And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment. Hebrews 9:27 (KJV)

In life, we often think about our plans, dreams, and aspirations. We consider what we want to accomplish, where we want to go, and the mark we want to leave on life. But how often do we think about what happens after this life? The Bible says in Hebrews 9:27, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.”  This speaks clearly about a day when we will all meet God, a day when we will stand before Him and give an account of our lives. This thought can be both inspiring and sobering, offering us both a promise and a warning.

Jesus, in His teachings, did not avoid talking about the reality of life after death. One of the most profound passages on this topic is found in Matthew 25:31-46, where Jesus describes the final judgment. He says, “When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats.” This imagery of separation illustrates that there will be a clear distinction between those who have followed God’s will and those who have not.

Jesus goes on to explain that the criteria for this judgment will be how we treated others. Did we feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, welcome the stranger, clothe the naked, care for the sick, and visit the imprisoned? These acts of kindness are not just good deeds but reflections of a heart aligned with God’s love and compassion. The reward for those who have done these things is eternal life with God, while those who have neglected them face eternal separation from God.

The idea of resurrection and accountability is further emphasized in John 5:28-29. “Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.” Here, Jesus speaks directly about a future resurrection where every person will rise from the dead to face judgment. This passage makes it clear that our actions in this life have eternal consequences.

It is a sobering thought to realize that every deed, whether good or bad, will be brought to light. Ecclesiastes 12:14 echoes this truth, saying, “For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good or whether it be evil.” There is nothing hidden from God; He sees all and knows all. This should inspire us to live lives of integrity, knowing that we are accountable to a holy and just God.

One of the most powerful stories Jesus told about life after death is the story of the Rich Man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31. In this story, a rich man lives in luxury while a poor man named Lazarus lies at his gate, covered in sores and longing for scraps of food. When both men die, their situations are reversed. Lazarus is carried by angels to Abraham’s side, a place of comfort, while the rich man finds himself in a place of torment.

The rich man begs for relief but is told that a great chasm separates the two places, a chasm that cannot be crossed. This story is a stark warning that our choices in this life affect our eternal destiny. The rich man’s earthly wealth and comfort were of no use to him after death, highlighting the futility of placing our trust in temporary, material things.

However, this story is not just a warning; it is also a message of hope. Lazarus, though poor and suffering in life, is comforted in death. This reminds us that God’s judgment is fair and just. He sees the suffering and injustice of this world, and He promises to make things right in the end.

The teachings of Jesus about judgment and the afterlife should lead us to consider the urgency of the Gospel message. In Matthew 7:21, Jesus warns, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.” This passage highlights the importance of not just professing faith but living it out. Our actions and our obedience to God’s will are evidence of our faith.

On the day of judgment, there will be many who are surprised to find that their words and actions did not align with God’s will. This is a call to us to examine our hearts and our lives today. Are we truly living for God, or are we merely going through the motions?  This call to change our lives and our hearts can only be accomplished by the surrender of our self-desires and accepting God’s grace and mercy through the atonement of Jesus Christ at Calvary.

As we reflect on these teachings of Jesus, let us be inspired to live with eternity in mind. The reality of meeting God after death and the certainty of judgment should motivate us to live lives that honor Him. Let’s be compassionate, caring for those in need, and striving to do God’s will in all things.

At the same time, these words serve as a warning to examine our lives and repent where necessary. God is gracious and merciful, willing to forgive and restore us when we turn to Him in this life. May we live each day with the awareness that one day we will stand before God, and may that thought motivate us to live fully for Him, knowing that our deeds have eternal consequences.

The promise is clear; those who follow God’s will have the hope of eternal life. The warning is equally clear; there is a judgment to come. Let us choose wisely, live righteously, and prepare to meet our God with confidence and joy.

—Harold R. Troyer