“As it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: so Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many”. (Hebrews 9.27-28)

We shall die. God has appointed the very day for each one of us, though we do not know when. We have an appointment with him, and when he instructs, we shall fulfil it.

We don’t like thinking about it. But we should think about it, nevertheless.

Physical death isn’t always painful. Sometimes it is. Parting from loved ones is always painful. More painful still is the fact that after death there is judgment.

We’ve had our time here. Now we must explain ourselves and give account to God. Everything we said and did; or thought, though we didn’t do it (Matthew 5.27-28). Even every word (Matthew 12. 36-37). And not only for personal matters; but judgment for our share of corporate responsibility (Matthew 11. 20-24), whether in a gang as a youth or in business as an adult.

It is a daunting prospect.

It is precisely because it is so daunting, that Christ has made an atonement for the sins of everyone who comes to believe in him. “As it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: so Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many.”

Precisely because there is no escaping our sins God has kindly caused his Son to be substituted for us. He bore the wrath that was due to us, once for all, at the cross and made atonement for the sins of all who turn to him. While we may be sure our sin will find us out (Numbers 32.23), the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all (Isaiah 53.6).

It is called substitutionary atonement. The Lord Jesus Christ - punished in place of you and me. It is too deep to explore more fully here. Suffice it now to acquaint you with the fact of it, so that you may escape first and think later. Escape now for your life (Genesis 19.17) and meditate later how you escaped with the skin of your teeth (Job 19.20).

Repentance and godly sorrow (2 Corinthians 7.10) is the key to obtaining pardon and enabling us to stand before the presence of God in that day (Luke 21.36).

If you have a Bible, and have time, read Isaiah 53. And, if you wish, check the other places mentioned.