How does Hebrews 9:28 emphasize Christ's role in salvation for believers? Setting the Scene – Hebrews 9 describes the earthly tabernacle and the Day of Atonement, when the high priest entered the Most Holy Place with blood for the people’s sins (vv. 1-7). – That yearly ritual pointed to a greater reality: “Christ did not enter a man-made sanctuary … He entered heaven itself” (v. 24). – Verse 27 concludes, “It is appointed for men to die once, and after that to face judgment.” Into that sober truth, verse 28 shines hope. The Verse in Focus “so also Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many; and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who eagerly await Him.” Christ’s Once-for-All Sacrifice – “Was offered once” • Unlike repeated animal sacrifices, His death is final and sufficient (Hebrews 7:27; 10:10, 14). – “To bear the sins of many” • He took the full weight of our guilt on the cross (Isaiah 53:12; 1 Peter 2:24). • Substitution: He received the judgment we deserved so we receive the righteousness He earned (2 Corinthians 5:21). – Result: Penal debt paid in full—nothing left to add, repeat, or improve. The Second Appearance: Completing Our Salvation – “He will appear a second time” • First coming: suffering Servant (Isaiah 53). • Second coming: reigning Savior (Revelation 19:11-16). – “Not to bear sin” • Atonement is finished; no further sacrifice ever required. – “But to bring salvation” • The rescue He purchased will be fully applied—resurrection bodies, final deliverance from the presence of sin (Romans 8:23; 1 Corinthians 15:51-57). • Judgment shifted from believers to the cross; His return brings reward, not wrath (1 Thessalonians 5:9-10). Living in Expectant Hope – “To those who eagerly await Him” • Genuine faith looks forward, not backward (Philippians 3:20-21). • Assurance: the same Lord who died for us guarantees He will come for us (John 14:3). – Motivations born of this hope: • Purity – “Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself” (1 John 3:3). • Perseverance – present trials are temporary; glory is eternal (Romans 8:18). • Witness – the gospel becomes urgent when His return is certain (2 Peter 3:9-12). Key Takeaways – Salvation is anchored in two historical certainties: the cross behind us, the return ahead of us. – Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice cancels sin’s penalty; His future appearance delivers us from sin’s presence. – Eager anticipation marks true believers; we live ready, hopeful, and confident because the work He began He will finish (Philippians 1:6). |
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