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Hebrews 12:25
Verse
Context
An Unshakable Kingdom
24to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.25See to it that 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? 26At that time His voice shook the earth, but now He has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth, but heaven as well.”
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
See - Βλεπετε· Take heed, that ye refuse not him - the Lord Jesus, the mediator of the new covenant, who now speaketh from heaven, by his Gospel, to the Jews and to the Gentiles, having in his incarnation come down from God. Him that spake on earth - Moses, who spoke on the part of God to the Hebrews, every transgression of whose word received a just recompense of reward, none being permitted to escape punishment; consequently, if ye turn away from Christ, who speaks to you from heaven, you may expect a much sorer punishment, the offense against God being so much the more heinous, as the privileges slighted are more important and glorious.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
refuse not--through unbelief. him that speaketh--God in Christ. As the blood of sprinkling is represented as speaking to God for us, Heb 12:24; so here God is represented as speaking to us (Heb 1:1-2). His word now is the prelude of the last "shaking" of all things (Heb 12:27). The same word which is heard in the Gospel from heaven, will shake heaven and earth (Heb 12:26). who refused him--Greek, "refusing as they did." Their seemingly submissive entreaty that the word should not be spoken to them by God any more (Heb 12:19), covered over refractory hearts, as their subsequent deeds showed (Heb 3:16). that spake--revealing with oracular warnings His divine will: so the Greek. if we turn away--Greek, "we who turn away." The word implies greater refractoriness than "refused," or "declined." him that speaketh from heaven--God, by His Son in the Gospel, speaking from His heavenly throne. Hence, in Christ's preaching frequent mention is made of "the kingdom of the heavens" (Greek, Mat 3:2). In the giving of the law God spake on earth (namely, Mount Sinai) by angels (Heb 2:2; compare Heb 1:2). In Exo 20:22, when God says, "I talked with you from heaven," this passage in Hebrews shows that not the highest heavens, but the visible heavens, the clouds and darkness, are meant, out of which God by angels proclaimed the law on Sinai.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Whose voice then shook the earth,.... That is, at the giving of the law on Mount Sinai: Christ was then present; his voice was then heard; which was either the voice of thunder, or the voice of the trumpet, or rather the voice of words: this shook the earth, Sinai, and the land about it, and the people on it; which made them quake and tremble, even Moses himself; see Exo 19:18 but now he hath promised, saying in Hag 2:6 yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven; not only the land of Judea, and particularly Jerusalem, and the inhabitants of it, who were all shaken, and moved, and troubled at the news of the birth of the Messiah, the desire of all nations, the prophet Haggai speaks of, Mat 2:2 but the heaven also; by prodigies in it, as the appearance of a wonderful star, which guided the wise men from the east; and by the motions of the heavenly inhabitants, the angels, who descended in great numbers, and made the heavens resound with their songs of praise, on account of Christ's incarnation, Mat 2:2. How the apostle explains and applies this, may be seen in the next verse.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
12:25-29 As the final warning in the book (see 2:1-4; 4:12-13; 6:4-8; 10:26-31), this passage plays off the image of God speaking in 12:18-24. 12:25 God is the One who is speaking his revealed word in his Son, Jesus (1:1-3). The author argues from lesser to greater (see study note on 9:14): Moses’ warning the people under the old covenant is the lesser situation, and God’s warning us from heaven is the greater situation. If people did not escape judgment when they were warned by Moses, those who reject the message of the Son of God will certainly not escape punishment.
Hebrews 12:25
An Unshakable Kingdom
24to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.25See to it that 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? 26At that time His voice shook the earth, but now He has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth, but heaven as well.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Grumbling and Complaining - Part 1
By Keith Green9.6K31:32Spiritual ResponsibilityGrumblingNUM 11:1MAT 11:20HEB 10:28HEB 12:25HEB 13:17Keith Green addresses the dangers of grumbling and complaining, emphasizing how such attitudes anger God and burden spiritual leaders. He highlights the contrast between the Old and New Testaments, explaining that while the Old Covenant had severe requirements, the New Covenant carries a greater responsibility due to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Green warns that disobedience under the New Covenant incurs harsher judgment, as believers have been given the Spirit to help them obey. He uses biblical examples, particularly from Numbers and Hebrews, to illustrate the consequences of complaining and the importance of trust in God. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper understanding of God's love and justice, urging believers to be mindful of their attitudes and actions.
