[Bringing] salvation to those
who are waiting for him.
—Hebrews 9:28
Hebrews 9 cites Christ’s three appearances on our behalf: past, present, and future.
In the past he appeared to redeem us: to ransom us from sin’s bondage, “once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption” (vv. 11–12).
In the present he appears in heaven as our representative (v. 24), interceding for us (Rom 8:34; Heb 7:25).
In the future he will appear on earth a second time, “to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him” (v. 28).
His appearance in the past brought us salvation. His appearance before God in the present brings us assurance of acceptance. His reappearing in the future will bring what has been ours in anticipation to be ours in actuality—the wait will be over; it will be time to go home.
Jesus is the answer:
yesterday, today, and forever.