Death & Judgment
The only guarantees in life are death & taxes … oh, and judgment
===
And just as people are appointed to die once, and then to face judgment, so also, after Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many, to those who eagerly await him he will appear a second time, not to bear sin but to bring salvation.
Hebrews 9:27-28 (NET)
===
Here’s a thought:
In the Old Testament sacrificial system, there was no perfect enough sacrifice to cover the sins of the people.
What I mean is, they continually had to bring sacrifices for sins & uncleanness. A constant reminder of the mess of sin that they were —
And that we still are today.
Sacrificing livestock is a messy business. Not to get graphic here, but if you’re laying your hands on the head of a bull while the priest slits the major arteries … you’re going to get covered in the mess.
That’s by design.
It was a physical picture of the spiritual mess, and the messy work of cleaning it up, that we are all in.
Jesus’ sacrifice was similar, yet perfect.
Because his work on the cross — extremely messy, just watch The Passion of the Christ for a reminder — was perfect we no longer have to continually offer sacrifices to cover our sins.
Jesus accomplished it once for all time.
And it’s offered freely for all people to accept.
Of course, unfortunately, not everyone will accept.
But those of us who do, are now eagerly awaiting the Day of His return. When He will fix a broken universe and restore harmony — shalom — to creation.
But eagerly waiting doesn’t mean sitting on my hands and twiddling my thumbs.
No, there’s kingdom business to be done.
— Ricky Ketchum
Copyright © 2025 by Ricky Ketchum. All rights reserved. Unauthorized duplication prohibited.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NET) are from the NET Bible® copyright ©1996, 2019 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. http://netbible.com All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from the ESV®Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked (NKJV) are from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.