No second chance

Dear brethren,

Today's readings
Levitivus 24-25; Psalm 81; Hebrews 9

Heb 9:26 — Heb 9:28
For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. 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.

It is vital to note here of the sacrifice that Christ had to make since the foundation of the world (c.f. Rev 13:8). In context, the writer is making a contrast of the animal sacrifices made by the priests under the old law verses the ultimate sacrifice of Christ and the latter meant that can be and will be no other.
Christ's sacrifice had the power to save on both sides of the timing! Wherefore giving hope to those before Christ's death. Although the law of Christ would not have applied to them, the concept of being faithful to God, i.e. Following God's word and doing His will remains the same. And such are upon whom the blood of Christ is applied backward.

Just a quick note about the "world" in v. 26. The KJV unfortunately did not do justice to the original Greek words as do some of the newer translations. The first "world" is "kosmos" which refers to the physical realm thus alluding to creation. While the second one is "aion" which has more a reference to a time period or age. Thus the "end of the world" here really refers to the "end of the age" which is what the writer referenced to right at the beginning in 1:2 of the "last days" or the time of Christ and beyond. And thus it all makes perfect sense to talk about Christ's sacrifice in that time.

And what is this "second time without sin"? Does it mean Christ appeared the first time with sin? Far be it! The writer had already established the sinlessness of Christ in v. 4:15. Again the KJV is a little ambiguous here. The idea is really "apart from" sin or in other words not having to do with sin. Christ first came to seek and save the lost (Luk 19:10). He came to offer the ultimate sacrifice. But when he comes again, it will not be for that purpose but for judgement (1Th 4:15-17).

Wherefore we can better understand what the writer meant about not being able to "renew again unto repentance" (Heb 6:6) and there being "no more sacrifice" (Heb10:26) those that reject Christ again, because there will be no other! There will be no other chance when Christ comes again.

It thus remains for us to continue to abide and abound in His Word and do His Will, and not be distracted by the wiles of the devil even to the point of rejecting Him altogether, but to press on and help one another in our journey, that we may "look for him" and "love his appearing" (2Ti 4:8) and not stand in fear of "judgement and fiery indignation"(Heb 10:27).