Hebrews 9:28
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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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What's easy to miss is that Christ's second appearance is "without sin" not because He was sinful before, but because His first appearance was for the purpose of dealing with sin. His second appearance, therefore, is not about atonement, but about the completion of salvation for those who eagerly await Him.
The author is contrasting the high-priestly work of Jesus with the rituals of the Old Covenant. Having explained that the Levitical system was a temporary shadow, he now emphasizes that Christ’s single, perfect sacrifice has made a once-for-all atonement for sin, unlike the repeated sacrifices of the past. This single act paves the way for his ultimate return to bring complete salvation to those who eagerly await him.
Why did Jesus only need to die once? The book of Hebrews makes a powerful case for the absolute sufficiency of Christ's single sacrifice.
Hebrews 9:28 emphasizes that Christ was "once offered." This wasn't a practice run or a rehearsal. His sacrifice was singular and complete.
Jesus is coming back! But why? This verse reveals the incredible, personal reason for His return.
The latter part of Hebrews 9:28 shifts focus from Christ's past sacrifice to His future return. This second appearance has a specific, glorious purpose.
Understand the original words
Christos · Greek Noun
The anointed one, the Messiah of Israel and Savior of the world, who fulfills the Old Testament office of High Priest and the role of the atoning sacrifice.
anenenkein · Greek Verb
The act of vicariously taking on the burden, penalty, or consequences of transgressions to secure forgiveness for others.
ophthēsetai · Greek Verb
The promised return of Jesus Christ to earth, marking the completion of His redemptive work and the commencement of the eternal state for the redeemed.
sōtērian · Greek Noun
The final restoration and deliverance of believers from the presence, power, and ultimate penalty of sin, realized fully at Christ's return.
The verse powerfully contrasts the once-for-all sacrifice of Christ with the repeated sacrifices of the Old Covenant. The historical context of the Temple's existence and destruction underscores the transition from a physical, temporary system to the eternal, spiritual reality that Christ inaugurated.
c. 1446 BC
The Exodus and the Mosaic Covenant
God delivers Israel from slavery in Egypt and establishes a covenant with them at Mount Sinai, giving them the Law, including instructions for the tabernacle and its sacrificial system.
c. 950 BC
Dedication of Solomon's Temple
The Ark of the Covenant is placed in the Most Holy Place of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem, signifying God's dwelling among His people and the center of their worship and sacrificial system.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
The Babylonians conquer Jerusalem, destroy the Temple, and exile many Israelites, marking the end of sacrificial worship in the divinely appointed location.
c. 516 BC
Rebuilding of the Second Temple
Exiles return from Babylon and rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem, though it is a less magnificent structure than Solomon's and lacks the Ark of the Covenant.
This passage in Isaiah prophesies about the suffering servant who will 'bear the sin of many,' directly anticipating the language used in Hebrews 9:28.
Romans 8:34This verse speaks of Christ interceding for us after his death, which directly relates to his role as the one who appeared 'to save those who are eagerly waiting for him' in Hebrews 9:28.
Titus 2:13This verse describes believers as 'looking for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,' which echoes the idea of those 'eagerly waiting for him' in Hebrews 9:28.
1 Peter 1:7This passage discusses the testing of faith through trials, which is related to the purification of believers who are 'waiting for the appearance of Jesus Christ,' linking to the salvation aspect of Hebrews 9:28.
Revelation 22:20The verse concludes with Jesus saying, 'Surely I am coming soon,' which directly corresponds to the second appearing mentioned in Hebrews 9:28 and the eager waiting of believers.
vincentHebrews 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."
ChristEmphasizing him, as the figure to which the old economy pointed.Was once offered (ἅπαξ προσενεχθεὶς)Lit. having been offered once for all. Note the passive in contrast with offer himself, Hebrews 9:25. He was appointed to die as truly as we. Comp. Luke 24:26; Matthew 26:53, Matthew 26:54; Psalm 40:7, Psalm 40:8.To bear (ἀνενεγ…
barnesHebrews 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."
So Christ was once offered - Since people are to die but once; and as all beyond the grave is fixed by the judgment, so that his death there would make no change in the destiny, there was a propriety that he should die but once for sin. The argument is, there is one probation only, and therefore there was need of but one sacrifice, or o…
What's easy to miss is that Christ's second appearance is "without sin" not because He was sinful before, but because His first appearance was for the purpose of dealing with sin. His second appearance, therefore, is not about atonement, but about the completion of salvation for those who eagerly await Him.
The author is contrasting the high-priestly work of Jesus with the rituals of the Old Covenant. Having explained that the Levitical system was a temporary shadow, he now emphasizes that Christ’s single, perfect sacrifice has made a once-for-all atonement for sin, unlike the repeated sacrifices of the past. This single act paves the way for his ultimate return to bring complete salvation to those who eagerly await him.
The author is contrasting the high-priestly work of Jesus with the rituals of the Old Covenant. Having explained that the Levitical system was a temporary shadow, he now emphasizes that Christ’s single, perfect sacrifice has made a once-for-all atonement for sin, unlike the repeated sacrifices of the past. This single act paves the way for his ultimate return to bring complete salvation to those who eagerly await him.
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apekdechomenois · Greek Verb
The expectant and hopeful anticipation of a believer for the return of Christ, characterized by vigilance and faith.
c. 30 AD— this verse
Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus
Jesus Christ is crucified, fulfilling the ultimate sacrifice for sins, and is resurrected, demonstrating His victory over death and sin.
c. AD 60-70
Destruction of the Second Temple
The Romans destroy Jerusalem and the Second Temple, ending the sacrificial system permanently and further emphasizing the finality of Christ's sacrifice.
"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." — What's easy to miss is that Christ's second appearance is "without sin" not because He was sinful before, but because His first appearance was for the purpose of dealing with sin. His second appe…
