Wednesday 21 October 2026
- Bible Book:
- Hebrews
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. (v. 28)
Background
We are reading the letter to the Hebrews and considering what covenants with God mean. In today's passage I was struck by the description of Jesus as 'the mediator of a new covenant' in verse 15. Elsewhere Jesus is more closely identified with a covenant with God (eg in John 14:6 Jesus says, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.") It makes me wonder if that might affect how we see Jesus mediating eternal inheritance for people who do not believe in him: can they be among those who are called (v. 15)?
The timing that we see in verses 25-28 is also interesting. There is the timing of Jesus appearing once to remove sin (timed at the sacrifice of himself on the cross). Does our language relating to sin (such as we might use in prayers of confession) reflect the timing that sin has already been removed? Verse 28 is clear that the return of Jesus is not to deal with sin (because that is already done) but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him, for them to avoid the judgement after death that is for all mortals in verse 27.
How does this passage fit with the way that Christianity (and more specifically our faith) is perceived in our society? Are Christians seen as eagerly waiting for Jesus, free from worry or stress about judgement? Or are they thought to be obsessed by sin and judgement?
As with so many practices, balance is needed. Going too far in not worrying about sin has led some to lives of debauchery and hedonism, whereas Jesus shows by example that the way we live matters, even if we're not motivated by fear of judgement. Going too far in our hope for the return of Jesus can lead us to trying to work out when it will be and become focused on signs rather than actions. Reflecting on this passage in the light and life of Jesus can help avoid these extremes.
To Ponder:
- How does this passage fit with your understanding of sin in our lives today?
- How do you see yourself eagerly waiting for Jesus?
Bible notes author: The Revd Dave Warnock
Dave is a Methodist minister without an appointment. After much DIY, he and his wife Jane have now launched their 1977 sailing boat and are building up to sailing around the world as sustainably as possible. Their intention is to model sustainable living and help encourage connections between sustainability and faith. They also want to see sailing have a positive impact on vulnerable coastal communities. For more information, see their blog and YouTube channel