“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” — Hebrews 9:27 (KJV)
Introduction
Death is the one event every person will face, yet the timing of death is known only to God. Scripture does not present death as distant or rare. It is immediate, constant, and often unexpected. Every minute, across the world, lives end without warning. Many who die today believed they had more time.
The Bible does not allow us to treat death lightly or to assume tomorrow is guaranteed. It repeatedly warns that life is brief and that eternity follows immediately after death. Because this is true, salvation is not a matter to delay.
Death Is Appointed by God
The Word of God declares that death is appointed. It is not random, nor is it under human control.
“Seeing his days are determined, the number of his months are with thee, thou hast appointed his bounds that he cannot pass.” — Job 14:5 (KJV)
No person can extend their life by decision, wealth, or planning beyond what God has allowed. Accidents, illness, disasters, and sudden events remind us that death does not always come slowly or with warning. Many who expected years were taken in a moment.
This truth should lead us not to fear, but to preparation.
Death Comes Without Warning
Scripture consistently teaches that death often arrives unexpectedly.
“Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.” — Proverbs 27:1 (KJV)
Jesus Himself warned against assuming we will have time later to deal with eternal matters. The rich man who planned for many years ahead died that very night (Luke 12:16–21). His soul was required of him before he could act.
The lesson is clear: delay is dangerous.
After Death Comes Judgment
The Bible leaves no room for second chances after death.
“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” — Hebrews 9:27 (KJV)
Death seals a person’s eternal state. There is no repentance in the grave, no opportunity to believe after life ends, and no salvation beyond the moment of death. Those who reject Christ in life will face judgment without Him.
This truth stands in direct opposition to ideas of purgatory, second chances, or post-death redemption. Scripture is firm: judgment follows death.
Salvation Must Be Received Before Death
Salvation is offered freely through Jesus Christ, but it must be accepted in this life.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” — John 3:16 (KJV)
Faith, repentance, and submission to Christ are acts of the living. A dead soul cannot choose. A silent heart cannot call on the Lord. The time to believe is now.
Now Is the Time of Salvation
Scripture does not speak of salvation as a future option. It speaks of it as an urgent present call.
“Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” — 2 Corinthians 6:2 (KJV)
Not tomorrow. Not after life settles down. Not when suffering comes. Not at old age. Now.
Every delay hardens the heart. Every excuse risks eternity. The enemy’s greatest lie is, “You have time.”
Conclusion: Do Not Wait
Death does not wait for readiness. It does not ask permission. It does not give warning. Many who intended to accept Christ later never had the chance.
If you are alive, you have opportunity. If you are breathing, grace is still extended. But that opportunity will end.
Choose Christ now. Repent now. Believe now. Follow Him now.
Tomorrow is not promised. Eternity is.