¹⁸ For you have not come to what could be touched, to a blazing fire, to darkness, gloom, and storm, ¹⁹ to the blast of a trumpet, and the sound of words. Those who heard it begged that not another word be spoken to them, ²⁰ for they could not bear what was commanded: If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned.^{[a](A) 21} The appearance was so terrifying that Moses said, I am trembling with fear.^{[b](B) 22} Instead, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God (the heavenly Jerusalem), to myriads of angels, a festive gathering,^{(C) 23} to the assembly of the firstborn whose names have been written^[c] in heaven, to a Judge, who is God of all, to the spirits of righteous people made perfect,^{(D) 24} and to Jesus, the mediator^(E) of a new covenant,^(F) and to the sprinkled blood, which says better things than the blood of Abel.^(G)

²⁵ See to it that you do not reject the one who speaks. For if they did not escape when they rejected him who warned them on earth, even less will we if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven.^{(H) 26} His voice shook the earth at that time, but now he has promised, Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.^{[d](I) 27} This expression, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of what can be shaken^(J)—that is, created things—so that what is not shaken might remain. ²⁸ Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful. By it, we may serve God acceptably, with reverence and awe,^{(K) 29} for our God is a consuming fire.^(L)

¹⁸ I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so that you may know what is the hope^(A) of his calling,^(B) what is the wealth of his glorious inheritance in the saints, ¹⁹ and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power^(C) toward us who believe, according to the mighty working of his strength.

God’s Power in Christ

²⁰ He exercised this power in Christ by raising him from the dead and seating him at his right hand^(D) in the heavens^(E)— ²¹ far above every ruler and authority, power and dominion, and every title given,^[a](F) not only in this age but also in the one to come.^{(G) 22} And he subjected everything under his feet^[b](H) and appointed him^[c] as head^(I) over everything for the church, ²³ which is his body,^(J) the fullness^(K) of the one who fills all things^(L) in every way.