He Will Appear A Second Time
Friday’s Verse:
From Hebrews 9:28 ESV
“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.”
There is a true blessing in our verse today: namely, that Jesus is coming again.
The first time Christ appeared, He came to deal with our greatest problem—our sin. He did not come merely to teach us, inspire us, or show us how to live better lives. He came to be our substitute. At the cross, Jesus offered Himself “once” for our sins. His sacrifice was sufficient. Nothing more needs to be added to what Christ has already accomplished for us.
But Hebrews points us toward another appearance: Christ will come again.
And notice the difference. His first coming was to bear our sins. His second coming will be “not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.” For the Christian, Christ's return is not something to dread. The One who comes is the same Savior who already gave Himself for us.
That gives us a wonderful perspective when life becomes difficult. We may face uncertainty, suffering, illness, disappointment, and things we simply cannot understand. But none of those things change the promise of Christ. He has come. He has died for us. He is risen. And He will come again.
✝️ A Prayer for Today:
Lord Jesus, thank You for coming into this world to bear my sins and give Yourself for me. Keep me faithful as I wait for Your return. When life is difficult and uncertain, remind me that Your promises are certain. Give me confidence in Your finished work and joy in the hope of seeing You again. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
The photo above was licensed through Unsplash+