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 9:28
Readily regaining popularity is the first-century heresy that the second coming is past already
(2 Timothy 2:17-18). This false doctrine was revamped by the Jesuits during the counter-reformation in response to the Protestant identification of the papal antichrist. Known as preterism, the teaching claims that along with the second coming, the first resurrection took place in 70 AD. Besides doing insult to the Christian’s most cherished hope, this Jesuit interpretation of prophecy is devoid of historical validation. But the most pernicious of all its evil ramifications is in regard to the salvation of those born after the supposedly past resurrection.
In the book of Hebrews, Paul unpacks the shadows and symbols of the old covenant sanctuary service. Prefiguring the high priestly ministry of Christ, the Aaronic priesthood ministered in the earthly sanctuary. In their daily and yearly ministrations, the priests atoned for the sins of the people through animal sacrifices. In these offerings, sin was symbolically transferred from the penitent transgressor to the animal being sacrificed. After the animal was killed, its shed blood was carried into the sanctuary and sprinkled before the veil. Behind this veil was the ark containing the 10 commandments, which the sinner had violated. In figure, these ministrations atoned for the sinsof the people by transferring them to the sanctuary. Then on the annual Day of Atonement, the sanctuary was cleansed of the sins which had accumulated there over the course of the year.
But the earthly sanctuary with all its sacrifices was not sufficient to atone for sin. The old covenant worshippers were forgiven, but this forgiveness was obtained solely by the promised sacrifice of Christ. In Hebrews, the great apostle unveils the true meaning of these shadows and types. The spotless lambs, bulls, and doves brought for sacrifice were but shadows prefiguring the true Sacrifice. Similarly, the priest bearing the blood of these animals into the sanctuary was only a type of the true High Priest. It was upon Calvary’s cross that the true Sacrifice was made manifest. Likewise, when Jesus ascended to the sanctuary above, the true High Priest was anointed, who now appears in the Father’s presence for us:
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: Hebrews 9:24
Since the glorious resurrection morning until this day, the penitent sinner has had ‘an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous’, ‘who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us’ (1 John 2:1, Romans 8:34). Since the resurrection, Jesus has pleaded the case of the repentant sinner before the Father. But while Jesus was declared by His Father to be 'a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec’ (Hebrews 5:6), His role as advocate for sinners comes to an end when sin comes to an end.
Jesus says, ‘behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be’ (Revelation 22:12). At His coming, Jesus will reward the righteous with eternal salvation, and the wicked with everlasting damnation. But if Jesus is going to give such rewards, must not both classes be decided? Indeed, Jesus will solemnly declare before He comes:
He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. Revelation 22:11
By adding the word ‘still’ after each classification, Jesus declares that from that moment on, no changes will be made. The unjust man will not become righteous, and the holy man will not become filthy. Paul plainly states that Jesus shall ‘appear the second time without sin unto salvation’. While He has borne men’s sins in heaven for nearly 2000 years, He will bear it no longer upon His return. Having put off His priestly garment, Jesus comes to earth as a judge on a war steed. No longer interceding for the sinner, any transgressor living after this sentence is passed ishopelessly lost.
Those deceived into believing that Jesus has already returned are left, by their own doctrine, without a mediator. Unless they recant their folly, the only conclusion they can make of themselves is that they are hopelessly lost. But fortunately for all mankind, the truth is that Jesus has not returned, and still mediates for us in the sanctuary above.
Christopher Sparks