It Is Appointed For Men To Die Once

When I was much younger, I heard some teachers use a particular verse to scold believers to repent because of the ‘Judgment Day’!

‘And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after death judgment:’ (Heb 9:27)

Hmm…. I’m very sure you are familiar with that verse. It is a verse used generally to scare believers of the judgment day! But I was surprised to find out that this verse has been WRONGLY interpreted over the years!

Now listen carefully: the statement written in that verse was NOT meant to scare believers at all!  In fact, that verse was meant to ASSURE believers that they are not going to be condemned on the Judgment Day! Hmm….

This is why it is good we learn to always read every verse of Scripture in its actual context! Now pick up your Bible and follow carefully as we explore Hebrews 9 in its actual context!

In the 24th verse, the Bible shows us that unlike the priests of the Old Covenant, Jesus did not enter into earthly temples on our behalf. Instead, Jesus is right in the presence of God FOR US!

In the 25th verse, the Bible reveals that unlike the priests of the Old Covenant, Jesus is not offering Himself often times! He only offered Himself ONCE! Hmm…

In the 26th verse, the Bible unveils that if Jesus had to sacrifice Himself often as the Old Testament priests did, then He should have been doing that since the foundation of the world!  BUT He is not offering Himself often! He offered Himself ONCE AND FOR ALL to put away SIN! I hope you are following this! Hmm…

This was what led to the 27th verse which many teachers use erroneously today to scare believers about the Judgment Day!

‘And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after death judgment:’ (Heb 9:27)

If you have been following carefully, you will realize that a believer is NOT the actual focus in this context. JESUS and His sacrifice for us are the focus in this context. The Bible was using the statement in that verse to explain how Jesus DIED ONCE and received the JUDGMENT for the SINS of the world!

That verse begins with the word ‘AND’ and ends with a ‘column’ sign). This implies that this verse is actually a CONJUCTION between the previous verses and the next verse! It was stated to explain something very important! If you really want to know what it explains, then read the next verse!  Hmm…

‘And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after death judgment: So CHRIST WAS ONCE OFFERED TO BEAR THE SINS OF MANY….’ (Heb 9:27-28)

Aba! This is just so clear! We shouldn’t just quote a verse because we feel like preaching and making everybody afraid of hell!

Listen attentively: If you are a BELIEVER, you are NOT going to HELL! Never! (Did that statement ‘wow’ you)?

In fact, we are not through yet with the 28th verse! Let’s re-visit that verse again.

So CHRIST WAS ONCE OFFERED TO BEAR THE SINS OF MANY;… and unto them that look for Him….shall He appear the second time WITHOUT SIN unto salvation’ (Heb. 9:28)!

Wow! Did you see that? When Christ shall come, He is not coming to judge the sins of believers! This is because those sins have already been judged in His body on the cross of Calvary! I love the way the Good News Bible puts that verse!

‘….He will appear the second time, NOT TO DEAL WITH SIN, but to SAVE those who are waiting for Him’! (Heb 9:28 GNB)

Isn’t this clear enough? Yet, many people still believe we must teach about the Judgment Day in a way that every one must be afraid and shivering because ….it is appointed unto man once to die and after death judgment!

Now listen carefully: when a ‘TEXT’ is removed from it’s ‘CONTEXT’, the devil will easily ‘CON’ (deceive) you!

The Bible explains clearly that every Believer is to HAVE BOLDNESS IN THE DAY OF JUDGMENT….because as Jesus is Righteous in heaven, so ARE WE on this earth! (1John 4:17). Always remember that at the cross, a DIVINE EXCHANGE occurred! Do you know what a ‘divine exchange’ means?

This is it: At the cross Jesus took ALL your sins; and you took ALL His righteousness! (2cor 5:21)

Hmm… I hope you had a nice time going through the book of Hebrews 9 with me.

Hallelujah!

Never forget: If you are a really a believer in Jesus, …let no devil deceive you, …you ARE NOT GOING to hell!  (John 3:18)

Believe!!!

Amen.