Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, shall appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await him. (Hebrews 9:28)
The question before us all is: Are we included in the “many” whose sins he bore? And will we be saved by his coming “for salvation”?
The answer of Hebrews 9:28 is, “Yes,” if we are “eagerly awaiting him.” [Selah]
We can know that our sins are taken away and that we will be safe in the judgment "IF" we trust Christ in such a way that it makes us *eager for his coming. (Keep in mind judgment -suffering - persecution - and possible death --precedes His return.)
There is a phony faith that claims to believe in Christ, but is only a fire insurance policy. Phony faith “believes” only for the purpose of escaping hell. It has no "real" heartfelt desire for Christ. In fact, it would prefer it if he did not come, so that we can have as much of this world’s pleasures as possible. To include longer life amid this corruption. This shows that a heart is not with Christ, but with the world.
So the issue for us is: Do we eagerly long for the coming of Christ? Is "to die is gain" your mantra? Or do we want him to wait while our love affair with the world runs its course? That is the question that tests the authenticity of faith.
So let us be like the Corinthians who were “awaiting eagerly the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 1:7), and like the Philippians whose “citizenship was in heaven, from which also [they] eagerly waited for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20).
That’s the issue for us. Do we love HIS appearing? Or do we love the world and hope that his appearing will not interrupt our plans? Eternity hangs on this question.
Sip this cup slowly and savor the bold flavor. This is a serious "cup."
Robbs
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