Definition: For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that incredibly complex verse from Hebrews 9:26. It’s a really rich and important passage about Jesus Christ and his role in salvation. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse speaks about how Jesus Christ fulfilled the law of God perfectly and then repeated this perfect work again in the end times – when the world is at its most difficult. Let’s break it down word by word: “For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world” : This part means that Jesus Christ experienced hardship, suffering, and difficulty before his birth. He endured a lot in the beginning of time. Think of it like a long, difficult journey. “But now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.” : This is the really key part. It means that after all the suffering and difficulty, Jesus Christ repeated this act – putting away sin – again . But this time, it happened at the very end of time , when everything is at its worst. What does this all mean? It’s about perfection and redemption. “Put away sin” : This refers to the problem of humanity's fallen nature – our tendency to do wrong, to rebel against God, and to cause suffering in the world. “By the sacrifice of himself” : Jesus Christ willingly offered Himself as a sacrifice. Because He was fully human and fully God, He took the punishment for all of humanity’s sins, making it completely forgiven. Think of it like this: Imagine a perfect, flawless machine (Jesus). It's designed to run perfectly without any mistakes. But if that machine gets damaged during its journey – maybe by a fault in its design or an accident – it has to be repaired. Jesus Christ’s sacrifice is like that repair – it removes the problem of sin and allows for perfect reconciliation with God. Important Note: This verse is often debated, but it's generally understood as a powerful statement about the ultimate victory of Christ over sin and death. It emphasizes that through Jesus' sacrifice, we are finally free from the consequences of our sins! --- Resources if you want to learn more: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/verses/Hebrews%209%2026](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/verses/Hebrews%209%2026) - This provides a good overview and translation. Bible Explores: [https://www.BibleExplores.com/Hebrews/9-26](https://www.BibleExplores.com/Hebrews/9-26) – Offers a more in-depth explanation with visuals. Do you want me to: Explain any of these points further? Give you some examples of how this verse is used in the Bible? Talk about the significance of this passage for believers today?