Beginning Faith
By Leonard Ravenhill3.2K50:07FaithHEB 1:1HEB 2:2HEB 3:1HEB 11:39HEB 12:25In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal story about a young man who arrives in a strange country and meets someone who resembles his father. The preacher uses this illustration to emphasize the importance of walking as Jesus walked. He then discusses a man who demonstrated great faith by making a legal document promising to pay a large sum of money despite having only 14 cents in his pocket. The preacher encourages the audience to have faith and trust in God's provision. He also references biblical examples of people who accomplished great things in the power of the Holy Spirit, despite facing opposition and persecution. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the greatness of salvation and the need for compassion in fulfilling the mission of spreading the gospel.
A God Sent Message of Warning
By Tim Conway1.7K1:00:27JER 32:40JHN 10:271TI 4:16HEB 3:6HEB 4:1HEB 6:12HEB 10:24HEB 12:25This sermon emphasizes the importance of heeding the warnings in the book of Hebrews, highlighting the need for genuine faith in Christ, the danger of drifting away, and the necessity of holding fast to our confidence in Him. The speaker urges the listeners to fear falling away from God, to repent when drifting occurs, and to find assurance in Christ through constant meditation on His supremacy.
(Through the Bible) Hebrews 12-13
By Chuck Smith1.6K1:11:01HEB 1:1HEB 12:18HEB 12:25HEB 13:3HEB 13:7In this sermon, the preacher discusses the impending cataclysm that Peter talks about in the Bible. He describes how the material universe will be dissolved and only spiritual things will remain. The preacher emphasizes the importance of living a life dedicated to Christ, as only the things done for Him will last. He also highlights the loving nature of God, who watches over us like a caring father, rather than a harsh judge. The sermon concludes with a reminder to show brotherly love and to be open to entertaining strangers, as they may be angels in disguise.
Can God Speak to You
By Carter Conlon1.6K50:24PSA 95:7ISA 40:5LUK 3:2LUK 7:29JHN 1:6HEB 10:22HEB 12:25REV 3:20This sermon emphasizes the importance of being able to hear and respond to God's voice, highlighting the need for repentance, humility, and complete surrender to God's will. It challenges listeners to agree with God's counsel, turn away from sin, and embrace the fullness of life offered through Jesus Christ, especially in preparation for challenging times ahead.
(Saved Through the Fire) 12 - God's True Message
By Milton Green1.5K1:27:18ISA 59:14JER 7:8JER 7:27MAT 6:332TI 3:8HEB 12:25REV 18:4In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding God's message for today. He refers to various parts of the Bible, particularly Ezekiel 7 and Matthew 24, to explain the current state of the world. He highlights the presence of false prophets and the falling away from faith, leading to a society filled with lawlessness and hatred. The speaker also mentions the need for individuals to have a genuine desire for truth and justice in order to receive pardon from God.
What Is Spiritual Reality?
By Stephen Kaung1.3K1:19:33RealityHEB 12:25In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeking spiritual reality that is solid and not abstract or imaginary. He explains that spiritual reality must meet four criteria: it must reach the spirit, last forever, be of substance, and be of God. The preacher warns that everything that is not real will be shaken, burned, and judged. He urges believers to build their lives on the foundation of Christ and to seek genuine spiritual reality rather than just an appearance of godliness.
God's Decision vs Man's Decision
By Rolfe Barnard1.2K40:58JHN 20:27HEB 4:11HEB 6:4HEB 10:29HEB 12:15HEB 12:25In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that the gospel is more than just information about God's saving action in Jesus Christ. It is the proclamation of the facts of Jesus' life, death, resurrection, and ascension, as well as His present reign. The preacher warns of the danger of preaching the gospel as mere information, stressing that it is a message that confronts individuals with God's actions and demands. The sermon also addresses the relationship between God's decision of election and man's responsibility for repentance and faith, cautioning against falling into the extremes of hardshellism or extreme free willism. Overall, the sermon emphasizes the importance of preaching the gospel as the making known of God's saving acts and the exhortation to repentance and faith.
