“So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.”– Hebrews 9:28 (KJV)
“So also Christ was offered once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him.”– Hebrews 9:28 (NLT)
“So Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin, but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.”– Hebrews 9:28 (MSG)
What Does Hebrews 9:28 Mean?
When we reflect on Hebrews 9:28, we find a beautiful summary of Christ’s purpose and promise. This verse tells us that Jesus was offered once as a sacrifice for our sins, but it is more than just a statement about His death. It emphasizes the hope we have in the promise of His return. The phrase “shall he appear the second time” reminds us that there is more to come beyond the sacrifice He made on the cross. It gives us a clear indication that Jesus will come back for those who are waiting for Him, not to address sin again, but to save. This verse captures the essence of our faith as we live in anticipation of His coming.
We can see that the words in this verse resonate deeply within our hearts as they assure us of both salvation and hope. The reference to being “offered once” establishes the finality of Christ’s sacrifice. Unlike the Old Testament sacrifices that had to be made repeatedly, Jesus’ one-time offering was sufficient to cover the sins of many. It highlights God’s perfect plan for humanity that culminated in Jesus stepping into our brokenness to offer redemption.
In a world filled with uncertainty, the promise that He will return for us gives us comfort and fills our lives with purpose. The idea that we are “eagerly waiting for him” encourages us not to passively sit but actively engage in our faith, share the good news, and live in a way that reflects His love and grace. As we look forward, we remind ourselves that this promise affects our daily lives and helps us in navigating challenges with unwavering hope.
Hebrews 9:28 Explanation and Commentary
As we explore this verse more deeply, we can recognize the profound implications it has for our lives. The understanding that Christ has provided a remedy for our sins and that He will return should inspire us to live differently. We ought to embrace our identity as redeemed people who have been called to spread the message of hope.
There are two key components in this verse that we must dissect. First is the statement about Jesus being “offered once.” This emphasizes the uniqueness of Christ’s sacrifice. Old Testament sacrifices were numerous and repetitive, typically conducted in the temple. However, Jesus was the ultimate sacrificial Lamb, fulfilling the law and putting an end to the need for animal sacrifices. We rejoice in knowing that through His sacrifice, we have direct access to God and no longer have to rely on the priests to intercede on our behalf.
Second, the phrase “to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for Him” gives us a thrilling promise. This is not a passive waiting but an active anticipation. This anticipation highlights the importance of living out our faith daily, seeking to be more like Jesus and reaching out to those who do not yet know Him. It empowers us because we know that our efforts in sharing the Gospel matter. As we embrace our calling to witness for Him, we dwell on the certainty of His return and the hope we carry within us.
We may wonder, why will He not deal with sin upon His return? The answer lies in the belief that He has already accomplished that work. When Jesus returns, it will be to complete the salvation story and gather those who have trusted in Him. Having accepted His grace, we can approach His return with excitement rather than fear.
In conclusion, the verse serves as a reminder of our Savior’s love, sacrifice, and the promise of eternal life with Him. As a community, we can encourage one another to stay focused on that hope while aiming to be messengers of His light and love here on Earth.
Context of Hebrews 9:28
To fully grasp the significance of Hebrews 9:28, it’s crucial to consider the context in which it was written. The book of Hebrews, believed to be penned by an unknown author, was specifically addressed to Jewish Christians who were struggling with their faith, especially in the face of persecution and the temptation to return to Judaism. The themes of the book revolve around the supremacy and finality of Christ’s work and the transitioning from the old covenant of law to the new covenant of grace.
In earlier chapters, the author draws contrasts between the priesthood in the Old Testament and the priesthood of Christ. The high priests of Israel would offer sacrifices regularly; however, Jesus, as our High Priest, offered Himself as the ultimate sacrifice once and for all. It’s essential to recognize how these early Jewish believers had to shift their understanding from ritualistic practices towards the grace and mercy manifest through Christ.
In the immediate context surrounding Hebrews 9:28, the author has been explaining the nature of Christ’s sacrifice and establishing its significance. He discusses how the sacrificial system set up by the law was insufficient, hence the need for a divine solution. By chapter 9, the teachings transition toward the hope and promise of Jesus’ return, further encouraging faith and perseverance among believers who were weary and facing trials.
The call to eagerly await His return also resonates throughout the New Testament, encouraging us in our walk of faith. In Titus 2:13, we are reminded to look out for “the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.” This parallel shows us that we are not alone in our faith but part of a continuous narrative of believers longing for Christ’s return.
