Hebrews 9:23-28 is about how Jesus Christ’s sacrifice once and for all fulfills the need for atonement, offering eternal redemption and salvation to those who eagerly await His return.
23 Thus it was necessary for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these rites, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.
24 For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf.
25 Nor was it to offer himself repeatedly, as the high priest enters the holy places every year with blood not his own,
26 for then he would have had to suffer repeatedly since the foundation of the world. But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.
27 And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment,
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.
Setting the Scene for Hebrews 9:23-28
In the setting of Hebrews 9:23-28, we find ourselves in the heavenly realm, where Jesus Christ, the high priest, is presenting himself before God on behalf of humanity. The scene is one of solemnity and reverence, with the heavenly sanctuary as the backdrop. The air is filled with a sense of anticipation and awe as Jesus, the ultimate sacrifice, offers himself once and for all to atone for the sins of mankind.
Surrounding Jesus are the heavenly hosts, including angels and saints, who have gathered to witness this momentous occasion. The atmosphere is charged with the weight of redemption and salvation as Jesus, the Lamb of God, fulfills his role as the mediator between God and humanity. The scene is a powerful reminder of the love and grace of God, who has provided a way for reconciliation and forgiveness through the sacrifice of his Son.
As the scene unfolds, we see Jesus, the perfect and blameless sacrifice, offering himself on the altar of the cross, shedding his blood to cleanse us from sin once and for all. The onlookers, both in heaven and on earth, are moved by the profound significance of this act of redemption, knowing that through Christ’s sacrifice, they have been granted eternal salvation and the promise of a new covenant with God.
What is Hebrews 9:23-28 about?
This verse reflects the foundational belief in Christianity of the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ for the redemption of humanity. The phrase “once for all” emphasizes the completeness and finality of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, which is believed to have atoned for all the sins of mankind for all time. This act is considered to offer eternal redemption, meaning that through belief in Jesus and acceptance of his sacrifice, one can be forgiven and reconciled with God forever.
The mention of Christ appearing again for salvation points to the anticipation of his second coming, which is believed to bring about the final judgment and the ultimate salvation of believers. This belief is a source of hope and encouragement for Christians, reminding them that their present struggles and sufferings will one day be overcome when Christ returns to establish his kingdom. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the central tenets of the Christian faith and the promise of eternal life through Christ’s sacrifice. It prompts us to reflect on the significance of Christ’s sacrifice and to consider the hope and assurance that his return brings to believers.
Understanding what Hebrews 9:23-28 really means
Hebrews 9:23-28 delves into the profound significance of Christ’s sacrifice, contrasting it with the temporary and repetitive nature of the old covenant sacrifices. The passage underscores the irreplaceable role of Jesus’ sacrifice in securing redemption for all humanity, highlighting its finality and sufficiency in reconciling us to God. In Hebrews 9:12, we see the stark difference between the blood of animals used in the old covenant and the precious blood of Christ, which secures an eternal redemption once and for all. This verse sets the stage for understanding the unparalleled value of Christ’s sacrifice in comparison to the rituals of the past.
Building upon this foundation, Hebrews 10:10 reinforces the idea that through the offering of Jesus’ body, we have been sanctified once for all, emphasizing the completeness and finality of His sacrifice. The passage in 1 Peter 3:18 further illuminates the purpose behind Christ’s suffering, highlighting how His sacrifice bridges the gap between the righteous and the unrighteous, bringing us into communion with God. These cross-references deepen our understanding of the profound impact of Christ’s sacrifice on our lives and our relationship with God.
For believers today, Hebrews 9:23-28 offers a profound assurance of salvation. It assures us that Christ’s sacrifice is more than sufficient to cover our sins, eliminating the need for repeated sacrifices or rituals to attain forgiveness. Understanding the completeness of Jesus’ sacrifice can also liberate us from the weight of guilt and fear, allowing us to walk in the freedom and grace that His sacrifice provides. This passage serves as a call to live holy lives, motivated by gratitude for the ultimate price paid for our redemption.
To illustrate the transformative power of Christ’s sacrifice, consider the analogy of a person burdened by a long-standing debt, only to have it completely paid off by a generous benefactor in one act of kindness. This story mirrors the spiritual liberation we experience through Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice, freeing us from the ongoing burden of sin and guilt, and offering us a fresh start in our relationship with God.
The phrases within Hebrews 9:23-28 carry profound meaning, emphasizing the necessity of purification through sacrifices in the earthly tabernacle as shadows of heavenly realities. The mention of better sacrifices in the heavenly realm points to the superiority of Christ’s sacrifice over all others, highlighting its unmatched value and efficacy in dealing with sin. The passage’s declaration of Christ’s sacrifice as a one-time event at the end of the ages underscores its finality and completeness in atoning for the sins of many, drawing a parallel between human mortality and Christ’s singular, all-encompassing sacrifice.
In conclusion, Hebrews 9:23-28 serves as a powerful reminder of the completeness and sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice for our redemption. It calls us to embrace the freedom and assurance that come from knowing our sins are fully atoned for, inspiring us to respond with gratitude and a renewed commitment to live lives that reflect the transformative power of Christ’s sacrifice.
How can we embrace the hope of Christ’s return?
We can embrace the hope of Christ’s return by understanding the significance of His sacrifice as highlighted in Hebrews 9:23-28. This passage emphasizes that Christ sacrificed Himself once for all to take away sin, and He will appear a second time to fulfill the salvation of those who are eagerly waiting for Him. This reminds us that His return is certain, and we can put our hope in His promise to come back. We can find comfort and encouragement by reflecting on the truth of Christ’s return as described in Hebrews 9:23-28. This assurance can inspire us to live with faith and perseverance as we anticipate His second coming. We can hold on to this hope during challenging times, knowing that Christ’s return will bring about the ultimate redemption and restoration for those who belong to Him. We can keep our focus on eternity and the promise of a glorious future in His presence as we meditate on the meaning of Christ’s return and the hope it brings. This can motivate us to live faithfully and obediently, striving to honor Him in all that we do as we eagerly await His return. Embracing the hope of Christ’s coming can fill our hearts with joy and anticipation, knowing that He is faithful to fulfill all His promises to those who believe in Him.
Application
Let’s embody Christ’s love in our actions today by spreading love and forgiveness, just as he did for us. We have the power to be the light in this world, by living out His teachings of kindness and compassion. Let’s seize this chance to make a positive impact in our modern world by following His example. Will you choose to be a beacon of hope and love for others today?
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.