If Ye Continue
By Paris Reidhead1.0K31:18SalvationMAT 17:5JHN 6:63JHN 8:31JHN 8:47HEB 1:1HEB 2:1HEB 12:25In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of listening to God's Son, as God has spoken to us through prophets in the past but now speaks to us through His Son. The speaker highlights that Jesus is the Creator, the heir, the sustainer, the revelation, the Redeemer, and the sovereign under whom everyone is subject. Therefore, the speaker urges the audience to pay close attention to everything that God has said through His Son. The sermon also touches on the incomparable nature of Jesus Christ and Christianity, stating that no other religion can be compared to it. The speaker concludes by emphasizing that every knee will eventually bow before Jesus, and the only choice people have is when to bow - either voluntarily now and live, or later and face eternal consequences.
Christian, Are You Refusing God?
By Tim Conway8001:08:231SA 15:22JOB 9:4ECC 8:11ISA 40:15MAT 15:8LUK 14:17PHP 2:9HEB 2:2HEB 10:28HEB 12:25JAS 1:22This sermon emphasizes the importance of not refusing God's voice, drawing parallels between the consequences faced by those who rejected God's warnings in the past and the greater accountability for those who reject Him today. The message highlights the unshakable nature of God's Kingdom and the need for gratitude, acceptable worship, reverence, and awe towards Him. The urgency to cling to Christ, heed His voice, and run the race faithfully is emphasized, warning against the dangers of drifting away and the necessity of surrendering all to follow Him.
Man's Petty Kingdom - Art Katz
By From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons77244:23RadioJOS 3:3JOS 3:9MAT 3:11LUK 9:23HEB 1:1HEB 12:23HEB 12:25In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of seeking the revelation of God through Jesus Christ rather than relying on human traditions, wisdom, and programs. He shares a personal experience of encountering God's presence in a simple Gentile girl, which challenged his Jewish beliefs. The speaker then discusses the significance of Jesus becoming flesh and dwelling among us, revealing God's glory and grace. He urges the audience to embrace a radical separation from selfishness, ambition, and worldly desires, and to humbly enter into a deeper relationship with God.
Hebrews - Part 2
By Richard Owen Roberts7671:26:59HEB 3:7HEB 3:12HEB 3:15HEB 4:7HEB 10:24HEB 12:14HEB 12:25HEB 12:28This sermon emphasizes the danger of hardening one's heart towards God, focusing on the warning passages in Hebrews and the consequences of neglecting obedience, faith, and Christian fellowship. It highlights the importance of encouraging and supporting one another in the faith to prevent falling away from God.
Living With the Consuming Fire
By Zac Poonen73759:25PRO 4:18MAT 25:12CO 6:162CO 7:1HEB 12:25This sermon emphasizes the importance of living in reverence for God and the need to maintain a healthy fear of God to gain wisdom. It highlights the significance of not refusing God's warnings and the importance of gratitude, sincerity, and righteousness in our actions. The message stresses the need to cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit to dwell with God as a consuming fire and perfect holiness in the fear of God.
Ministry in the Spirit - 3. the Complementarity of Grace Gifts
By Michael Flowers45631:27Holy Spirit GiftsMAT 11:29LUK 4:18EPH 4:21HEB 12:25In this sermon, the speaker discusses the completion of a membership class and the ministry assessment that was taken. The speaker emphasizes that while these assessments can be helpful, they should not be relied upon too heavily. The focus should be on understanding one's spiritual gifts, as outlined by Paul in 1st Timothy and 2nd Timothy. The speaker also highlights the importance of caring for others and imparting Jesus Christ through preaching and teaching.
Seven Deadly Sins Every Christian Should Hate - Introduction
By Phil Beach Jr.2247:48SinHumilityHEB 12:25JAS 1:19Phil Beach Jr. introduces a series on the 'Seven Deadly Sins Every Christian Should Hate,' emphasizing the importance of recognizing and addressing sin in our lives. He highlights the necessity of listening to God's voice and being receptive to His guidance, as well as the need for humility and meekness in our hearts to truly receive His word. The sermon serves as a foundation for understanding how God's voice brings about transformation and judgment in our lives, urging believers to align themselves with God's will. Beach encourages the congregation to prepare their hearts for the upcoming messages on the deadly sins, reminding them that God desires a people who reflect the beauty of Christ.
