Registered in Heaven

For you have not come to the mountain that may be touched and that burned with fire, and to blackness and darkness and tempest, and the sound of a trumpet and a voice of words, so that those who heard it begged that the word should not be spoken to them anymore. (For they could not endure what was commanded: “And if so much as a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned or shot with an arrow.” And so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, “I am exceedingly afraid and trembling.”) But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, 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, to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel.   Hebrews 12:18-24

The people of Israel had a frightening experience of the law at Mount Sinai and the writer of Hebrews is giving us a glimpse, or overview of just some of the things they Israel, encountered with God. The proper approach to a holy God could not have been better stressed than by imposing a death penalty upon those who violated the arbitrary boundaries which God had set around Himself. So strict that even if an animal came near this sacred area, it would be put to death. So we see that the law brings forth death unless it was perfectly upheld, and we know that no one man ever came close to fulfilling God’s law requirements. James said in his epistle, For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all (James 2:10), one transgression makes fulfilling the law’s requirements it’s most basic commands—to love God perfectly, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself—impossible. It has been said the definition of sin is to fall short, or miss the mark; but the Bible makes it clear that all unrighteousness is sin (1 John 5:17), and that all of mankind has sinned against God. Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin (Romans 3:19-20) So you see, the knowledge of right and wrong is not enough to save us, the law makes sin known, but cannot ever save someone.

Good news—As opposed to Mount Sinai, where God gave Moses the Mosaic law which was foreboding and terrifying, Mount Zion here is not the earthly one in Jerusalem, but God’s heavenly home, which is inviting and gracious. No one could please God on Sinai’s terms, which is perfection, that perfect fulfillment of the law of God: For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them” (Deuteronomy 27:26) But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for “the just shall live by faith” (Habbakkuk 2:4), Yet the law is not of faith, but “the man who does them shall live by them” (Leviticus 18:5). Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree” Deuteronomy 21:23), that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith (Galatians 3:10-13). Mount Zion, unlike the Old Testament law, is accessible to all who come to God by faith through His Son, Jesus Christ.

General assembly, Church of the firstborn, just men made perfect—These all relate to the gathering of God’s people in heaven. There will be an innumerable amount of angels in a festive gathering around God’s throne. The firstborn is Jesus Christ, the “church” is the believers who are fellow heirs with Christ, who is our preeminent One among many brethren (Romans 8:17). These “Just Men” are made perfect because they are the Old Testament saints who received the promises from God, spoken through the prophets and went to their graves believing: For I know that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on the earth; and after my skin is destroyed, this I know, that in my flesh I shall see God (Job 19:25-26).  They are distinctive in that they are separate from the “Church of the firstborn,” who are the New Testament believers.

Jesus the Mediator—Christ’s offering of Himself completely satisfied the requirements of the law of God. Abel’s sacrifice was pleasing to God because it was offered in faith and obedience, but it had no atoning power. Only through Jesus Christ’s shed blood alone was sufficient to cleanse our confessed sins to God (1 John 1:9). The sacrifice of Christ brought redemption, complete forgiveness, and  salvation. The blood of Abel’s sacrifice only brought a temporary covering, but Christ’s blood shedding sacrifice of Himself, bought for us, as He paid the price in full,  our redemption and eternal salvation.

Beloved friend, Is your name registered in heaven? There is still time you know. Has God been speaking to you lately? About turning your life over to Him, and that the reason is because He loves you. He wants only what is best for you. Did you know that God only wants what is best for you? Your life and my life is very special to Him. So much so, that He would offer up His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ to pay the price for our sins. He has made a way for us to come boldly to His throne room of grace (Hebrews 4:16),  that we might obtain His mercy and forgiveness, along with His grace of unmerited favor in our time of need. We should all be forever grateful, and thankful to God for His Son, our Mediator, our Redeemer who lives, for our salvation and gift of eternal life. Don’t you want that for your own life? Or for the lives of your loved ones?

May the Lord bless your walk with Him today!

Author: rontrujillo

Married 37 years We have six children. All of whom are adult. Three are married one of them blessed us with three beautiful grandchildren. Retired Firefighter @ Boeing Aircraft 37 years (Formally McDonnell Douglas) Born Again Summer of 1981 View all posts by rontrujillo