Understanding the backdrop of Hebrews 9:28 helps us appreciate the depth of the message offered in this verse as it speaks to a weary audience in need of encouragement, just as we need today. By reminiscing on His sacrifice and anticipating His return, we stir ourselves up toward a faith filled with hope, perseverance, and purpose.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Hebrews 9:28
Breaking down this verse into smaller parts helps us to grasp its richness better. The phrase “Christ was once offered” underscores the singular and decisive act of sacrifice. It reminds us that Christ is sufficient; we do not have to add anything to His finished work nor attempt to earn our salvation through our efforts. This idea of being ‘once offered’ reinforces the finality of His sacrifice. Jesus did not need to make multiple offerings; His one act was enough.
“To bear the sins of many” speaks to the heart of the Gospel. Jesus bore the weight of our sin, taking upon Himself the punishment we deserved so that we could be reconciled with God. The term “many” indicates that this salvation is widely available, offering hope to all who accept Him. No one is beyond reach, and that’s a beautiful feature of the Gospel. His blood was shed for all.
The next important phrase, “and unto them that look for him,” brings an active element into play. We are called to actively wait and anticipate His return. This anticipation shapes our daily lives and choices; it is a motivation for holiness and a prompt to persist in our faith. As joyous believers, we find encouragement that Jesus will come again! There is a sense of urgency as we await His return, knowing that our time here is fleeting.
Finally, the statement “without sin unto salvation” encapsulates the essence of hope. He is coming back, not to deal with sin but to bring salvation. This distinction is immensely important because it assures us that the battle against sin has been won and that His return is about establishing God’s kingdom fully and permanently. We can rest assured that Christ’s coming will bring fully realized salvation, free from the struggles of sin and pain. It foreshadows a future where worry and heartache will no longer exist.
In summary, as we break down these key elements from Hebrews 9:28, we uncover a powerful message of hope, assurance, and purpose. We are reminded that Christ’s sacrifice is perfect and sufficient, and we should live our lives in anticipation of His promised return, spreading this good news with others.
Lessons to Learn From Hebrews 9:28
There are numerous lessons we can glean from Hebrews 9:28. First, we learn about the significance of Christ’s sacrifice. It serves as a reminder of the cost of our salvation and the depth of God’s love for us. When we think about everything that Jesus endured on our behalf, it should fill our hearts with gratitude and inspire us to live in obedience to Him.
Another key lesson is the importance of anticipation. This verse invites us to actively wait for Jesus’s return. Living with that anticipation compels us to engage in our faith positively. It pushes us to develop a life where we prioritize our relationship with Him and share that hope with others. We are called to be intentional as we reflect His love and grace in everything we do.
Additionally, we are reminded that our faith is not just about waiting for His return. We must also take action. In 1 Corinthians 15:58, Paul encourages us to stand firm and give ourselves fully to the work of the Lord because our labor is not in vain. This is crucial because as we await His return, God has work for us to accomplish. It’s an invitation to reflect Christ in our actions rather than being passive. We are called to share the good news of salvation with those around us, extending the offer of hope and redemption.
Hebrews 9:28 also teaches us about confidence in our salvation. It reassures us that Jesus has already dealt with our sin and will not bring it up again upon His return. The freedom we gain through repentance is astounding, and that should lead us to experience life abundantly. Knowing that He will deliver us from sin and pain encourages us not to dwell in the past but to look forward to our new identity in Him.
Lastly, we can observe the emphasis on community in waiting for Christ. As we gather with fellow believers, we can encourage one another to keep pressing on in faith. Being part of a community helps us to stay accountable, support one another, and collectively share the love of Christ with the world. Each lesson we draw from this verse should ignite in us a fire to connect more deeply and authentically with our faith community.
Final Thoughts
As we process the powerful message embedded in Hebrews 9:28, it invites us to live in the light of hope and purpose. Recognizing the unique sacrifice made by Christ allows us to appreciate the grace we have received. Living with an anticipation of His soon return motivates us to reflect Him in our daily lives and engage with those around us in meaningful ways.
The assurance that Jesus will return provides comfort during challenging times. When we experience struggles, we can find strength in the truth that He is coming back to bring complete salvation. We are not left alone; we have each other and the promise of His presence. Let us take courage as we wait eagerly for Him while actively sharing His love with the world.
If you are eager to continue exploring more lessons from the Bible, check out articles that cover fascinating stories, such as 1 Samuel 20:3 or the importance of 1 Samuel 20:1. Each piece of Scripture offers insights that can guide and inspire our walk with Christ. May we keep our hearts open to learn and draw closer to Him as we await His glorious return!