Some Comments on the Tragedy of September 11, 2001
By Art Katz0Hope in CrisisGod's JudgmentHEB 12:25Art Katz reflects on the profound impact of the September 11 tragedy, emphasizing that the very foundations of security and trust in society have been irrevocably shaken. He challenges the church to confront the reality of God's judgment and the need for repentance in a world that has turned away from Him. Katz warns against complacency and urges believers to speak truthfully and compassionately to a grieving nation, recognizing the eternal implications of such calamities. He calls for a return to a biblical perspective that acknowledges God's sovereignty and the urgency of preparing for the coming of the Lord. Ultimately, he encourages the faithful to embrace grace and serve God with reverence amidst the chaos.
Appointed to Be Eternal Fruit-Bearers
By A.W. Tozer0Transformation through GodSpiritual HungerPSA 42:1MAT 5:6JHN 15:16HEB 12:25A.W. Tozer emphasizes that a true encounter with God transforms a person, leaving them marked by a profound moral discontent and a deep spiritual hunger. He points out that many people find temporary pleasure in sin and become complacent with the world's moral standards, which hinders their ability to repent and believe. Tozer illustrates that true repentance requires a divine work that stirs a dissatisfaction with oneself and the world, contrasting the complacency of Esau with Jacob's spiritual longing. Ultimately, he asserts that genuine spiritual hunger is a sign of God's prior work in a person's heart, as they realize their need for Him.
Come!
By J.C. Ryle0Invitation to ChristRest for the WearyPSA 55:22ISA 25:8MAT 6:34MAT 11:28JHN 3:16JHN 14:27ROM 4:5PHP 4:7HEB 12:251PE 5:7J.C. Ryle emphasizes the profound invitation of Jesus in Matthew 11:28, urging all who are weary and burdened to come to Him for rest. He explains that this invitation is open to everyone, regardless of their past or current state, and highlights the importance of coming to Christ with a sincere heart and faith. Ryle reassures that true rest is found not in worldly comforts but in the peace that Jesus offers through forgiveness and reconciliation. He encourages listeners to accept this invitation without delay, reminding them that Christ's promise of rest is both a present reality and a future hope.
The Captivity of Judah
By C.I. Scofield02CH 36:16PRO 29:1ISA 1:16JER 7:3HEB 12:25C.I. Scofield delivers a powerful sermon on the consequences of rejecting God's remedy, as seen in the wickedness of the king, priests, and people of Judah. Despite warnings from prophets like Jeremiah and Isaiah, the people continued to mock and despise God's messengers and His words, leading to the inevitable judgment when 'there was no remedy.' Scofield emphasizes that when God's remedy is rejected, there is no hope for redemption, highlighting the importance of heeding God's warnings and instructions to avoid spiritual destruction.
Running the Race Carefully
By Phil Beach Jr.0HEB 12:1HEB 12:7HEB 12:11HEB 12:15HEB 12:25HEB 12:28Phil Beach Jr. preaches about the spiritual race we are in, likening it to running a physical race, emphasizing the importance of following God's Word and listening to His voice to avoid serious spiritual injury. He highlights the need to lay aside weights and sins that hinder us, to run with patience and endurance, and to keep our focus solely on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Additionally, he discusses the significance of not despising or becoming weary of the Lord's correction and child-training, as they are meant for our growth and maturity in Christ.
Hebrews 12:18-29
By St. John Chrysostom0HEB 12:25John Chrysostom preaches about the contrast between the Old Covenant given at Mount Sinai with its terrifying elements and the New Covenant given through Jesus Christ, emphasizing the superiority of the heavenly Jerusalem and the innumerable company of angels believers have come to. He highlights the fear and trembling experienced under the Old Covenant compared to the joy and access to God believers now have through Jesus, the Mediator of the New Covenant. Chrysostom urges the congregation to embrace mercy and charity, illustrating the importance of a merciful soul and the fruitfulness of giving generously, drawing examples from Scripture to encourage a lifestyle of compassion and generosity.
