The Three Appearances of Christ

Christ . . . entered . . . into heaven . . . to appear in the presence of God for us: . . . once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin. . . . Unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
HEBREWS 9:24-28

These three appearances of Christ vary as to time and location, but they are inseparably linked together as the successive stages of His high-priestly ministry. They set forth the character, continuity, and consummation of His priestly work.

When Christ came the first time it was for the specific purpose of putting away sin. To put away means to disannul, or to abrogate, or to annihilate. The atoning sacrifice of Christ removes completely from His people the guilt and the penalty of their sins. It was a full and final atonement. But Christs priestly ministry did not end with His crosswork. He has entered into heaven to appear in the presence of God. At the throne of grace He intercedes not for the world, but for them . . . given to Him, whose sins He put away (John 17:9). Furthermore, for those same people, He will appear the second time without sin unto salvation. Just as Aaron made the offering at the altar, entered the holiest of all, and then returned to the waiting people, so also will Christ come forth to consummate the salvation of His people. Then the redemption of their bodies will take place, and they will be changed.

Do you have this hope? Are you looking for Him? Wait on, for soon you will hear the joyful sound. Just as Israel heard the tinkling of the bells on Aarons robe, signalling His emergence from the tabernacle, so also will the saints hear the sound of the trumpet, the shout of triumph, and the voice of the archangel, and so shall they ever be with the Lord (I Thess. 4:17).

(Eagles Wings)

Christ died; Christ arose; Christ intercedes; Christ is coming again. These four pillars support the whole temple of gospel truth.
Alexander Simpson