He Will Appear a Second Time…

Hebrews 9:27-28 (NIV)

Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him.

Our Verse of the Day has been studied before, but I always like to take a closer look at it for both the message and the hope that it brings to light for us. The writer of the Book of Hebrews (some scholars think it was Paul, others believe it might have been either Apollos or Luke) broadly discusses the Old Testament scriptural support and theological implications for the NEW COVENANT which is fulfilled in Christ Jesus. The entire book is a fascinating composition that helped Jewish believers (and us today) better comprehend the mission for which Father God sent His One and Only Son, Jesus, into this world. The ultimate purpose is found in one word: SALVATION. And understanding how Jesus secured our salvation through His life, His death, and His resurrection, should encourage us to keep the New Covenant which God has ordained for those who love Him. I strongly encourage you to read the entire book when you have the opportunity….

Although, there is a great deal of commentary that can arise from a study of the Book of Hebrews, I promise to keep it narrow and focused on the verse at hand. As usual, I reprinted our verse in the surrounding context for emphasis:

Hebrews 9:11-15; 23-28 (NIV)

But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here, He went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, is not a part of this creation. He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts (useless rituals) that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!For this reason Christ is the mediator of a New Covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that He has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.

It was necessary, then, for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these sacrifices, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made with human hands that was only a copy of the true one; He entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s presence. Nor did He enter heaven to offer Himself again and again; the way the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own. Otherwise, Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But He has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of Himself. Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him.

What I want to emphasize for us is the declaration of writer regarding the Second Coming of Jesus. Jesus’ first Advent was to fulfill, once-and-for-all time, the sacrificial atonement God has required for the forgiveness of our sin … to blot out our transgressions … to establish the justification for His mercy and grace. Then what does the text say? “He will appear a SECOND time, NOT TO BEAR SIN, but the bring salvation to THOSE WHO ARE WAITING FOR HIM.” My question is this: Are YOU one of those who are waiting for the return of our Lord Jesus? The implication here is there are people who are NOT waiting for Him? What does “waiting for Him” mean? Is it not a perpetual state of anticipation … that joyful angst of personal longing to see a loved one who has been gone? An active yearning for Jesus appears to be a natural manifestation of faith because the text indicates that Jesus will bring salvation to those who are awaiting His return. So, I want us to get laser-locked on the meaning of what has been written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

I believe Verse 27 sets up the context in which Verse 28 should be interpreted. “JUST AS people are destined to die once….” By means of comparison, what is getting ready to be said will be “very similar to,” or perhaps, even “exactly like” what has been stated. We could possibly apply the following interpretation: “Just as people are destined to die once, so Christ was destined to be sacrificed once (i.e., to die once) to take away the sins of many….” Now, let’s look at the remainder of Verse 27, which asserts: “And after their death, all people will face their final judgement….” This assertion is supported by other Scripture in that all will be resurrected and stand before the judgment seat of Christ. (Cf. Corinthians 5:10; Romans 14:10; Hebrews 6:2; Revelation 20:12-13) Now, should the remainder of Verse 28, also follow the “JUST AS” pattern established in Verse 27? If so,we could possibly render the following interpretation: “And after His death, Christ was resurrected, and He will appear a second time for the judgment to come … and bring the reward of eternal life to those who are waiting for Him”. Again, my intent is not to over amplify what is written. I simply want us to see the pattern as it is written, and to consider theological conclusions regarding its application to the practice of our faith.

The application that I see is another affirmation of the certitude that our Lord Jesus Christ will return. I believe it indicates the purpose of His Second Advent to the earth will be different than the purpose of His First Advent. His first coming was to redeem us from judgment … to obtain our justification … and to bright us the light of God. His second coming is to bring salvation … to bring the reward of eternal life to those who have believed in Him … to those who are looking for His coming … who are waiting for Him … to those who love Him … to those who are living in obedience … to those who are not in fear (dread) of His return but who are in fear (reverence) of Him. These are the ones who will receive the reward of salvation (eternal life) Jesus is bringing with Him. But again, the reward is for “those who are waiting for Him.” I believe the question is whether we are living in anticipation of His return out of love for Him or living with indifference:

2 Peter 3:1-12a (NIV)

Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking. I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles. Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ He promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” But they deliberately forget that long ago by God’s word the heavens came into being and the earth was formed out of water and by water. By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly. But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives ¹²as you wait eagerly for the day of God to come….

I will conclude with this reminder:

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 (NIV)

Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with Him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! ~ Revelation 22:20

Like A Tree Planted…

Jeremiah 17:7-8 (NIV)

But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.

Our Verse of the Day is a timely reminder about trusting the Lord and placing our confidence in Him!

The Lord tells us, through the Prophet Jeremiah, that blessing and cursing are determined by where; or rather, in whom we place our trust. The ones who trust in themselves … in their abilities as humans or the abilities of other people … whose hearts are not turned toward God … will not be blessed but left desolate. But the ones who trust in God … who place their full confidence (faith) in Him … will be blessed. They will be as a tree planted by the water and kept alive and bear fruit! Let’s look at the didactic metaphors used in the larger passage:

Jeremiah 17:5-8 (NIV)

This is what the Lord says: “Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the Lord. That person will be like a bush in the wastelands; they will not see prosperity when it comes. They will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives. “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”

In the context of the incessant tribulations sweeping our world, we need to keep historical experience and perspective in mind. World-wide pandemics and pestilences have plagued humans over the millennia of human history. Famines, droughts, swarms of locust, earthquakes, powerful weather systems, etc. have occurred; and it is probable they will continue to do so. History is filled with wars, violence, and other human conflicts ever since Cain and Abel. But God has always taken care of those who trust Him. His care does not mean we will be free of hardship or suffering. But we can be confident that WHEN the heat of trials and difficulties comes, we will be watered. We will be refreshed. He is Jehovah-Jireh … the God who provides!

