Zion
Hebrews 12:22-24

I. Introduction
       A. “Zion” is a name we don’t use much apart from hymns
             1. Zion is increasingly associated with Zionism, Zionist thought
             2. It’s obscurity and misperception doesn’t mean it isn’t an important symbol, however
       B. Zion was and is an important place that continues to be relevant to us as Christians.
             1. What Zion was at a time it was commonly part of the vocabulary of Israel.
             2. What it means to us, “on whom the end of the ages has come.” (1 Cor. 10:11)
II. What Zion Meant to Israel of Old Covenant
       A. The “city of David” (2 Samuel 5:5-7)
             1. “Zion” = “monument; raised up” – “a monumental or guiding pillar”
             2. Inhabited by the Jebusites in the days of King David
             3. David conquered it, made it his capital city, Jerusalem.
       B. Location of the temple
             1. Place where the Living God could be worshipped, revered (Isa. 18:7)
             2. The songs of ascent sung by those walking up toward it (e.g. Psalm 125, 126)
       C. Associated with rebuke and warning to a faithless nation
             1. The covenant people began to forget and abandon their obligation to God
             2. It became a symbol of false hope, warning to rebellious people (Jer 7:4; 8:19; Lam. 1:17)
       D. Prophecy of Hope
             1. The long term vision of the prophets wasn’t despair but hope.
             2. God would establish a new covenant, which would flow forth from Zion.
                  (Isaiah 2:2-4; Joel 2:32)
III. What Zion Means to Israel of the New Covenant
       A. Diminished usage in New Testament language
             1. Almost every reference to Zion in the New Testament is a quotation of OT prophecy
             2. Only two passages in the New Testament use it apart from quotation.
       B. The place of the Savior’s redemption
             1. Isa. 59:20-21 – Redeemer will come to Zion
             2. Romans 11:26 – Deliverer, the one who banishes ungodliness from Jacob
             3. Zech. 9:9 – Coming King (Quoted in Matthew 21:5; John 12:15)
       C. The source of the message of the new revelation from God
             1. Double-Meaning, Transition to Heavenly Zion (Isa. 61:1-4; Psa 110:1-2; Mic 4:1-7)
                  a. The “place” of the people He redeems (Isa. 8:18; 30:19; 33:5-6; 35:8-10; 51:11; 52:7)
             2. The symbol of decision (1 Peter 2:6, quoting Isa 28:16; Romans 9:33, quoting Isa. 8:14)
             3. Contrast with Sinai (Heb. 12:18-21)
       D. The eternal mountain of God
             1. Isaiah reveals that it stands even as earth collapses in destruction (Isa. 24:19-23)
             2. Where the Lamb, His redeemed mingle (Rev. 14:1; Heb. 12:22-24)
             3. The heavenly Jerusalem (Heb. 12:22)
             4. Where those who conquer will be
IV. Conclusion
       A. Have you responded to the call that has come forth from Zion for your salvation?
       B. Are you bound for Zion, the eternal presence of God?