Hebrews 9:28 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

Bible Comments

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.

Christ - Greek, 'THE Christ:' the representative MAN; representing all men, as the first Adam did.

Once offered - not "often" (Hebrews 9:25); just as "men," of whom He is the Head, are appointed once to die. He did not need to die again and again for each individual, or each successive generation; for He represents all of every age, and therefore once for all exhausted the penalty incurred by all. He was offered by the Father, His own "eternal Spirit" (Hebrews 9:14) concurring; as Abraham spared not Isaac, but offered him, the son unresistingly submitting to the father's will, (Genesis 22:1-24.)

To bear the sins - from Isaiah 53:12, "He bare the sin of many" - namely, on Himself: so "bear," Leviticus 24:15; Numbers 5:31; Numbers 14:34: х anenengkein (G399)] to bear up (1 Peter 2:24). 'Our sins were laid on Him. When, therefore, He was lifted up on the cross, He bare up our sins along with Him' (Bengel). Many - not opposed to all, but to few. He, the One was offered for many, and that once for all (cf. Matthew 20:28).

Look for Him, х apekdechomenois (G553)] - with waiting expectation even unto the end (Romans 8:19; Romans 8:23. 1 Corinthians 1:7, which see).

Appear - `be, seen.' No longer in the alien "form of a servant," but in His own proper glory.

Without, х chooris (G5565)] - apart from, separate from "sin" (Romans 6:10). Not bearing the sin of many on Him as at His first coming (even then there was no sin in Him). That sin has been once for all taken away, so as to need no repetition of His sin offering (Hebrews 9:26; 1 Peter 4:1-2). At His second coming He shall have no more to do with sin.

Unto salvation - to bring in completed salvation; redeeming the body now subject to the bondage of corruption. Hence, in Philippians 3:20, "we look for THE SAVIOUR" (note, 1 Corinthians 1:30). Note, Christ's prophetic office, as the Divine Teacher, was prominent during His earthly ministry; His priestly is now from His first to His second coming: His kingly shall be fully manifested at His second coming.

Hebrews 9:28

28 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.