ONE LIFE, DEATH AND JUDGMENT

Many times familiar passages of Scripture contain, upon closer study, truths often passed over but precious to the Christian upon their discovery. The text for this lesson is such a passage. The audience is urged to turn to the Book of Hebrews, chapter nine, and notice particularly verses 27 and 28.

Body

I. A GENERAL TRUTH CONCERNING MANKIND IS STATED.

   A. It is appointed unto man once to die. This implies but one earthly life for each individual, ended by his appointed death (James 4:13,14; Psalm 39: 4-6).

   B. After death comes appointed judgment. This truth is taught in both Old and New Testament Scriptures (Ecclesiastes 12:13,14; Acts 17:30,31; II Corinthians 5:10). Each man will appear in judgment one time - and once only. There will be no double jeopardy for the life once lived on the earth.

II. THIS TRUTH IS APPLIED SPECIFICALLY TO JESUS CHRIST.

   A. Christ lived one time on the earth, died one time to earthly physical existence, and appeared before God one time for inspection of that life ("as ... unto man; . . . so also Christ," text). This was His appointed lot as a partaker of flesh and blood, for He became like unto His brethren in all things.

   B. Christ's life, death and judgment were singular and unique, even as He was truly the unique ("one-of-a-kind") man.

        1. His life was lived for others; in the place of others; as a representative for others (Romans 5:17-21, see also verse 10; Hebrews 10:5-10, see the detailed sermon on this passage in Sermons To Grow On, or the discussion of it in Our Man In Heaven: An Exposition of the Epistle to the Hebrews).

        2. His death occurred for others; in the place of others; as a representative offering for the sin of others (Hebrews 9:28; verses 12-14; 1:3).

        3. His judgment was also for others; in the place of others; as a representative for others (verse 24). Because of the verdict in the case of Christ our representative, based on His life and death, those faithful in Him will be assured of salvation when they face God themselves (I Corinthians 1:30, 31; II Corinthians 5:19-21; Philippians 3:9; II Timothy 1:12; 4:7,8).

   C. Jesus will never repeat His already-completed life, death or judgment. Never again will there be possibility of His being tempted to sin; never again will Satan have occasion to turn His mind from the cross as Sin-bearer; never again will the Father scrutinize His sinless life and perhaps change the verdict now given. The finished work of Christ is the eternal guarantee and firm basis of the hope and salvation of those faithful in Him.

III. BUT JESUS WILL RETURN TO HIS PEOPLE.

   A. The figure in verse 28 comes from the Old Testament priest, particularly on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16). If the offering of the priest was not acceptable to God, the people would not be forgiven and accepted by Him. The worshippers waited, therefore, to see that their priest (representing them) completed his work satisfactorily on their behalf.

        1. The risk and danger (verse 24; Leviticus 16:11-13).

        2. The anticipation (Luke 1:5,8-10,21).

        3. The relief and joy (Sirach 50:5-11, 17-21. Though not part of Scripture, this book from the period just before Christ illustrates beautifully the point here made. If the reader has access to an Apocrypha, he will find the text very enlightening. For the sake of those who might not, the pertinent part of the text follows, for the sake of illustration).
"Then all. flesh hasted together and fell upon their faces to the earth, to worship before the Most High, before the Holy One of Israel. And the sound of the song was heard, and over the multitude they made sweet melody; and all the people of the land cried in prayer before the Merciful, until he (the priest) had finished the service of the altar and His ordinances had brought him nigh unto Him. Then he (the priest) descended, and lifted up his hands upon the whole congregation of Israel, and the blessing of the Lord was upon his lips, and he glorified himself with the name of the Lord. And again they fell down, now to receive the pardon of the Lord from him."

   B. The outcome of Christ's work: He has successfully purged our sins, and now returns to bring eternal salvation (text).

   C. In the meantime, the Holy Spirit has been sent ahead, bringing the good news (Gospel) from heaven that Christ has successfully ascended to God, presented Himself in the divine presence, and has been received; and that God win through Him extend remission of sins and full salvation to all who put their confidence in His offering and serve Him (John 15:26; Acts 2:32-36; Romans 1:4; I Timothy 3:16; I Peter 3:18,22).

Conclusion

Are you among those who, faithful in Christ, are awaiting His glorious return? The Scriptures speak of such a group (I Corinthians 1:7-9; Philippians 3:20,21; 1 Thessalonians 1:9, 10). Decide today to place all your hope and confidence of salvation in the finished work of Christ; repent of sin and turn from it; be immersed into Jesus and rise to walk in His service; then rejoice daily in the Lord as you wait for His glorious return!

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