A Definite Day With Death

Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. – Hebrews 9:27-28

Unless Jesus comes back before you die, one day one of your breaths will be your last. Your chest will rise and fall one last time. You will take in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide one last time. You need to be ready for that moment, because today may be the day that moment comes.

In Hebrews chapter 9, there are several verses that give us an encyclopedia of truth about our last breath. That’s what we’re going to dive into today and tomorrow. 

As we read this passage, the first thing we need to come to terms with is that we have a definite day with death. The author of Hebrews makes it very clear that we are definitely going to die at some point. Hebrews 9:27 starts by saying, “And just as it is appointed for people to die once...”

The word “appointed” literally means “to be laid up” or “to be laid aside.” You can also translate it as “reserved.” When you make a reservation at a hotel, that means a certain room has been laid aside for you and no one else. Every one of us has a reservation with death. You didn’t make it; God made it. 

You have a date, a day, a minute, a second, a moment that has been laid aside for you to draw your last breath. You can’t cancel the reservation and you will keep the appointment. That is a reality we all need to come to terms with.

Are you ready for death? Do you know where you’re going to spend eternity when you die? These are questions we all need to be comfortable with answering now so that we are prepared for our final day on this earth.

Dear Lord, thank you for saving me and giving me the hope of spending eternity with you after I die. Help me not to fear death, but to live my life here on earth to the fullest until I am united with you in heaven. In Jesus’ name, amen.