An Unshakable Kingdom

(Exodus 20:18–21, Deuteronomy 5:22–33)

For vvv you have not come to a mountain that[fn] can be touched and [that] is burning with fire; to blackness, darkness,[fn] and storm; 19 to a trumpet blast [or] to a voice that [made] [its] hearers beg that no further word be spoken 20 For vvv they could not bear what was commanded:“If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned.”[fn] 21 The sight was so terrifying [that] even Moses said,“I am trembling with fear.”[fn]

22 

Instead, you have come to Mount Zion, [to the] city of [the] living God, [the] heavenly Jerusalem. [You have come] to myriads of angels 23 in joyful assembly, [to the] congregation of [the] firstborn, enrolled 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[fn] than [the blood] of Abel.

25 

See to it that vvv you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if [the people] {did} not escape when they refused Him who warned [them] on earth, how much less [will] we [escape] if we reject Him who [warns us] from heaven? 26 At that time [His] voice shook the earth, but now He has promised vvv“Once more I will shake not only the earth, but heaven as well.”[fn] 27 The [words] vvv“Once more” signify the removal of what can be shaken — that is, created things — so that the vvv unshakable may remain.

28 

Therefore, [since] we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us be filled with gratitude, [and so] worship God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.[fn] 29 For our God [is a] consuming fire.”[fn] 13