The Good Shepherd
By Thomas Watson0PSA 51:10ISA 40:11JHN 10:11PHP 2:15HEB 12:251PE 2:21Thomas Watson preaches about Jesus as the good Shepherd, emphasizing His intimate knowledge of His sheep and the unique characteristics of His flock. He describes the sheep as innocent, meek, clean, useful, contented, and timorous, contrasting them with the wicked who are like goats. Watson highlights how Christ, as the Shepherd, is appointed, knows, marks, seeks, leads, governs, relieves, feeds, watches, has compassion, and prays for His sheep, showing His unmatched love and care. He explains how Christ excels other shepherds in glory, cleansing, teaching, praying, comforting, dying, blessing, guiding, governing, and securing His sheep, ultimately leading them to eternal life in paradise.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
See - Βλεπετε· Take heed, that ye refuse not him - the Lord Jesus, the mediator of the new covenant, who now speaketh from heaven, by his Gospel, to the Jews and to the Gentiles, having in his incarnation come down from God. Him that spake on earth - Moses, who spoke on the part of God to the Hebrews, every transgression of whose word received a just recompense of reward, none being permitted to escape punishment; consequently, if ye turn away from Christ, who speaks to you from heaven, you may expect a much sorer punishment, the offense against God being so much the more heinous, as the privileges slighted are more important and glorious.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
refuse not--through unbelief. him that speaketh--God in Christ. As the blood of sprinkling is represented as speaking to God for us, Heb 12:24; so here God is represented as speaking to us (Heb 1:1-2). His word now is the prelude of the last "shaking" of all things (Heb 12:27). The same word which is heard in the Gospel from heaven, will shake heaven and earth (Heb 12:26). who refused him--Greek, "refusing as they did." Their seemingly submissive entreaty that the word should not be spoken to them by God any more (Heb 12:19), covered over refractory hearts, as their subsequent deeds showed (Heb 3:16). that spake--revealing with oracular warnings His divine will: so the Greek. if we turn away--Greek, "we who turn away." The word implies greater refractoriness than "refused," or "declined." him that speaketh from heaven--God, by His Son in the Gospel, speaking from His heavenly throne. Hence, in Christ's preaching frequent mention is made of "the kingdom of the heavens" (Greek, Mat 3:2). In the giving of the law God spake on earth (namely, Mount Sinai) by angels (Heb 2:2; compare Heb 1:2). In Exo 20:22, when God says, "I talked with you from heaven," this passage in Hebrews shows that not the highest heavens, but the visible heavens, the clouds and darkness, are meant, out of which God by angels proclaimed the law on Sinai.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Whose voice then shook the earth,.... That is, at the giving of the law on Mount Sinai: Christ was then present; his voice was then heard; which was either the voice of thunder, or the voice of the trumpet, or rather the voice of words: this shook the earth, Sinai, and the land about it, and the people on it; which made them quake and tremble, even Moses himself; see Exo 19:18 but now he hath promised, saying in Hag 2:6 yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven; not only the land of Judea, and particularly Jerusalem, and the inhabitants of it, who were all shaken, and moved, and troubled at the news of the birth of the Messiah, the desire of all nations, the prophet Haggai speaks of, Mat 2:2 but the heaven also; by prodigies in it, as the appearance of a wonderful star, which guided the wise men from the east; and by the motions of the heavenly inhabitants, the angels, who descended in great numbers, and made the heavens resound with their songs of praise, on account of Christ's incarnation, Mat 2:2. How the apostle explains and applies this, may be seen in the next verse.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
12:25-29 As the final warning in the book (see 2:1-4; 4:12-13; 6:4-8; 10:26-31), this passage plays off the image of God speaking in 12:18-24. 12:25 God is the One who is speaking his revealed word in his Son, Jesus (1:1-3). The author argues from lesser to greater (see study note on 9:14): Moses’ warning the people under the old covenant is the lesser situation, and God’s warning us from heaven is the greater situation. If people did not escape judgment when they were warned by Moses, those who reject the message of the Son of God will certainly not escape punishment.