Posted on by Ezekiel Oghenekaro

Text:           Hebrews 9:27

By:               Otola, Joshua (Evang.)

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

Introduction

  • Every human being is on a journey
  • The journey into eternity
  • The Bible teaches that life on earth is temporary, but eternity is forever

“Am I ready for the journey of eternity?”

  • Many people prepare carefully for earthly journeys

Jesus repeatedly warned His hearers to be ready because life is uncertain and His return will come unexpectedly.

This lesson examines the biblical reality of eternity, the certainty of death and judgment, the  preparation God requires, and the assurance believers can have concerning eternal life.

THE JOURNEY OF ETERNITY IS CERTAIN

  • The Bible teaches that every person will leave this world.
  • Hebrews 9:27 “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.”
  • Death is not a possibility but a certainty
  • Ecclesiastes 3:2 “A time to be born, and a time to die.”
  • Psalm 90:10-12 “The days of our years are threescore years and ten… so teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.”
  • James 4:14 “For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.”
  • Job 14:1-2 “Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble. He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down.”
  • Why do many people live as though life on earth will last forever?
  • How should the brevity of life affect our daily decisions?

ETERNITY IS REAL

  • The Bible clearly teaches that there is life beyond the grave.
  • Ecclesiastes 12:7 “Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.”
  • John 5:28-29 “All that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth…”
  • Daniel 12:2 “And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.”
  • Matthew 25:46 “And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.”
  • 2 Corinthians 5:1 “For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God.”
  • The Bible does not teach annihilation but eternal existence.
  • Key Truth: Every person will spend eternity somewhere.
  • THERE ARE ONLY TWO ETERNAL DESTINATIONS

Jesus taught that there are only two possible destinations.

Heaven

  • John 14:1-3 “In my Father’s house are many mansions… I go to prepare a place for you”.
  • “Revelation 21:1-4 “God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death.“
  • Revelation 22:1-5 Describes the glory and blessings of God’s eternal kingdom.
  • Philippians 3:20 “For our conversation is in heaven.”
  • 1 Peter 1:3-4 “An inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away.” 

Hell

  • Matthew 25:41 “Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire.”
  • Mark 9:43-48 Jesus described hell as a place where the fire is not quenched.
  • Luke 16:19-31 The rich man and Lazarus reveal conscious existence after death.
  • Revelation 20:15 “And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”

Discussion Question

  • Why did Jesus speak so frequently about heaven and hell?

THE JUDGMENT IS COMING 

  • Every person will stand before God
  • Romans 14:12 “So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.”
  • 2 Corinthians 5:10 “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ.”
  • Acts 17:30-31 God has appointed a day in which He will judge the world.
  • Revelation 20:11-12 “The dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books.”
  • Matthew 12:36 “Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.”
  • Nothing is hidden from God’s sight
  • Hebrews 4:13 “All things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.” 

HOW CAN WE PREPARE FOR THE JOURNEY OF ETERNITY? 

God has provided a way of salvation through Jesus Christ

1. Believe in Jesus Christ

  • John 3:16 “For God so loved the world…“
  • John 8:24 “If ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.“
  • Hebrews 11:6 “Without faith it is impossible to please him.”

2. Repent of Sin

  • John 3:16 “For God so loved the world…”
  • John 8:24 “If ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.”
  • Hebrews 11:6 “Without faith it is impossible to please him.”
  • Acts 17:30 “God… commandeth all men every where to repent.”
  • Luke 13:3 “Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.”

3. Confess Christ

  • Romans 10:9-10 “If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus…”
  • Matthew 10:32 “Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men…”

4. Be Baptized for the Remission of Sins

  • Mark 16:16 “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved.”
  • Acts 2:38 “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.”
  • Mark 16:16 “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved.”
  • Acts 2:38 “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.”

5. Remain Faithful Until Death

  • Revelation 2:10 “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”
  • Matthew 24:13 “He that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.”
  • 2 Timothy 4:7-8 Paul’s testimony of faithful perseverance.

6. SIGNS THAT A PERSON IS READY FOR ETERNITY

A prepared person exhibits spiritual readiness

  1. Walking with God (Gen 5:24; Amos 3:3)
  2. Living a Holy Life (1 Pet 1:15-16)
  3. Loving Christ Above All (Matt 22:37)
  4. Serving Faithfully (Matt 25:21)
  5. Watching for Christ’s Return (Tit 2:13)
  6. Living in Daily Obedience (Jn 14:15)
  7. Producing Spiritual Fruit (Gal. 5:22-23).

7. THE DANGER OF DELAYING PREPARATION

  • Many people intend to prepare later but never do
  • Proverbs 27:1 “Boast not thyself of to morrow.”
  • Luke 12:16-21 The rich fool planned for tomorrow but died unexpectedly
  • 2 Corinthians 6:2 “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”
  • Matthew 24:44 “Therefore be ye also ready.”
  • Matthew 25:1-13 – The parable of the ten virgins teaches the necessity of readiness.
  • Lesson: Tomorrow is promised to no one.

8.  THE RETURN OF CHRIST AND THE FINAL JOURNEY 

  • Jesus will return unexpectedly (Matthew 24:36-44).
  • 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 “The Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout.“
  • 2 Peter 3:10 “The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night.”
  • Revelation 22:12 “Behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me.”
  • John 14:3 “I will come again, and receive you unto myself.”
  • The question is not whether Christ will return but whether we will be ready when He does

Conclusion 

The journey of eternity is the most important journey every human being will undertake (wealth, fame,  education and earthly accomplishment).

Only a right relationship with God through Jesus Christ can prepare a person for that final journey

  • One day your heart will beat for the last time
  • One day your earthly journey will end
  • One day you will stand before God
  • The question is not whether eternity exists; the question is whether you are prepared for it.
  • Jesus asks: Matthew 16:26 “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”
  • Therefore, examine your life today
  • 2 Corinthians 13:5 “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith.”
  • Amos 4:12 “Prepare to meet thy God.”
  • If Christ were to return today, or if your life ended tonight, are you truly ready for the journey of eternity?
  • May each of us be able to say with confidence:
  • Philippians 1:21 “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Amen

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ARE YOU READY FOR THE JOURNEY OF ETERNITY?
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