Hebrews 9:28—“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 brings together Christ’s first coming and His promised return. At His first coming, Christ “was once offered to bear the sins of many.” His sacrifice was complete, sufficient, and irrepeatable. He bore the guilt and punishment for His people’s sins on the cross.

But the verse directs our gaze forward. Christ “shall… appear the second time”. His first appearance was in humiliation to deal with sin; His second appearance will bring the consummation of salvation to those who belong to Him.

The words “without sin” do not imply that Christ ever possessed sin. Rather, when He returns, He will not come again to bear sin as a sacrifice. That work has already been accomplished once for all. He will return to bring His redeemed into the fullness of the salvation He purchased for them.

Those who belong to Christ are described as “those that look for him”. Biblical Christianity therefore fosters expectancy. The believer does not live only for present comforts, ambitions, or achievements. His heart is directed towards the coming of Christ.

Are we truly seeking Him? Such expectation should produce holiness, faithfulness, patience, and courage. If Christ may come, we should not cling too tightly to this passing world.

The Christian’s hope is not merely that present troubles will end, but that Christ Himself will appear.

Let us therefore live each day with our hearts set upon Him, serving faithfully while waiting joyfully for our Saviour’s return.