Mount Sinai and Mount Zion

18 For you have not come to [fn]a mountain that can be touched, to a blazing fire, darkness, gloom, and a whirlwind. 19 You have not come to a trumpet blast and a voice whose words made the hearers beg that no further word be spoken to them. 20 For they could not bear the order that was given: “If even a beast touches the mountain, it shall be [fn]stoned.” 21 Indeed, the sight was so terrifying that Moses said, “I am trembling with fear.” 22 But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to myriads of angels, 23 to the festive gathering and assembly of the firstborn, whose names are enrolled in heaven. You have come to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of righteous people who have been made perfect. 24 And you have come to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks [fn]a better word than the blood of Abel.

25 Be careful not to refuse him who is speaking. For if the people did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we escape if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven? 26 At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth, but also the heavens.” 27 Now the phrase, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain. 28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful. [fn]It is by our thankfulness that we offer God acceptable worship, with [fn]reverence and godly fear. 29 For our God is a consuming fire.