Hebrews 9:23–28 “What We Are Waiting For”

Hebrews 9:23-28 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:

• Passion – Praise Him ft. Melodie Malone
• Kings Kaleidoscope // Come Thou Fount
• I Speak Jesus – Charity Gayle feat Steven Musso

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

• Jesus Goes to Heaven | Stories of the Bible – Lesson for Kids
• I Thank God by Maverick City Music and Upper Room performed by Grace Chapel Kids – Song for Kids
• Your Life Will Change | High Seas Music Video | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Leaning on the Everlasting Arms | Roar VBS | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Discussion Questions for Children & Youth located in the section after Explanation, Meditation, and Prayer (at the end of this email/blog).

Explanation:

The tabernacle is a “copy of the heavenly things” (v. 23). Therefore, it could be cleansed with the blood of animals. However, the original—the “heavenly things themselves”—cannot be cleansed with the blood of animals. For that, a “better sacrifice” was necessary, and that is the precious blood Christ shed on the cross. Through his sacrifice on the cross, he entered “heaven itself” (v. 24)—the true sanctuary—and now intercedes for us at the right hand of God.

The high priest had to enter the Most Holy Place every year with the blood of animals, but Jesus Christ offered a “perfect sacrifice” in the heavenly sanctuary “once for all” (vv. 25–26). It is appointed for people to die once, and after death comes judgment (v. 27). Jesus saved us from that judgment by bearing the sins of all on the cross and dying in our place. This was accomplished “once for all.”

In due time, he will appear “a second time,” not to deal with sin (“without reference to sin”), but to complete the salvation that has already begun (v. 28). This is the only place in the entire New Testament where the phrase “second coming” appears explicitly. When Jesus spoke of his return, he used the term parousia, which means “appearing” or “revealing.” Believers wait for him to come again—a second time—to bring salvation to completion.

Meditation:

The Lord, who offered the perfect sacrifice on the cross to resolve the problem of humanity’s sin, rose from the dead on the third day and was exalted to the right hand of God. There, he continually offers prayers of intercession for those who believe in him (“intercession” – 7:25). his coming in the flesh was to deal with the problem of human sin. This was his “first coming” (the First Advent). Now at the right hand of God, the Lord will come “a second time” (v. 28). This time, it will not be to deal with sin, but to bring to completion the salvation he has begun among us.

We are waiting for that day (v. 28). Through his perfect sacrifice on the cross, he has enabled us to have “our consciences cleansed… to turn from dead works to serve the living God” (v. 14). This is how we are to live in this world as we wait for his return. When he comes again, the new heaven and new earth that the Apostle John saw (Revelation 21–22) will come. All who have lived holy lives while waiting for him will participate in his resurrection and reign with him forever. This is the completion of salvation that we now enjoy by faith.

We can only imagine what life in the new heaven and new earth will be like. The Apostle John described what he saw in his vision, but whatever we imagine as we read his words, the reality will be far greater. Because we believe in this promise, hope in it, and wait for it, we are not shaken, even when it is difficult and challenging to believe in and serve God in this world.

Prayer:

Lord, we thank you for cleansing our consciences by the Holy Spirit and enabling us to turn away from dead works to live a life of service to you. Until we reach the glory of participating in your resurrection in the new heaven and new earth, help us to walk this path steadfastly. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: Jesus came once to take away our sin, and he will come again to bring us home forever. We live today by trusting him and serving God with a clean heart.

• For Preschool-Lower Elementary
  • Why did Jesus come the first time?
  • How can we show God, we love Him while we wait for Jesus to come again?
• For Upper Elementary-Middle School
  • Why is it important that Jesus died for us only once?
  • What helps you keep believing in Jesus even when it’s hard?
• For High School
  • The Bible says Jesus will come again not to deal with sin, but to complete our salvation. What makes you think about your future?
  • Sometimes faith can be hard. What gives you strength to keep following Jesus when it’s not easy?