Hebrews 9:27

“And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment,” (Hebrews 9:27 ESV). The context of this verse is about obtaining redemption from sin through blood from a sacrifice. During Old Testament times there was a specific ritual involving animal sacrifices to cover our sin, and once a year the high priest would take blood and go into the holy place to sprinkle it on the ark. But then Jesus appeared as a high priest to enter the holy place in heaven, “not by means of the blood of goats and calves, but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption.” (9:12). On the cross Jesus gave his blood as the perfect sacrifice and then rose from the dead to enter the holy place as the high priest on our behalf. With this in view we come to our verse.

Because of our sin it has been determined by God that we would die once physically, but that would be followed by judgment. Since Jesus Christ was offered to bear the sins of those who believe, we will not face judgment at the Great White Throne and then sent to hell, but we will “appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil” (2 Corinthians 5:10). The place of judgment will depend on whether our sin has been covered by the blood of Jesus, but there will be judgment. While there is still time, be sure your sin is covered by his blood through belief in Jesus Christ.

Prayer

Father, thank you for the gift of salvation. Thank you Jesus for your willingness to become our perfect sacrifice as payment for our salvation. Thank you Holy Spirit for coming to dwell within our hearts as our assurance of eternal life.