12:18–24 The old and new covenants are compared in terms of the mountains (Sinai and Zion) associated with each. Fear was the dominant theme at Sinai, a touchable (and thus earthly and mutable) mountain on which the law was given (vv. 18–21). Joy and confidence characterize the heavenly (and thus eternal) Zion, because the Savior is there with the blood of forgiveness (vv. 22–24).