Definition: 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.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important passage from Hebrews 9:28. It's a pretty complex idea, but I’ll try to explain it in a way that’s easy to understand. Here’s what it means, word by word: “So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many…” – This is saying that Jesus Christ, as God himself, voluntarily took on our human flaws and mistakes. He willingly gave up his divine nature to be punished for our sins. Think of it like a really big, perfect sacrifice. “…and unto them who look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” – This is where it gets interesting. It means that after Jesus’s first sacrifice, He will reappear again. But this time, He won't be burdened by the guilt or shame of the original sins. “Salvation” refers to being saved from our eternal punishment and finding peace with God. Putting it all together – The core idea: Hebrews 9:28 is saying that Jesus’s sacrifice was repeated – not just once, but again – for people who are looking for Him. It's like a promise of future salvation. He willingly took on the burden of our sins so we can be forgiven and have eternal life with God. Why is this important? This verse speaks to the idea that Jesus’ sacrifice was sufficient – it was enough to cover all our sins for everyone, including us. It's a foundational belief in Christianity about the atoning work of Jesus. In short: Jesus willingly gave up his divine nature to take on the sins of humanity, and then he will reappear again as a perfect, sinless savior for those who are looking for Him. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? For example, I could go into: The concept of "atonement" The significance of “second time” How this relates to the idea of redemption