Definition: And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important passage from Hebrews 9:27. It’s a bit complex, so we’ll go through it step-by-step in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is talking about the finality of death and the possibility of God’s judgment after it. It’s saying that death isn't just an ending – it’s designed to be a test, and then, at the end, there will be a judgment. Let’s unpack it: “Hebrews 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die…” This part is saying that death is already destined for humans. It's not a random event; it’s predetermined. Think of it like a countdown. “…but after this the judgment:” This is where the real significance comes in. “Judgment” here means God’s righteous anger and punishment. It's not just about feeling bad – it's about God actively dealing with those who have disobeyed him. So, what does this mean in a nutshell? Hebrews 9:27 suggests that death isn’t the end of our lives, but rather a stage leading to something much bigger. God is setting up a process where death is a trial, and then, after that trial, there's a reckoning – a judgment from God. Think of it like this analogy: Imagine you're throwing a ball. You throw it once, and it lands. That’s your first act. Then, you have to figure out how to make the ball bounce again. That’s the judgment. It's not just about what happened before; it’s about what happens after it. Important Context: This verse is part of a larger discussion in Hebrews 9 and 10, which explores God's plan for salvation and how it works through sacrifice and atonement. It speaks to the idea that Jesus Christ was offered as a substitute for humanity’s sins, so that those sins could be forgiven and removed from the world. In short, Hebrews 9:27 is a powerful statement about the nature of death and God's ultimate judgment. --- Would you like me to: Explain any part in more detail? Give you an analogy that relates to this verse?