What does "appear a second time" in Hebrews 9:28 mean for Christians today? “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.” One Sacrifice, Two Appearances • First appearance: the Incarnation—“offered once to bear the sins of many” (Hebrews 9:26–28). • Second appearance: the literal, bodily return of Jesus to complete the work of redemption for His people. What “Will Appear a Second Time” Means • A definite promise: Christ’s return is as certain as His first coming (Acts 1:11). • A visible event: “Every eye will see Him” (Revelation 1:7). • A different purpose: not to deal with sin again—that was finished at Calvary (John 19:30)—but “to bring salvation” in its final, full sense (1 Peter 1:5). Key Truths Wrapped in the Phrase • Final deliverance: the redemption of our bodies (Romans 8:23). • Complete vindication: justice executed on all evil (2 Thessalonians 1:7–10). • Fulfillment of hope: “the blessed hope—the glorious appearance of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13). • Unchanging promise: “He who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:23). Practical Significance for Believers Today • Certain assurance – We rest in a finished atonement; His return will not revisit sin’s penalty. – Our salvation is secure, awaiting final revelation (1 Peter 1:5). • Strength for holy living – “Everyone who has this hope purifies himself” (1 John 3:3). – We pursue godliness, knowing He could appear at any moment (2 Peter 3:11–12). • Comfort in suffering – Present trials are temporary; coming glory is permanent (Romans 8:18). – The Judge is “standing at the door” (James 5:8–9). • Motivation for ministry – Urgency to proclaim the gospel before the trumpet sounds (Matthew 24:14). – Faithful stewardship of gifts and opportunities (Luke 19:13). • Perspective for daily life – Citizenship is in heaven; we “await a Savior” (Philippians 3:20). – Temporal concerns are weighed against eternal realities (2 Corinthians 4:17–18). Living in Light of His Second Appearing • Cultivate expectancy: “eagerly await Him” through worship, Scripture, and obedience. • Remain steadfast: hold fast to the confession of hope without wavering (Hebrews 10:23). • Walk in holiness: reflect the coming King’s character in conduct and speech (1 Peter 1:13–16). • Serve with zeal: invest talents, time, and resources for the kingdom (1 Corinthians 15:58). Summary Takeaways • Christ’s second appearing is literal, visible, and certain. • It completes salvation for believers, not by re-sacrificing, but by fully applying the redemption already secured. • This promise anchors assurance, shapes holiness, comforts in hardship, energizes mission, and reorients daily priorities. • The proper response is eager anticipation expressed through faithful, fruitful living until the day “He will appear a second time.” |
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