“For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made with hands (only a model of the true one) but into heaven itself, so that he might now appear in the presence of God for us. He did not do this to offer himself many times, as the high priest enters the sanctuary yearly with the blood of another. Otherwise, he would have had to suffer many times since the foundation of the world. But now he has appeared one time, at the end of the ages, for the removal of sin by the sacrifice of himself. And just as it is appointed for people to die once — and after this, judgment  —  so also Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭9:24-28‬ ‭CSB‬‬

The actions of Christ are representative of our lives on earth. We will die once then we will be judged. Those who have walked with Jesus will gain eternal salvation and the reward of living in the new creation. Those who reject the truth and live in the world will be sent to the pit where the fire never stops, and the larvae are always hungry. Jesus died once, and through His death, He was able to go into the sanctuary (in heaven) and sprinkle His blood to cover the sins of people. It is a one-off transaction. He does not offer His sacrifice over and over because He suffered and died once. His one-time death is why earlier in the letter, the author mentioned knowingly sinning and rejecting the salvation of Jesus. It is an abomination for you can not continually keep on re-crucifying, Jesus. He died once for all of your sins so that you may sin no more and, through His Spirit, start to walk empowered in a life that resembles Him.

The author then brings to our attention those who will receive salvation. It is not a gift which everyone will receive when He returns. The teachings of Jesus are unambiguous. He mentions rejecting people despite them prophesying, healing, miracles, attending communion, church etc. He says, “Get away from me, for I do not know you”. Jesus also teaches about people not using their talents correctly and being deemed evil servants. Jesus further tells us about trees that do not bear fruit and are thrown into the fire. My dear brother and sister, do not believe the false doctrine taught by the masses; you say Jesus is Lord, and then you are saved. This is not the truth. Note, the author says Jesus will “bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.” To be waiting expectantly for someone, you must know them so that you can recognise Him when He comes.  Jesus clearly teaches us about the end times, and many will come pretending to be Him, but only those who truly know Him will be able to discern the truth.

Today take grasp of the knowledge that Jesus died once for your sins. In the same way, you will die once. After His death, He will come back to gather those who are His. In the same way, after your death, there will be an accounting. The gift of salvation is to those who know Him. To know Him means you are obedient to His teachings, ways, and truth. In these last days, there is MUCH deception in the church, and many will be cast away from Him with the words, “get away from me for I did not know you”. Today make the decision that you will not hear those words. Make getting to know Jesus your only goal and throw away the things and ways of the world and embrace the ways of God.