Greek Key Terms:
tolēn*) - (implied: appears second time)
Context: Hebrews 9:24-28 contrasts Christ's once-for-all entrance into heaven with the high priest's annual entrance into the earthly Holy of Holies. Christ entered "into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf" (v. 24)—not a man-made sanctuary but God's dwelling. He appeared "once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself" (v. 26). As humans die once then face judgment, Christ was "offered once to bear the sins of many" (v. 28) and will appear again "not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him" (v. 28). The Day of Atonement required annual repetition; Christ's Day of Atonement requires no repetition.
Connections:
Christological Connection: Hebrews 9:24-28 declares Christ's entrance into heaven accomplishes what the Day of Atonement foreshadowed. "He has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself" (v. 26). The earthly high priest entered yearly; Christ entered once. Hebrews 10:12 states: "when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God"—sitting demonstrates completion. First Peter 3:18 affirms: "Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous." The unrepeatable nature mirrors human death—"appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment" (v. 27). Romans 6:10 states: "The death he died he died to sin, once for all." Christ "entered... into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf" (v. 24)—present intercession following completed atonement. Romans 8:34 declares Christ "is at the right hand of God... interceding for us." The promise of second appearing—"will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him" (v. 28)—separates first coming (sin-bearing) from second (consummation). Philippians 3:20-21 anticipates Christ's return: "our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body." The trajectory shows: high priest enters Holy of Holies annually (repeated atonement) → Christ enters heaven once (completed atonement) → He appears before God for believers (ongoing intercession) → He will appear again (final salvation).
Connection Method(s): Typology (Providential, Backward-Looking); Contrast — Christ entered "heaven itself" rather than a man-made copy, appeared "once for all at the end of the ages" rather than annually, and will appear a second time "not to deal with sin" but to consummate salvation, contrasting with the Day of Atonement's repeated, incomplete pattern.
Trajectory Table: 044 - Day of Atonement (Christ's Atoning Sacrifice)