“And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.”—Hebrews 9:27-28 (NKJV)

It is easy to forget that God loves the world when we witness pain and suffering. Yet it is a demonstration of God’s love that He allows humanity free will. But when free will is allowed, there is the possibility of pain and suffering because man may make choices in that free will that will result in consequences. And as Ravi Zacharias puts it: “Where there is pain and suffering, there is need for a Savior. And when there is a need for a Savior, there is the possibility of redemption.”

What this means is that in God’s great love for mankind, He has always had a plan to allow for love and free will as well as a plan for redemption! From the beginning, He set in motion a course that would involve His Son appearing for the purpose of bearing the sins for you and me, if we receive it. That plan was not one of ease, but one that meant the suffering of our Savior, who would become our expiation (the removal of our sin) and our propitiation (the payment of our sin). 

Christ’s sacrifice allowed for us the assurance of an eternity in God’s presence! That is why we eagerly await His return . . . it means that we will receive the promised hope that is the result of His redemptive work on the cross! 

What does this mean for us now? Paul wrote to Titus: “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works” (Titus 2:11-13 NKJV).

We have the opportunity to live our lives in a way that shows the world that God desires for all to know Him and experience the hope of heaven. As we eagerly wait for our Savior, let us point people to His love and grace!

DIG: Do you live in anticipation of heaven?

DISCOVER: Does your life display the hope you have in God’s redemptive plan?

DISPLAY: Invite others into this same hope of heaven by sharing the gospel with them!