S) "27 “And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment, 28 so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him."
Hebrews 9:27-28 (NASB)
O) Most importantly, this passage reminds us of the purpose in the death of Christ, and that His return will first be to gather His people to Himself. There will be judgment, just as the passage says, but His second coming means salvation without reference to sin, to those who wait upon Him as Lord. That is simply glorious! Also, nestled into the beginning here, is an interesting affirmation of God's created order for things. This first verse is proof-positive that there is no biblical possibility for reincarnation. The resurrection is not that. There will only be one death. The only people who will share in the resurrection with Christ, will also share in His glory, and suffer no other death.
A) This is one of those passages that really just serves as a comfort and as an affirmation of what I believe. God's created way is according to His sovereignty. It is perfectly authored, and the more I recognize that, the more humbled I am. His plan for the way human life goes is perfectly just. His plan for the way the gospel redeems human life is perfectly glorious. In my redemption, I have no fear whatsoever, in the return of Jesus Christ. He has perfectly removed every cause for trepidation, because in the gospel, the judgment that was coming is now finished at the cross. The resurrection that is coming is assured at the empty grave. The life that I have is sealed by the Holy Spirit. This leaves me awestruck and thankful.
P) Father, thank You so much for this perfect reminder, that on Christ I have nothing to fear and everything to celebrate! Thank You for the reminder, that I do indeed have only one life to live, but in Christ it is perfectly lived. So, I have no fear in death, no fear of that final judgment, because I eagerly await the return of my King, my Savior, Jesus Christ. May this thanksgiving, this joy, rightly affect the way I live out my life. Be glorified in my words and deeds, that I may properly display the gospel to the glory of Christ. Even though I don't fear judgment, I know I still only have one life. I have one life to honor You in all that I may. So, let Your will be done with Your servant. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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