KJV Hebrews 9:26 He appeared …

NASB Hebrews 9:26 He has been manifested

KJV Hebrews 9:24 Now to appear in the presence of God …

NASB Hebrews 9:24 Now to appear in the presence of God

KJV Hebrews 9:28 Shall He appear the second time …

NASB Hebrews 9:28 Will appear a second time

The Christ of History

Into this world came the  Son of God. He came to deal with the ultimate problem – sin. He came to provide a righteous basis for the entire divine program. His one sacrifice at Calvary has made it possible for God to forgive us our sins, but also for the “regeneration” of the creation that has been made subject to vanity.

History records that on April 3, AD 33, a Man was impaled to a tree and died under the provisions of the Roman law. Yet, that death as recorded by history has had eternal consequences, not only for our souls, but for every purpose of God. “All the promises in Him are yea and in Him Amen unto the glory of God” (2 Cor 1:20). That last expression, “unto the glory of God,” is crucial to note. There has been no compromise in God’s character, no lessening of any attribute. He can accomplish His will and perform His promises righteously because of the Christ of History. Sin has been removed as a barrier for the sinner, but also as a barrier to God’s eternal program.

The Christ in Heaven

The Christ Who was here is now above, in heaven. It is God’s vindication of His Son, an honour bestowed by virtue of the satisfaction and pleasure God has found in Him and in His work.

But His presence in heaven is not to bathe in His own glory or exult in divine honours bestowed, but “to appear in the presence of God for us.” His selfless character is always concerned for others (Phil 2), and our interests and needs occupy the glorified Man in heaven. His presence before the face of God as our surety guarantees the blessings of God for us. To the Hebrew audience to whom the Spirit addressed the letter, the acceptance of their High Priest within the veil assured them of God’s continued presence amongst them. Similarly, our High Priest is our “surety” of the enjoyment of all the spiritual blessings of the New Covenant.

The Christ on the Horizon

“Unto them that look for Him shall He appear …” Scholars differ here on the identification of the “them” and “shall appear.” Is this the beleaguered Jewish remnant of a future day looking for the Son of Man coming in glory, or is this the believer looking for the rapture? Whichever view is taken, the ultimate truth is that He is coming, first for His Bride, and then to the nation as the Sun of Righteousness. He is on the horizon.

Consider:

Think of His relationship to “sin” in these three appearings.