Appointed unto Death

“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: 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.” (Hebrews 9:27-28)

How often verse 27 is quoted to prove that all men are appointed to die, and afterward a judgment. And yet, how few continue to read on in verse 28, “So Christ was once offered to bear the sin of many...” While it is true that as sons of Adam, by his one disobedience, we all are appointed to die, Romans 5:17. And yet, this is stated here to console sinners for whom Christ died and paid their debt as Substitute and Redeemer.

Consider the context where in v. 24, Christ’s sacrifice is contrasted with the sacrifices under the law. Christ’s sacrifice, although offered on earth, is now presented in Heaven. He is now in Heaven, in the presence of the Father, seated, His redemptive work being finished, the debt paid for His people. Consider also the imperfection of that law and in contrast, the honor and perfection of Christ’s sacrifice that being, ONCE offered, accomplished for sinners what the law could never do, “…but now once in the end of the world hath He appeared, to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.” (Hebrews 9:26)

Election alone is not salvation. God purposed to save sinners in electing grace, Ephesians 1:5. And yet, in order to save these, it could not be in any other way than Christ dying, death for death. He had to be once offered to bear the sins of many, of all the Father had given to Him, of all who should believe in His name. He was not offered for any sin of His own; He was wounded for our transgressions. God laid on Him the iniquity of all His people, and these are many but not so many as the rest of mankind.

Until Christ died, God was forbearing with the sins but they were not put away until Christ died, Romans 3:25. God, in justice, would not and could not justify them until the debt was paid, Romans 3:28. Justice could not be satisfied nor were sinners justified until Christ died and therefore the necessity of Christ’s death. He is the Lamb of God that bore away the sins of His people. Now, “...unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation...” So complete was His death, He is not now bearing their sins but ever lives to assure the eternal benefits for them and by His grace we look for His return for us and to share His glory forever.