Why are we still dying after the cross??? (Part 3)
Today we will continue answering this question... but before you read this article, please read the previous two parts again.
- In this article we will explain and analyze the two verses that are in question by the sceptics:
“ but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel” (2 Timothy 1: 10).
While in (Heb. 9: 27) “Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment”.
First: (2 Timothy 1: 10)
- The linguistic analysis of the word (destroyed): the Greek meaning is:
(To be disabled or useless) or (to cancel or get rid of - disappears).
The verse did not say that physical death was over or that death (in general) was completely over. But the word "destroyed" came to show that Christ has revoked the eternal death to those who believed in him, and physical death became merely a transitioning phase (not frightening anymore).
+ Saint John Chrysostom sees that the cause of hope and joy in this verse is:
(A) Revoking death.
(B) Enlightenment of life and eternity.
+ This is what the Bible has confirmed in John 5: 24. "Whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.".
Secondly: (Heb. 9: 27)
- Our teacher Paul the Apostle speaks in Hebrews (Chapter 9) about Christ's sacrifice and His priesthood... and explains that the sacrifice of Christ is the eternal sacrifice of atonement.
In order to understand (Heb. 9: 27) , we will read verses (26 - 28).
- Man inevitably die (physically) , and after death comes judgment.
But
Christ died to redeem those who believed in His salvation.
- But we will see this salvation only in the second coming of Christ.
(The first coming of Christ was for forgiveness) and (the second coming of Christ is for judgment).
Those who believe in Jesus Christ and abide in him... Christ will come in His second coming, carrying blessings to them.
And vice versa.
He will bring judgment to those who did not believe in him, or did not act according to his commandments.
Christ came to abolish the power of sin and death (Romans 5: 12). His sacrifice was offered only once and was sufficient for all sins, and extended for the forgiveness of the sins of the world from the creation of man until the second coming of Christ.
Linguistic Analysis of verses (26 - 28):
Verse 26: “But he has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself. ".
+ + Note here that Paul mentions sin in the singular form and not in the plural??.
For Jesus treated with his sacrifice the original sin as the origin and the principle and the source of the other types of sins. While the Law of Moses dealt with the various transgressions or sins committed by individuals.
- The Law of Moses did not treat sin in its source and origin but rather dealt with what was derived from the original sin (parents’ sin) of different divisions and types.
Verse 27: “Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment”.
All people die (physically) once (the first death).. And so also Christ died only once (physically)...
- After death: people will stand before God for judgment.
- Jesus Christ: After death will not be judged, but it is He who will condemn the world and rule on humans.
Verse 28: "So Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.".
When Jesus took the shape of our bodies, he died once. He offered himself on the cross to bear the sins of all men. And He will appear again (in the second coming) not to carry the sins of men but:
A - to give blessings to those who are waiting for him (prepared).
B - for condemnation: to sinners.
“Was sacrificed once” mentioned here in a passive form: while in Heb 9: 25 “the way the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own” mentioned here in an active form.
Which means that Christ offered himself with his will and choice.
+ (To carry the sins of many):
- Not in the sense that he took sin and put it on the cross (as well as the sacrifice of sin been placed on the altar).
- And also “Christ has carried our sins "does not mean that he put them away, but it means that he carried them in his body, i. e. , he took its burden on himself and on his shoulders. That’s why Isaiah said: and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all... For he bore the sin of many" (Isaiah 53: 6 - 12).
+ “and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him” which means that salvation in the second coming will be restricted to those who await Christ in faith (Heb 9: 28).
+ “Will appear again without sin”:
In His first coming, Jesus took our sins.
In His second coming: Christ will come for judgment and attornment for those who reject Him and to bring salvation to those who wait for Him.
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- At the end of the third article to answer (Why are we still dying after the cross??).
Please read the three parts carefully and make sure you understand them and then make sure that there is no contradiction between the two verses at all.
To be continued.
