Why is it important for Christians to understand the difference between Mount Sinai and Mount Zion?

The distinction between Mount Sinai and Mount Zion serves as a metaphor for the two covenants: the old covenant of law and the new covenant of grace. Mount Sinai represents the law, which brings condemnation and showcases our inability to meet God's righteous standards. In contrast, Mount Zion symbolizes the place of grace and the fulfillment in Christ, who alone can provide salvation. This understanding is crucial for believers, as it liberates them from the burdens of legalism and self-righteousness. It reminds Christians that their standing before God is based solely on faith in Christ's finished work rather than their own merits or adherence to the law, reaffirming the core Reformed principle of justification by faith alone.