Hebrews 12:18-24

18For you have not come [as did the Israelites in the wilderness] to a mountain that can be touched and to a blazing fire, and to gloom and darkness and a raging windstorm,

19and to the blast of a trumpet and a sound of words [such that] those who heard it begged that nothing more be said to them.

20For they could not bear the command, “If even a wild animal touches the mountain, it will be stoned [to death].”

21In fact, so terrifying was the sight, that Moses said, “I am filled with fear and trembling.”

22But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels [in festive gathering],

23and to the general assembly and assembly of the firstborn who are registered [as citizens] in heaven, and to God, who is Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous (the redeemed in heaven) who have been made perfect [bringing them to their final glory],

24and to Jesus, the Mediator of a new covenant [uniting God and man], and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks [of mercy], a better and nobler and more gracious message than the blood of Abel [which cried out for vengeance].