(Divine Emblems of Spiritual Life) 14. EMBLEMS FROM THE MOUNT
A.B. Simpson contrasts the terrifying, temporary manifestations of God at Mount Sinai with the gracious, permanent spiritual realities accessible through Mount Zion, emphasizing the believer's access to a heavenly kingdom and unshakable faith.
In this sermon, A.B. Simpson explores the profound spiritual symbolism of Mount Sinai and Mount Zion, contrasting the fearful, temporary manifestations of God under the old covenant with the gracious, permanent realities of the new covenant. He highlights the believer's access to the heavenly Jerusalem and the unshakable kingdom through Jesus Christ, the mediator. Simpson encourages believers to embrace reverence and godly fear as they serve God, recognizing His consuming holiness.
Text
“For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest. And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard entreated that the words should not be spoken to them any more: (For they could not endure that which was commanded, and if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart: And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:) But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect. And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. See that ye refuse not him that speaketh: for if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven: Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only but also heaven. And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. Wherefore we, receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: For our God is a consuming fire."
These beautiful words recall our thoughts to the mount of fire in the ancient wilderness, and they claim for us in the Christian dispensation all that was gracious and permanent in that awful and yet glorious manifestation of God; and leave out all that is dark, terrific and temporary.
In our review of the history of Israel, we have come at last to Sinai. We have followed them across the Red sea and through the wilderness; we have seen them led by the pillar of cloud and fire; fed by the hands of God; refreshed by the streams from the desert; and made victorious over their enemies by the banner of God. But now, the scene changes. I know nothing more vivid and impressive in their history than the strange alteration in the manifestation of God\
Sermon Outline
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I
- The terrifying manifestations at Mount Sinai
- The fear and trembling of the people and Moses
- The temporary and dark nature of Sinai's revelation
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II
- The contrast with Mount Zion and the heavenly Jerusalem
- The access to the assembly of the firstborn and angels
- The presence of Jesus as mediator of the new covenant
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III
- The unshakable kingdom believers receive
- The call to serve God with reverence and godly fear
- God as a consuming fire and the promise of permanence
Key Quotes
“For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest.” — A.B. Simpson
“But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels.” — A.B. Simpson
“Wherefore we, receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: For our God is a consuming fire.” — A.B. Simpson
Application Points
- Recognize the difference between the old covenant's fear and the new covenant's grace in your spiritual walk.
- Approach God with reverence and godly fear, acknowledging His holiness as a consuming fire.
- Embrace your identity as part of the unshakable kingdom through Jesus, serving God with confidence and faith.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Mount Sinai in this sermon?
Mount Sinai represents the old covenant with its terrifying and temporary manifestations of God's presence, highlighting fear and judgment.
How does Mount Zion differ from Mount Sinai according to the sermon?
Mount Zion symbolizes the new covenant, a gracious and permanent spiritual reality where believers have access to God through Jesus.
Who is described as the mediator of the new covenant?
Jesus is described as the mediator of the new covenant, providing believers direct access to God.
What does the 'unshakable kingdom' refer to?
It refers to the eternal and permanent spiritual kingdom believers receive, which cannot be removed or shaken.
Why is God called a 'consuming fire' in this context?
This emphasizes God's holiness and power, inspiring reverence and godly fear among believers.