“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:”
Heb 9:27 (KJ2000)
How this scripture has been taken out of context and been made to mean something entirely different than the writer of Hebrews was saying. I’ve heard for decades that this scripture proves we only live (in a body) one time. Is this the subject matter? I’ve also heard it to mean that when we die, we will be judged by God (the white throne judgment, perhaps?). What kind of death are we talking about? Is this scripture only for the believer, or does it apply to everyone? What is this appointment to die, and what is the consequential judgment?
The book of Hebrews is unique not only because of its subject matter and perspective, but because its authorship is disputed. Paul is a chief candidate to have written it, and at the top of the list of any possible authors. In this book, there is no denying the authority of Paul and the understanding that he had of legalism and the Levitical system of worship. No other follower of Christ had his credentials and experience in these things, for he had been a chief Pharisee. God was not tripped up in His appointment of this man, for Paul could eloquently and accurately address all religious issues. He knew the legal aspect of the law and was himself a former keeper--to the letter. (Phil 3:5-6) And Hebrews is a book to Jewish (Hebrew) Christians. Even though Paul’s main calling was to the gentiles (Romans 15:16), his style of writing was adjusted for this epistle to the “higher minds” of the religious community whose mind-sets were firmly into the former dead order. Only an “equal” could offer the understanding of the letter of the word that these Jews had, and--unfortunately--their reverence to it was blocking their spiritual freedom and causing a stumbling block in their belief on the Savior.
Hebrews speaks of a higher priesthood, a spiritual priesthood that has One high priest, Christ Jesus. The natural things were overtaken by the spiritual and the former ways no longer had application. This was the message that the writer was trying to drive home to a group who believed on Jesus, but also believed in the Levitical system. These were putting our Lord to open shame with their return to the old ways of animal sacrifice when the final sacrifice had already been made!
There has been purpose in the expounding of Hebrews in this way, for it offers foundation for the subject matter of this article. Much of Hebrews has been misunderstood, for there has been a lack of discernment in the Christian world of the true purpose of the book, and to whom it was initially addressed. While it has valuable application for all followers of Christ in establishing the priesthood of Jesus, much understanding of its contents has been taken out of context.
The ninth chapter of Hebrews is speaking of comparisons of the old ways with the new reality, with the superiority of the new sanctuary and final sacrifice being exposed. The writer takes the reader on a walk through the tabernacle of old (represented inside the temple). The fixtures and items shown behind each veil are spoken of. The duty of the high priest of Israel was explained, and not because the hearers of the message didn’t know about it. They knew to whatever degree they had been taught of those things or experienced them, but this explanation was an allegorical display of the direct correlation between Jesus and the natural high priest walking out the same duty. Our great High Priest, however, was walking on a higher plane, walking in the invisible, fulfilling the requirement of a sin offering. He sacrificed himself and then became Master of the sanctuary. Jesus partook of all the specific steps in spiritual perfection, manifesting the blueprint of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. (Heb 9:26, Rev 13:8) No more natural priesthood or substitutionary sacrificial system was needed. These were all obsolete!
Chapter nine also speaks of the value of blood, of its usage in the remission of sins, and of how an animal’s blood is a temporary remedy. The former was a yearly requirement, but the final remedy was Christ. The offering of his life and shed blood were the showing of the Lamb without spot or blemish laying on the literal alter (the cross) to redeem sin not just for a year, but permanently. When he was slain, so was a natural lamb being slain in the literal temple for Passover. The two deaths were a showing of the same reality, with one having an eternal consequence.
Paul (I believe) was speaking an enlightened message to the Hebrew Christians concerning the dilemma they were in. They had one foot in the old covenant and one foot in the new, in ignorance. The old system was still functioning, and the culture of the whole thing was embedded in their lives, so there was cause for confusion. As long as the old structure (temple, tabernacle) made with hands was showing itself, the reality of what Jesus did was hidden. (Heb 9:8; and this issue would be dealt with in a few years with the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D.) Thus, the letter to the Hebrews, the heart of which is the heralding of the spiritual priesthood of Jesus Christ, having overtaken sin with the ultimate offering of himself. The Divine sacrifice on the altar became the Divine High Priest; having conquered death, He became the Master of it.
Now, back to my opening scripture, concerning our appointment with death. “Men” speaks in the original as “mankind”. We were all appointed to death, and surely everyone knows that this goes back to Genesis (3:3). This happening came about as a result of partaking of a tree (stronghold of enrichment) that was strictly “hands off”, for God said to even touch it would cause death. The female Adam (not named Eve yet) took fruit from the forbidden tree, offered it to her husband, and they began the descent into death, a status of broken communication with God. We all are born into it for this is our heritage. And it isn’t our fault, is it? Are we guilty of something we had no part in? And wasn’t this God’s plan all along, even though the creation was not willing? (Romans 8:20). He did it in hope (expectation). He sent it into being with a secure outcome of restoration and justice.
