The words of the text are intended as a warning to the potential apostate, and at the same time as an encouragement to the true believer. They contain reasons for godly living and also a renewed warning against both moral laxity on the part of the believer and the temptation to go back on the part of those not wholly committed to the power of the gospel. They revive and continue the comparison and contrast of earlier chapters concerning law and grace. These two principles will be seen as symbols and personified by the two mounts, Sinai and Zion. It was a frightening occasion in which the law was given, and Judaism as a system was born. How grateful we are that we do not go to Sinai! We, who having known the blessings that grace has brought, would never want to he caught up in the tempestuous and smoky atmosphere of Judaism? We must learn to be thankful for the beauty of Zion!