[Hebrews 9, Proverbs 8]

H – Hebrews 9:27–28, “[27] And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, [28] 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.”

E – Appointed!

I know we don’t like to think or talk about it. But, there is something that every person is one day destined for, Death. We cannot avoid death. God has appointed that death should visit every human being, bearing the return of Christ Jesus.

After death it is appointed that all people will face judgement. This judgement is when God acts justly to those that have believed upon His name and bowed the knee in surrender and those that have refused to believe in surrender. 

Our only hope in escaping the punishment of our sinful nature is Jesus. He was offered up to bear the sins of humanity. It was Christ who willingly and sacrificially took the debt of our sin, becoming sin, crucifying our sin on Calvary’s Cross, so that by grace through faith we might become an adopted child of His righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21). 

Also, notice that the word “appear” is used three times in Hebrews 9:24–28. 1) He has appeared to put away sin by dying on the cross (Heb. 9:26). 2) He is appearing now in heaven for us (Heb. 9:24). 3) One day, He shall appear to take Christians home (Heb. 9:28). What a summary of our Lord’s work. That is our hope. He is our Hope. 

I must include part of Warren Wiersbe’s commentary entry that spoke to me this morning. He wrote, “The Hebrew Christians who received this letter had to realize that there is no middle ground. They had to make a choice between the earthly or the heavenly, the temporary or the eternal, the incomplete or the complete.” – Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, 312. In the same manner, Paul David Tripp stated it this way, “There are only two ways to respond to Jesus: 1) Surrender to Him, 2) Walk away from Him.

Those that have by faith believed upon His name and justification, surrendered to His Lordship, and walk in faithful obedience, should eagerly wait to be glorified before Him. 

Eternal salvation is coming for those who wait. Eternal damnation is coming for those who refuse. 

A – Eagerly wait with great anticipation by: Resting in His Lordship, Being Refreshed in and through His Word, Being Submissive to His Spirit, Being Obedient to His calling (9:14), Clinging to His Promises. 

R – Lord God, thank you for redemption. Thank you for reconciliation. Thank you for the opportunity of eternal forgiveness. Thank you for intercession. Thank you for your presence. Thank you for your promises. Thank you for our hope and future. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

In Jesus Name!