TWO MOUNTAINS

In Exodus, we read of Mount Sinai where the law was given to Moses. The scene is clearly described as foreboding and treacherous (fire, storms, earthquakes) ... the power of God's presence had come to rest there.

In the book of Hebrews, we are reminded that Christians are no longer under that old covenant ... 

You have not come to a mountain that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom, and storm; to a trumpet blast or to such a voice speaking words that those who heard it begged that no further word be spoken to them because they could not bear what was commanded: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death.” The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, “I am trembling with fear.”  Hebrews 12:18-21

Mount Sinai is a frightful depiction of God's holiness and the gulf that exists between the Lord and sinful man. The Jews could not approach this mountain or they would die; a solemn picture of the Law's power to place mankind under a 'curse'. 

For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, 'Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them'. Galatians 3:10

Spurgeon - You who are under the law, you who are trying to win God’s favor by your good works, you who fancy that human merit can bring you salvation, look to the flames that Moses saw, and sink, and tremble, and despair. You who think that you can live as the law requires, and so attain everlasting life, may well stand shivering and trembling before this almighty though invisible God. Terrible is the plight of the man who has to depend upon what Sinai can give him.

The Law of God brings certain judgment upon all of mankind, but when the penalty for sin was placed upon Jesus Christ, a new covenant through His blood was established ,,, only accessible by faith. 

But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, 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, to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel. Hebrews 12:22-24

Living in the shadow of Mount Sinai is a vain and hopeless venture. Mount Zion, on the other hand, welcomes every weary wanderer. Because of an old rugged cross (on yet another mountain ... that of Calvary), you have free access to the City of God.