness and peace with all.