Live once. Die once. Meet Christ forever.

Hebrews 9:27 — “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:”

This verse highlights a foundational truth of human existence: death is inevitable, and it occurs only once. The phrase “once to die” emphasizes the finality and certainty of physical death for all people. While there are exceptional cases in Scripture—such as Enoch (Genesis 5:24) and Elijah (2 Kings 2:11), who were taken up without seeing death, and Lazarus (John 11:43–44), who died twice—these are rare and miraculous occurrences. Lazarus and others like him did not experience resurrection unto glorified life, and ultimately died again.

This verse stands in direct contrast to the popular belief in reincarnation, which teaches that the soul returns to live multiple lives. Scripture is clear: each person lives once, dies once, and then faces judgment. There is no cycle of rebirths, no second chances after death to earn salvation. This makes the present life critically important, as it is the only opportunity to accept God’s gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. The “judgment” spoken of here is not limited to unbelievers. It is a general reference to the divine accountability that awaits all people:

• Believers will stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10) — not for condemnation, but for rewards based on faithfulness and obedience.

• Unbelievers will face the Great White Throne Judgment (Revelation 20:11–15), where they will be judged according to their works, and ultimately cast into the lake of fire if their names are not found in the Book of Life.

Hebrews 9:28 — “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.” The author now turns to the finished work of Christ, using a parallel structure. Just as man dies once, Christ was offered once—a single, all-sufficient sacrifice.

• “To bear the sins of many” points directly to Isaiah 53:12, where the Suffering Servant is described as one who “bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.” Christ’s offering on the cross was not repetitive like the Old Testament sacrifices. It was once for all, bearing the full weight of humanity’s sin (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:21).

• The phrase “unto them that look for him” narrows the focus to a specific group: believers who eagerly anticipate His return (cf. Philippians 3:20). This “looking” is not passive. The Greek word (apekdechomai) suggests a hopeful, expectant waiting for the return of Jesus. It is this watchful readiness that marks the life of the faithful.

• When He comes the “second time, without sin, unto salvation,” it means that Christ’s return will not be to deal with sin again—that work is completed. His second coming is for the final consummation of salvation—the glorification of believers (cf. 1 Peter 1:3–5). Just as the high priest would emerge from the Holy of Holies on the Day of Atonement, signifying that the offering was accepted, so Christ’s return will signify the acceptance and completion of His redemptive work.

  
  

Doctrinal Implications

1. Finality of Death: Human beings are not given repeated chances to live a better life through reincarnation. We each have one life to respond to the gospel.

2. Certainty of Judgment: Judgment is inescapable. Whether believer or unbeliever, all will stand before Christ.

3. Sufficiency of Christ’s Sacrifice: Jesus’ once-for-all offering is fully effective, requiring no repetition.

4. Second Coming for Believers: Christ’s return is not to suffer again, but to bring full salvation to those who trust Him.

   
   

Practical Application

Since it is appointed once to die, and after that comes the judgment, we must live with eternity in view. The brevity and finality of life should stir us to live for Christ now, knowing that eternal destinies are sealed at death.

Let this truth ignite evangelism—sharing the gospel with urgency—and personal holiness, as we eagerly await the appearance of our Savior.

Closing Thought

There are only two outcomes on the day of judgment:

• Those whose names are written in the Book of Life will be received into eternal life with Christ.

• Those who rejected Him will face eternal separation in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:15).

  
  

Now is the time to choose. There is no second death for those who are born again; but for those who reject Christ, death will come twice—once physically, and once spiritually.

Live once. Die once. Meet Christ forever.