The Hope of His Return Hebrews 9:28
Introduction
Today, we explore a verse that encapsulates the hope and assurance we have as believers in Jesus Christ. Hebrews 9:28 says:
Hebrews 9:28 (NLT): "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."
This verse highlights three powerful truths: the finality of Christ's sacrifice, the certainty of His return, and the salvation He brings. Let's delve into these truths and see how they transform our lives.
1. The Finality of Christ's Sacrifice
The first part of Hebrews 9:28 states, "Christ was offered once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people."
Hebrews 10:12 (NLT): "But our High Priest offered himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time. Then he sat down in the place of honour at God’s right hand."
Christ’s sacrifice was complete and sufficient. Unlike the repeated sacrifices of the Old Testament, Jesus' one-time offering was enough to atone for all sins, for all people, for all time.
The Greek word for "once" (?pa?, hapax) signifies a singular, definitive action. This underscores the completeness and sufficiency of Christ’s atonement.
John Stott once said, “The concept of substitution may be said to lie at the heart of both sin and salvation. For the essence of sin is man substituting himself for God, while the essence of salvation is God substituting himself for man.”
Imagine a debt so large that it could never be repaid by any means. Now, envision someone stepping in and paying it in full with a single, substantial payment. This is what Christ did for us on the cross—paid our debt of sin completely.
Application:
Recognise and rest in the finished work of Christ. His sacrifice was perfect and final. We no longer need to strive for atonement through our efforts. Instead, we can live in the freedom and assurance of His grace.
2. The Certainty of His Return
The verse continues, "He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him."
Acts 1:11 (NLT): "Men of Galilee," they said, "why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!"
Jesus’ return is a guaranteed promise. Just as He ascended to heaven, He will come back to fulfil the remaining part of our salvation.
The term "eagerly waiting" (?pe?d???µa?, apekdechomai) indicates an expectant, active waiting. It's not a passive state but one filled with anticipation and preparation.
Charles Spurgeon remarked, “The sound of ‘He cometh! He cometh!’ should be as music to our ears.”
Consider a bride eagerly preparing for her wedding day. Every moment is filled with anticipation and preparation for the arrival of her groom. Similarly, our lives should be lived in readiness for Christ’s return.
Application:
Live with the expectancy of Christ’s return. Let this hope shape our priorities, decisions, and actions. Share this hope with others, encouraging them to also await His coming.
3. The Salvation He Brings
Finally, the verse speaks of Christ bringing salvation "to all who are eagerly waiting for him."
1 Peter 1:5 (NLT): "And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see."
Salvation is not only a present reality but also a future fulfilment. While we are saved now, the fullness of our salvation will be realised at Christ’s return.
The word "salvation" (s?t???a, soteria) encompasses deliverance, preservation, and safety. It is both our current experience and our ultimate hope.
Tim Keller said, “On the Day of the Lord, we will be saved from the presence of sin, having already been saved from its penalty and power.”
Think of a refugee who has been granted asylum in a new country. They are safe and free, but the journey to their new home still lies ahead. Similarly, while we have been granted salvation, the complete experience of it awaits Christ’s return.
Application:
Embrace the fullness of salvation offered by Christ. Live in the assurance of His deliverance today and the hope of its ultimate fulfilment. Let this salvation motivate us to live holy and purposeful lives, bearing witness to His grace.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Hebrews 9:28 offers us a profound hope: the finality of Christ’s sacrifice, the certainty of His return, and the salvation He brings. These truths should transform how we live, think, and hope.
Call to Action
Rest in His Sacrifice: Trust fully in the completed work of Christ on the cross.
Live in Expectation: Let the certainty of His return shape your daily life.
Embrace His Salvation: Walk in the fullness of the salvation He provides, living as a testimony to His grace.
Let us leave here today with hearts full of hope and lives ready to reflect the glory of our returning King. Amen.