Further, we need to remember that God will work through every circumstance in our lives to grow our faith in Him … to help us become more rooted in His Word, more transformed in our thinking, and more fruitful in our lives. His desire is to conform us to the image of His Son. Considered what Paul affirmed in this regard:

Romans 8:28-32 (NIV)

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. For those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He (Jesus) might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified. What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave Him up for us all—how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?

What we can see in this passage is the unfailing love and promises of God through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Whatever happens in the days ahead, we KNOW that in ALL things, God works for the good of those who love Him … for the good of those who have been called according to His purpose. We do not have to be afraid; rather we can believe Him at His Word. As with Joshua, I believe we too can hear the voice of God saying: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Cf. Joshua 1:9) As Paul asked, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” And further along, Paul will ask: “What shall separate us from the love of Christ?” And his conclusion? Our conclusion? “No, in ALL these things (everything we WILL endure in life) we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” (Cf. Romans 8:33-39)

Note that our troubles and trials will not only be the physical realities of hardship and suffering that will test us; there will be spiritual challenges and battles in the midst of this tribulation as well. Satan will use any occasion and attempt to use it to disrupt our faith … plant seeds of doubt … and entice us to question the love of God. But thanks be to God, we have Jesus! Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have tribulation. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (Cf. John 16:33) “For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? ONLY the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.” (Cf. 1 John 5:4-5)

Ephesians 6:10-13 (NIV)

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

Here, Paul emphasizes the power of the Spirit of God to produce perseverance and to expose the real war … the real battle that is going on. I believe what is happening in our natural world is a reflection of what is going on in the heavenly realms … the Kingdom of Light at war with the kingdom of darkness. Yes, in the natural we can see enemies and threats to our physical lives; but I pray that more believers will now begin to see with spiritual eyes that we are fighting another adversary of our minds and hearts … the spiritual forces of evil in this world. And so, we need to be equipped! We need to be strong in the Lord and in HIS mighty power. All of the spiritual armor serves its purpose to protect us … to defend us from the assault; but do not overlook that we have an OFFENSIVE spiritual weapon. That weapon is the sword of the Spirit … which is the Word of God (Truth). (Cf. Ephesians 6:14-17)

My friends, as we persevere in faith in these times of uncertainty and upheaval, we need to encourage one another and build one another up … just as you are doing. (Cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:11) We need to encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of us may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. (Cf. Hebrews 3:13) And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but encouraging each another, and more so as you see the Day approaching. (Cf. Hebrews 10:24-25) Yes, it is vital that we stay connected and continue to care for one another….

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

Strive For Full Restoration…

Galatians 6:1 (NIV)

Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.

Restoration! I will say it again. Restoration! That is the call upon our lives as believers! God restored us to Himself through our Lord Jesus; and it will be no different for anyone else. This is the point of ministry: to heal brokenness; to deliver the captive from darkness; to urge reconciliation with the Father; to restore lives to fullness and wholeness. We who live by the Spirit of God dwelling within us are commissioned to facilitate reconciliation and restoration of those who are caught, trapped, or ensnared in sin. And, Paul adds, we are to do so with gentleness … knowing that we ourselves at one time were enslaved to our sinful human nature.

1 Corinthians 6:9-11 (NIV)

Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the Kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

Ephesians 2:1-5 (NIV)

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh (our sinful nature) and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.

Paul wrote: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” (Romans 12:1) I think part of being a living sacrifice to others is being a vessel of healing and restoration … helping others experience the power of Jesus’ resurrection and to receive deliverance by declaring the truth of God’s will for our lives … yes, even our sanctification. We are not to pass judgment on others entangled in sin; rather, we need to pray for them and lead them to Jesus … the only Savior! Jesus warned us not to be self-righteous or to have an attitude of condemnation towards other people. And Paul, likewise, confronts our inner propensity to elevate ourselves above others:

Matthew 7:1-5 (NIV)

“Do not judge (condemn), or you too will be judged (condemned). For in the same way that you judge (condemn) others, you will be (condemned), and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

Romans 2:1-4 (NIV)

You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment (condemnation) on someone else, for at whatever point you judge (condemn) another, you are judging (condemning) yourself, because you who pass judgment do (or have done) the same things. Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. So, when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do (or have done) the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment (condemnation)? Or do you show contempt for the riches of His kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?

This is the truth that we as the Body of Christ must remember: “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.” (Cf. John 3:17) And it follows that Christ Jesus did not send His disciples into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through the life-changing light of the Gospel message! Yes, we who live by the Spirit are to be agents of reconciliation … resurrection … and restoration! If we minister in gentleness and conduct ourselves with kindness, I believe we will be more effective in leading others to repentance and to the eternal life found in Jesus! Indeed, as we have become recipients of God’s mercy and grace, let us extend that same mercy and grace to others. Let us love one another as we have been loved by God in Christ. Amen.

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. ~ 2 Corinthians 13:11