“Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him” (Hebrews 9:27-28)

There are a few truths in this life that feel completely unshakable. Ben Franklin famously quipped that nothing is certain except death and taxes. It’s a bit cynical, but it touches on a deep human understanding: our time here is finite. The writer of Hebrews puts it more directly: we are destined to die once, and after that comes judgment. This is a foundational reality of the human experience.

But there is another certainty, one that is just as sure and far more hopeful. It’s a truth that balances the scales of life and death, sin and salvation. It’s the other side of the coin.

"Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.” (Hebrews 9:27-28)

Notice the parallel. Just as surely as death comes for every person, Christ’s sacrifice came for the sins of all people. One is a universal appointment; the other is a universal solution. His first coming was to bear the burden of sin. Because He completed that work perfectly, His second coming is now just as certain. He has another appointment to keep.

The Two Appointments of Christ

Christ's work is a story told in two distinct, yet deeply connected, parts.

First, He came to bear sin. This was His earthly mission. It culminated in a sacrifice so complete and perfect that it dealt with the issue of sin "once for all." He took upon Himself what we could never handle, paying a debt we could never afford. That work is finished. It is complete. The victory has been won.

Second, He will come to bring salvation. Because the first appointment was fulfilled, the second is now guaranteed. He isn’t returning to deal with sin again. That task is over. He is returning for those who are eagerly waiting for Him, to bring the fullness of the salvation He has already secured.

This is the great hope of our faith. We live in the time between these two appointments. We have been redeemed and purchased by His blood. We have been born again with a new spirit. Yet, we still live in a broken world and in bodies that feel the effects of the fall. We are waiting for the final piece of our redemption: the redemption of our physical bodies. When Jesus returns, He will complete what He started, bringing us into the fullness of life with Him.

Confidence on the Day of Judgment

The idea of judgment can be a source of great anxiety. We are acutely aware of our own flaws and failures. The thought of standing before a holy God can be terrifying. But for those who are in Christ, the Bible offers a different perspective—one of confidence, not fear.

The Apostle John provides us with this incredible assurance: "In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment... There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment" (1 John 4:17-18).

Why can we have this confidence? Because on that day, we will not be standing in our own righteousness. We will be clothed in His. When God looks at us, He will see the perfection of His Son. Jesus already faced the judgment for our sin, so there is no accusation left. We have already, as Jesus promised, "crossed over from death to life" (John 5:24).

This is why Paul could encourage the church at Thessalonica with such powerful words: "For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Thessalonians 5:9). The question on that final day will not be about our performance, but about our position. What did you do with Jesus?

For those who have placed their trust in Him, the day of His return is not something to be feared. It is the day of our ultimate salvation, the great gathering of His people. It is the moment our faith becomes sight.

This is Christ's legacy and our living hope. He came once to deal with sin. That is a historical fact. He will come again to bring home His people. That is a prophetic certainty. Our role in this beautiful story is simple: to live as people who are eagerly, constantly, and patiently waiting for the return of our King.

Personal Reflection Questions

1. Christ’s return is as certain as our own mortality. How would living in expectation of His return change your perspective today?

2. Does the promise that “perfect love drives out fear” give you confidence before God, or do you still struggle with fear? What is one way you can rest in His love this week?

3. Knowing Jesus will return to “bring salvation,” how does this give you hope in your current challenges?