What is the meaning of this verse: "And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment..."?
Hebrews 9:27
NKJV - 27 And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.
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Asked April 21 2020
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Rotimi EWEDEMI
Supporter
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Aurel Gheorghe
Supporter
The author (most likely Paul) of Hebrews 9:27 is simply saying that everyone must die once (eventually), then face the Judgment. The wording may sound for some as if the Judgment will follow right after death, but that would not line up with the rest of scripture - Ecclesiastes 9:5 or Daniel 12:2. The “appointed” mentioned in Hebrews 9:27 points us back to Genesis 3:19 where God pronounces the fate of man returning to dust. The next thing man will face after death, aside from the resurrection, will be the judgement (Rev 20:13). The word Hades used here refers to the grave. The Bible teaches that there are two resurrections (Rev 20:6; 20:13; 21:8). The first is for the righteous who will inherit the eternal life and not die “the second death.” The second resurrection is for the unrighteous who will die “the second death” in the hell fire (Malachi 4:1,3). This is the death penalty that Christ took upon Himself - He died for our sins so all who love Him as Lord and Saviour will not taste. Thus, it is appointed for man to die only once - however, all who rejected Christ's sacrifice will sadly have pay for their own sins and die twice (Rev 20:14, 15).
Tim Maas
Supporter
In the verse cited in the question, the writer of the epistle to the Hebrews is saying that humans undergo death (based on the universally fallen, sinful nature of humanity) at the end of their temporal lives, after which they face God's judgment to determine their eternal state (eternal life in God's presence or eternal separation from God). Those who have placed their faith in Christ's atoning death and resurrection (rather than in their own imperfect works or righteousness) for their salvation will receive eternal life. Those who have not will be eternally separated from God. This one-time judgment corresponds to the manner in which Christ suffered and died one time (rather than repeatedly) to atone for the sin of all humanity from eternity past to eternity future, after which His resurrection from the dead verified both the sufficiency in God's view of His sacrificial death, and also His attainment of the same eternal life that those who place their faith in Him for salvation will receive.
Jack Gutknecht
Supporter
Good question, Rotimi! Both Hebrews 9:27 and Acts 17:31 speak of a divinely appointed judgment, but they approach it from different angles: Hebrews 9:27 states a universal principle: every person faces death once, followed by judgment. It does not specify who will judge or on what basis. Acts 17:31 builds on this by revealing when, how, and by whom that judgment will occur: God has set a day, will judge the world in righteousness through the man He appointed (Jesus), and has provided proof of this by raising Him from the dead. I noticed Acts 17:31 being a cross-reference to Hebrews 9:27 on bible.org (XRef). Also, preacher Stephen F. Olford sees the similarity in his book, Biblical Answers to Personal Problems. I found it in his last chapter (Chapter 12 entitled "The Answer to Death Hebrews 9:24-28.") Stephen Olford's message titled "The Answer to Death" focuses on Hebrews 9:24-28, emphasizing that Jesus Christ's once-for-all sacrifice is God's ultimate remedy for human mortality and judgment. Biblegateway He writes of A. The Period for the Judgment Has Been Ordered Already -- where God "... has appinted a day.." (Acts 17:31) B The Person for the Judgment Has Been Ordained Already God "has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained... (Acts 17:31). C. The Proof for the Judgment Has Been Offered Already "... because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whome He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all, by raising Him from the dead" (Acts 17:31). The fact that Jesus Christ lives today is God's infallible proof that He will judge men and women on the "appointed day." Be ready. I am already ready because earlier in my life I repented of my sins and believed in Christ as my only hope of salvation. I did this in a simple prayer: "Lord Jesus, I acknowledge my sins to You. I want to change but I don't have the strength to do so. Forgive my sin, and strengthen me to want to obey You from now on." Jesus heard my prayer, and now I have a personal relationship with Him, and He strengthens me in times of temptation!
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