And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: 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.  Hebrews 9:27-28

Captivating.  Who could imagine three lines containing so much content that it requires a second, no at least a third reading to gather the intrinsic and implied meanings.  The Living Word is appropriate moniker.  Let us ask the Holy Spirit to venture with us so that we may grasp that which God intended.  Father, fill us with your Spirit that we read your holy word in thankfulness, prayer and spiritual understanding.  Be with us and teach us that which you would have us understand to make greater sense of this worldly test we are facing in preparation of being with you forever.

The Holy Spirit is directing me, because this passage begins with the “word” AND, to look back the preceding passage to find the purpose of the contraction.

For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

A single sacrifice, successful, complete, sufficient.  Putting away sin through that action that he suffer the intolerable act of becoming all men’s sin, ONLY ONCE.  Christ gave himself on the sacrificial alter of heaven so that he entered into God’s presence on our behalf, not an effigy, an idol or a model of His glory but as himself presented to God a propitiation of our sins.  AND,

Since we all have an appointed time to die, ONLY ONCE, this life has the greatest import.  This is a one way ticket, once chance, one opportunity to accept or deny Christ.  We are not to be recycled, our spirits placed into other bodies, whether fish or fowl.  For that would makes God’s Word a lie, and we know it to be the absolute Truth of an unchanging, Omnipotent, Omniscient, Holy and Righteous God.  Do not be led astray with the belief that you have more time following your appointed meeting with death.  If I got a do over would Christ have to go back up on the Cross and die for me again?  Would I have to take seriously the importance, urgency and precious gift given by the Lord to man?  No, I have an appointment scheduled by God after which I will meet judgment.

Christ died to put away the sins of those who accept His Grace.  Since all will die, ONCE, this indicates that there are two different judgments; one for those who accepted and another for those who denied Christ.  Do you punish your obedient children? Most certainly NOT, for they have done as you’ve asked and to meet out punishment for good behavior would destroy further compliance.  Verily, those who have believed do not deserve that punishment reserved for those who have died in unbelief.  They in fact will face a judgment intended as cleansing reward for the level of their obedience, as some will give all and all will give some.  Their judgment will be one of the efficacy and commitment to the Kingdom Work.  Rewarded for their level of a life lived for the King.  And unto them who have been looking for him, he will appear without sin to the realization of their salvation.  Oh, what a Glorious Appearing that will be.

I am going to die, maybe today, maybe in decades, that is assured.  Even unbelievers need admit the fact of our coming demise for it cannot be avoided.  Even though the enemy will deceive many into believing this life may be perpetually extended through AI, false forms and enlightened technological uploading, it still remains a lie.  For the enemy preys on humanistic reason and avoidance of God’s Absolute Truth, falsely asserting that death and judgment may somehow be escaped.  Why is it then that I do not fear judgment, why is it then that I do not wish to spend eternity in this sinful life, why is it that I cannot imagine continuing this life when my “real” life awaits following that judgment?  How can a man want to die at the time of his appointing?  You must make sense of this quandary within your own lifetime, but do it today, because none of us knows our appointed time.  I pray that you too find comfort in belief and resolution of your eternal continuance.  Go to God through Jesus, find eternal life in Him and look forward to His Glorious Appearing with a unmatched joy within your heart.  In Jesus’ Name.