Hebrews 12:23 - Printer Friendly

ESV: and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect,

NIV: to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect,

NASB: to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect,

CSB: to the assembly of the firstborn whose names have been written in heaven, to a Judge, who is God of all, to the spirits of righteous people made perfect,

NLT: You have come to the assembly of God’s firstborn children, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God himself, who is the judge over all things. You have come to the spirits of the righteous ones in heaven who have now been made perfect.

KJV: 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,

NKJV: to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect,

In this passage, the writer of Hebrews continues to show that the new covenant is superior to the old covenant. In this case, the emphasis is on the drastically different tone, or mood, of how we perceive those arrangements. The old covenant was given through a dramatic, even terrifying display by God at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:9–20). In a very deliberate sense, God presented Himself as absolutely holy, and therefore unapproachable to sinful mankind. The new covenant, on the other hand, is presented to us in a much more peaceful, welcoming, and hopeful tone. Christ gives us the ability to "draw near to the throne" without fear (Hebrews 4:16).

The last verse mentioned Mount Zion, making reference to both the earthly city of Jerusalem and the upcoming New Jerusalem where believers will spend eternity with God. This verse continues listing the attractive elements of what awaits those who accept the new covenant.

The reference to "the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven" is somewhat obscure. The term translated "assembly" here is ekklēsia, which is also frequently translated as "church." Given that these are persons residing in heaven, the indication that they are "firstborn" seems to follow the pattern of verses such as 2 Thessalonians 2:13 and James 1:18, where saved Christians are referred to as the "firstfruits" of God—while an earthly family can only have one "firstborn," all Christians share in this honor as the children of God. Likewise, the reference to being "enrolled" suggests the Book of Life mentioned in Revelation 3:5, Luke 10:20, and Daniel 12:1.

So, the "spirits of the righteous made perfect" would appear to be an additional reference to the assembly of saved souls waiting for those who come to accept Christ.

This is purposefully presented as a contrast to the scenario at Mount Sinai. Rather than God being imposing, unapproachable, and even terrifying because of the implications of the law, those who embrace the new covenant can perceive God as their rescue, their rest, and their joy. All of this is possible only through Christ, who the following verse notes as part of the scene we approach as believers.

Hebrews 12:18–29 summarizes the lessons given through chapters 11 and 12. Those living under the new covenant have the advantage of looking to Christ, rather than to the law. The Old Testament was given through ominous signs, dire messages, fire, and sacrifice; it involved material things in a material world. God presented Himself as unapproachable, symbolic of His holiness. The New Covenant offers something better, and something beyond rituals and earthly needs. Also symbolically, Christ gives us an ability to approach God which the old covenant could not grant. While prior things can be changed and destroyed, the destiny offered to believers in Christ cannot. That is the ''kingdom that cannot be shaken,'' and our worship for God ought to reflect reverence as a result.

Chapter 11 explained the victories of some of the Old Testament's greatest heroes. It also explained their sufferings and persecution. This chapter uses those examples as a ''cloud of witnesses'' to prove that God does not abandon us when we suffer. In many cases, He uses those experiences to ''train'' us, as if we were athletes, to make us stronger. In other cases, it's the same kind of discipline that a child receives from a loving father. Unlike the old covenant, which rightly inspired fear and dread, the new covenant offers us peace. As with any other matter of truth or falsehood, we should cling to what's true, so that we can be part of ''a kingdom that cannot be shaken.''

Hebrews chapter 12 builds on the example of the heroes of the faith mentioned in chapter 11. The main point of this lesson is that these figures endured suffering and hardship, yet held to their faith in God, which allowed them to achieve victory. Chapter 12, in particular, points out that earthly hardship is not a sign of God's displeasure, or abandonment. Rather, it's part of living in a fallen, godless world. And, in many cases, it's a form of ''training'' the Lord uses to mold us into more powerful instruments. This, as with other passages in Hebrews, leads into another explanation of why we should take these ideas seriously, and sets up a few final practical lessons in chapter 13.

The book of Hebrews is meant to challenge, encourage, and empower Christian believers. According to this letter, Jesus Christ is superior to all other prophets and all other claims to truth. Since God has given us Christ, we ought to listen to what He says and not move backwards. The consequences of ignoring God are dire. Hebrews is important for drawing on many portions of the Old Testament in making a case that Christ is the ultimate and perfect expression of God's plan for mankind. This book presents some tough ideas about the Christian faith, a fact the author makes specific note of.