“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.”
My Notes
What Does Hebrews 9:28 Mean?
The writer of Hebrews describes Christ's sacrifice with two defining characteristics: it was once (single, unrepeatable), and it was to bear the sins of many. The sacrifice was sufficient the first time. No repetition is needed.
"Once offered" echoes the contrast with the Levitical system, where sacrifices were repeated daily. Christ's offering was singular — a one-time act with permanent effect.
"To bear the sins of many" describes the purpose: substitutionary sin-bearing. Christ carried what belonged to others. The sins of many were placed on one.
"Unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation" — the second coming is described as appearing without sin — not to deal with sin (that was accomplished at the first coming) but to complete salvation. The first coming addressed sin. The second coming delivers full salvation to those who are waiting.
Reflection Questions
- 1.What does 'once offered' mean for the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice?
- 2.How does the contrast between repeated Old Testament sacrifices and Christ's single offering strengthen your confidence?
- 3.What does it mean to 'look for him' — to live in anticipation of the second coming?
- 4.How does the second coming being 'without sin unto salvation' describe what is still to come?
Devotional
Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many. Once. One time. One sacrifice. One offering. Sufficient. Complete. Never to be repeated.
The repetition of Old Testament sacrifices demonstrated their insufficiency — they had to keep happening because they could not permanently solve the problem. Christ's sacrifice was once because it was enough. The problem is solved. The sin is borne. The sacrifice is complete.
To bear the sins of many. The bearing is substitutionary — he carried what was not his. The sins of many placed on one willing back. The weight that would have crushed everyone was absorbed by someone strong enough to carry it.
Unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time. He is coming back. And when he comes, it will not be to deal with sin — that was finished at the cross. It will be to deliver the full, final salvation that those who are looking for him have been waiting for.
Are you looking? The first coming dealt with sin. The second coming delivers salvation. The cross was the down payment. The return is the completion.
The once-offered sacrifice is behind you. The second appearing is ahead. And between the two — you live. Looking. Waiting. Knowing that what was started at the cross will be completed at the return.
Commentary
Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.
So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many,.... As man dies but once, Christ was offered but once, or he…
So Christ was once offered - Since people are to die but once; and as all beyond the grave is fixed by the judgment, so…
So Christ was once offered - He shall die no more; he has borne away the sins of many, and what he has done once shall…
In this last part of the chapter, the apostle goes on to tell us what the Holy Ghost has signified to us by the legal…
was once offered Christ may also be said as in Heb 9:14 "to offer Himself;" just as He is said "to be delivered for us"…
Cross References
Related passages throughout Scripture