The Second Look

Hebrews 9:24-28 “For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; 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.”

The Apostle Paul leaves us with this glorious promise; “Unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation” (Hebrews 9:28). While all that have wrought faith in the Lord Jesus Christ possess the promise, it is questionable as to the number in which the promise possesses them!         There is a small nucleus of individuals that are looking for the return of the Lord; the event we know as the Second Coming. The word “look” in the text means to look away with anticipation or expectancy. This anticipation is the product of faith in the Lord’s promise, I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:2-3). Within the text there is a great truth that is often missed; He is coming for those that are looking and only those that are looking are going! Those that are looking are not hoping for a first glimpse, but a second. The first time they saw Him as the Righteous Saviour and Sacrificial Lamb “that taketh the sin of the world” (John 1:29). Now they are looking for the return of the Reigning Sovereign; the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. This great truth can be seen in the life of John the Beloved! The first time John saw the Lord was by the Sea of Galilee when John left the fishing nets to follow Jesus (see Matthew 4:21). John’s second look was on the Isle of Patmos where he had been exiled “for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ” (Revelation 1:9). With the look of anticipation, John would say, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20). The second look must be preceded by a first! Have you looked to Him for salvation?