Once and for all!

so Christ, having been offered once and once for all to bear [as a burden] the sins of many, will appear a second time [when he returns to earth], not to deal with sin, but to bring salvation to those who are eagerly and confidently waiting for Him.
HEBREWS 9:28 AMP

His mission was to bear the sin of the whole world, even for those not yet born. His assignment was settled long before you and I were born, and all that God desires is a living, breathing relationship with those he has created. He bore the sin on the cross, his Father turned his face away, he was rejected and denied even by his own disciples, all because he wanted to secure eternal redemption and life for us. The assignment has been concluded, the price has been paid and the way to God defined.

How do I respond? I am expected to accept this free gift and secure my eternity. It is a fallacy to think that I will have time to repent before death comes. No one has been informed ahead of time when the grim reaper, the ultimate leveller will come calling. The gift, though offered to all, will only work for all who accept him, and remain in him. He will come back; there is no doubt about that. When he comes, will I be found eagerly waiting for him? When he returns, will I be confident that I will be found in him?

That is the crux of today's extract. We must live right, and do right, so we can end right. Life is not defined by possessions, position, power or privilege, but by the power of the one who runs my life. Life is defined by my knowledge of the One who secures eternity for me. What would it profit me, if I am well - known down here and not recognised where it matters most? Would it be of any gain to me if I am celebrated down here, but I do not qualify for life eternal?

I check my priorities again, and ask God for grace to live right. Eternity is too long a time not to be sure of your final destination. His time of favour is here.