“For if by one man's offense death reigned through one; much more they who receive abundance of grace, and of the gift, and of justice, shall reign in life through one, Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:17 (Douay-Rheims Bible)
Father fixed the problem which was never our problem, but always His. Actually, God doesn’t have problems, but his way of doing things creates seeming problems for us as we find our way through the fog back into the light. The fog is death, albeit an illusional one, for God never left us; we just couldn’t sense him. But our Creator took full responsibility for that issue. He sent his son, Jesus, to bring justice and display Divine righteousness (fairness). Death passed over us through our Passover lamb, and we were covered with His life. Jesus carried the race of Adam to the cross and resurrected it. Therefore, we died also. Now there is only His life within.
“For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died.” 2 Cor 5:14 (NIV) When Jesus died on the cross, we all died. No conditions. He said that when he was lifted up he would draw (drag) all men to himself. And anything else would be unfair. None of us asked for separation from God, so none of us are guilty. This is not blasphemy, but is certainly drastically different than the lies taught from the pulpits. God has always been in control of his creation and has always taken full responsibility for our care and upkeep. He is a wonderful, wise, loving Father!
Who was appointed to die? Adam. Who stood in for us in death and delivered us back into life? Jesus. He took death to the cross, for/AS us and restored us back into life.
“But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man” 1 Cor 15:20-21 (NIV)
What would have been the point of his death otherwise, since he was innocent? For US He bore the sentence and delivered us unto justice and freedom, for we were with him. We died on the cross with Jesus and only need to experience the reconnection that he accomplished. Jesus was the lineman who restored all of the downed communication towers to get that lost signal back into our world. Then comes the ability to experience the “judgment” part of Heb 9:27. After the appointment to die is judgment.
Strong’s 2920 shows “judgment” as from the Greek “krisis”. This is where our English word crisis is derived from. A crisis is a turning point. Every man will now be brought to a turning point because Jesus conquered death. We all have a time (1 Cor 15:23) for an awakening (Romans 13:11). This is when our crisis occurs and we discover the fog we are living in, the sleepy state from the anesthesia applied in Genesis. Our mind-set has been death (life without God’s presence), and we are awakened to the true state of things. There is indeed a crisis when we discover that we have been identifying with a dead man (Adam). This is when we start to understand that our life was in a cycle out from God until this “turning point” sends us back from whence we came. The judgment here is not about prison sentences but about ultimate freedom and life!
No need to be afraid of Hebrews 9:27 anymore. Our appointment with death was covered in a high court with Jesus Christ as our advocate and mediator. (1 John 2:1, Heb 9:15, 12:24) The author of Hebrews was telling his brethren to embrace the final sacrifice of their Savior. He was telling them that no life had to be taken anymore, no more blood had to be shed. Death (our life without God) was killed (the 2nd death) and the scales were balanced. One man died for all, all died, all were given the potential to “turn” and have a change of thinking (repentance) to no longer agree with the old, dead Adamic mind set. This open door just hadn’t been available before the appointment at Calvary, but it had always been pending!
Can we benefit from the letter to the Hebrews today? Of course, for spiritual application is always relevant and accessible, thanks to the Holy Spirit within. Do we crucify afresh our Lord, putting Him to open shame? (Heb 6:6) Every week! Returning to buildings made with hands to walk through dead procedures that do not produce one lick of spirituality. If God is in any building it is because we took him in with us, for we are the new tabernacle, not made with hands. Icons, statues, robes, rites, ceremonies, titles, holy days, etc.: All are phantoms of a dead priesthood. "Communion" is a remembrance of him, as if He (the Lord) were no longer available. Think about it!!
Paul addressed the abuse happening in ceremonial dinners to the Corinthians (ch 11). Truthfully, the last supper was the LAST supper. Jesus told those disciples (not us) to eat it in remembrance of him, right then--not next year, but then! He was about to become the last sacrificial lamb of Passover. There would be no need for them to partake of a Passover supper again, (which was a custom). Paul was also very stern with the Galatians, calling them stupid (foolish, King James) for their return to legalism. How these things desecrate Him, even in ignorance. I could write a book. (And I did!) The glorious truth is that God has freed us from religion (concepts and form), for He doesn't dwell there. He dwells in US. Breath in the beauty of it!
“Let us draw near with sincerity and unfaltering faith, having had our hearts sprinkled, once for all, from consciences oppressed with sin, and our bodies bathed in pure water.” Heb 10:22 (Weymouth)
Yes, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:” The text here has nothing to do with not having extended life in a different body. This beautiful scripture has hidden life about our Creator's provision and love for us! It is the stating of a sentence that has been commuted from spiritual death to spiritual life. The final High Priest walks among us and with us, whether we are tuned in yet or not. He stands AS Father, For Father, IN us. No death in this spot. No impending judgment at a literal white throne (a carnal interpretation of a symbol). Jesus covered our appointment to die and delivered us out of death. We have been freed to change our minds (ours for His) and have a turning point--right back into Him. This case is closed!
