Focus: The Great Appearances of Christ

Text: Tit.2:11

"For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men."

There are three significant appearances of Jesus Christ in Hebrews, and they impact on the life of man totally and ultimately.

*Christ appeared in space and time of history to take away man's sin and redeem his soul from the fire of hell. 

The writer of Hebrews says, "But now…hath He appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself" (Heb.9:26). He went to the cross for the salvation of the sinner. In this first appearance of Christ "the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared" (Tit.3:4). On the cross we felt the impact on God's authentic love, great mercy and awesome grace. 

By the shed blood of Christ sin's yoke is broken, death's power is destroyed, and Satan's spell is expelled.

*Christ is currently appearing in heaven and talking to the Father on our behalf.

Hebrews tells us that Christ has entered heaven "to appear in the presence of God for us" (Heb.9:24). What is He doing there for us? Paul says, "Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us" (Rom.8:34). Since His resurrection, Christ has been in heaven making intercession for the saved. Christ is our heavenly advocate; He prays to the Father for the saints. He is upholding us in prayer before the Father while the Holy Spirit prays within us. 

He brings our supplications to the notice of the Father and makes available to us God's superabundant supply.

*Christ is going to appear again on earth to take us to our home in heaven.

The writer of Hebrews says, "And unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation" (Heb.9:28). He is going to make a second appearance on planet earth, and this time, He is coming in power and glory to take the saved to their heavenly abode. He also exhort us to "cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have need of patience… For yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry" (Heb.10:35-37). Our hope is anchored on this promise of His second return.

So we can see that yesterday He appeared to save us from sin's shackles, today He is appearing before the Father to intercede for our wellbeing, and tomorrow He will appear for the final time to lift us into the presence of the Father. In Christ our hope is sure and our future is secure.

Rest yourself on the sure promises of God! Be assured that Christ is praying for you now, and no prayer of His will go unanswered! And I am absolutely convinced that Christ will be making personal appearances to you whenever you face life's twists and turns. Grace has appeared; take advantage of it! And God's glory awaits us in the fullness of time. Amen!

by Bishop Moses E. Peter