The Biblicist,
I have already completely repudiated this faulty interpretation of hebrews 12:18-25. The very same perfect tense verb used for the ekklesia of firstborn ones is used for the Jewish ekklesia at Mount Sinai. The ekklesia of Christ came into the presence of heaven exactly as did the jewish ekklesia at Mount Sinai - same tense - same way. Neither left earth for heaven, but both ekklesias were brought into the presence of heaven while still on earth.
This is not correct however...there is a dramatic contrast....they could not touch the mountain....they had to keep at a distance and have the mediator Moses approach on their behalf.
In Contrast...those in Hebrews 12:22 have direct access In Christ.
FROM PRECEPTAUSTIN;
Have come(
4334) (
proserchomai from
prós = facing +
erchomai = come) means literally to come facing toward and so to approach or come near. To come to visit or associate with. It describes the approach to or entry into a deity’s presence. In the
Septuagint (LXX) proserchomai was the verb used to describe the approach of the priests to Jehovah for worship and to perform of their priestly (Levitical) functions.
But here in Hebrews, under the New covenant, all seven uses of proserchomai refer to believers possessing the privilege of access to God the Father through Christ the Great High Priest. The writer uses the PERFECT TENSE which views this heavenly possession of Mt Zion as already attained by those who have believed the new covenant and emphasizes that this heavenly possession is their possession forever. In spirit they were residents of the city already, though in body they were strangers and aliens on earth. That there is yet to be an earthly manifestation of the city is clear from the later reference in
Hebrews 13:14-
note to “the city which is yet to come.”
and again;
The
Nelson Study Bible nicely summarizes this section noting that "In these verses, the author of Hebrews contrasts the Mosaic covenant with the New Covenant by contrasting two mountains: Mount Sinai and Mount Zion. At Mount Sinai, the Israelites received the Law from God with fear and trembling, for God displayed at that time His awesome power (see
Ex 19:10-20:26). In contrast, Christian believers have come to a heavenly Jerusalem on Mount Zion through Jesus’ blood. This mountain is a celebration of the Holy One, attended by angels, believers, and righteous people. The author makes the contrast between the two covenants vivid, and then once again exhorts his readers not to reject Christ’s offer of salvation (see
Hebrews 12:25-29).(
Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. The Nelson Study Bible: NKJV. Nashville: Thomas Nelson)
Longman on
Hebrews 12:22-24 - These verses form one long sentence, which begins with the strongly contrasting clause
But you have come to and continues with a series of nine descriptive phrases identifying the place and the people that represent the Christian’s true destination (In the Greek, each of the nine phrases is introduced by “and” except for “the heavenly Jerusalem,” which stands in apposition to “the city of the living God.” The first three phrases identify the place, while the remainder speak of its inhabitants). For
have come to (
proserchomai) as a term for the relationship with God that results from Christ’s saving work, see
Heb 4:16-
note;
Heb 7:2-
note, and cf.
Heb 10:22-
note;
Heb 11:6-
note. It is important to note that the author speaks not merely of a future hope (as he did when speaking of the patriarchs in
Heb 11:10,
13–16) but of a
salvation already achieved—“
you have come”; those who belong to Christ are already citizens of Mount Zion. The author is calling them not to a new status but to appreciate and enjoy what is already theirs. (
Ed:
This begs the question beloved - do we understand our new status? Do we truly give thanks to God for our new status? We can hardly do so if we don't comprehend this aspect of what Jesus accomplished for us). (Expositor's Bible Commentary)
Here are the seven uses of this
proserchomai in Hebrews...
Hebrews 4:16 (note) Let us therefore
draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need. (
Comment: "Let us..." emphasizes that this privilege is always available to those under the New Covenant. Do we really comprehend and avail ourselves of the profundity of this privilege?)
Hebrews 7:25 (note) Hence, also, He is able to save forever those who
draw near (
present tense = emphasizes continual activity) to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.
Hebrews 10:1 (note) For the Law, since it has only a shadow of the good things to come and not the very form of things, can never by the same sacrifices year by year, which they offer continually, make perfect those who
draw near.
Hebrews 10:22 (note) let us
draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
Hebrews 11:6 (note) And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who
comes (drawn near)
to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.
Hebrews 12:18 (note) For you have not
come (drawn near)
to a mountain that may be touched and to a blazing fire, and to darkness and gloom and whirlwind,
Hebrews 12:22 (note) But you have
come (drawn near)
to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels
