A DIVINE APPOINTMENT
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Hebrews 9:27
Supporting Texts: 2 Corinthians 5:10, Romans 14:10-12, Acts 17:30-31
INTRODUCTION:
Life is full of appointments—birthdays, meetings, exams, job interviews—but there is one appointment that every human being will inevitably face: the appointment with death and judgment, as stated in Hebrews 9:27. This divine appointment is unavoidable, and it will determine our eternal destiny. After death comes the judgment, and what happens at that moment depends entirely on the choices we make while we are alive, particularly regarding our relationship with Jesus Christ. Today, we will examine the importance of being ready for this divine appointment and how we can prepare by accepting Jesus Christ as our Saviour.
1. THE CERTAINTY OF DEATH
a) Everyone has an appointed time
Hebrews 9:27 declares that it is appointed for everyone to die once. No one can escape this reality. Death is a certainty that every human must face.
b) Death does not discriminate
Whether rich or poor, young or old, death comes to all. It is not a respecter of persons (Ecclesiastes 3:2).
c) Life is fleeting
James 4:14 reminds us that life is like a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. This calls for serious reflection on how we live our lives.
d) No one knows the day or hour
We do not know when our appointed time will come. That is why it is essential to be prepared at all times (Matthew 24:36, 44).
Biblical Example: The Rich Fool
In Luke 12:16-21, Jesus tells the parable of the rich fool who planned for his earthly future but ignored his divine appointment, leading to his sudden death and judgment.
2. THE REALITY OF JUDGMENT
a) Judgment follows death
After death, we will all stand before God to give an account of our lives (Hebrews 9:27). The decisions we make on earth determine our eternal destiny.
b) All will be judged
2 Corinthians 5:10 tells us that we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ to receive what we deserve for what we have done, whether good or bad.
c) The judgment will be final
There will be no second chances after death. Judgment is eternal, and the outcome is either eternal life with God or eternal separation from Him in hell (Matthew 25:46).
d) The standard of judgment
God’s judgment will be based on His righteousness, and those who have not accepted Christ will be judged according to their works (Revelation 20:12-15).
Biblical Example: The Sheep and the Goats
In Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus illustrates the final judgment, where the righteous will inherit eternal life, and the unrighteous will go into eternal punishment.
3. THE NEED FOR SALVATION
a) Salvation through Jesus alone
Acts 4:12 tells us that there is no other name under heaven given to humanity by which we must be saved, except the name of Jesus.
b) Jesus bore our judgment on the Cross
On the Cross, Jesus took upon Himself the judgment and punishment for our sins so that we can be saved (Isaiah 53:5).
c) Repentance is essential
Acts 17:30-31 calls all people to repent because God has appointed a day when He will judge the world through Jesus Christ.
d) The urgency of salvation
Today is the day of salvation; do not delay your decision to accept Christ (2 Corinthians 6:2). We do not know when our divine appointment will come.
Biblical Example: The Philippian Jailer
In Acts 16:25-34, the jailer realized the urgency of salvation and asked Paul and Silas, “What must I do to be saved?” He and his household were saved that very night.
4. PREPARING FOR YOUR DIVINE APPOINTMENT
a) Accept Jesus Christ as your Saviour
The only way to be prepared for your divine appointment is by accepting Jesus Christ into your life (John 14:6). He is the way, the truth, and the life.
b) Live a life of holiness
Once saved, we must live a life that reflects the righteousness of God. Hebrews 12:14 reminds us to pursue holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.
c) Be faithful to the end
Matthew 24:13 says that those who endure to the end will be saved. We must remain steadfast in our faith, even in the face of trials and temptations.
d) Be watchful and prayerful
Jesus warned His disciples to always be ready, watching and praying, so that they would not be caught unprepared (Luke 21:36).
Biblical Example: The Five Wise Virgins
In Matthew 25:1-13, the parable of the ten virgins teaches us the importance of being spiritually prepared for the return of Christ, as the five wise virgins were ready when the bridegroom arrived.
5. THE ETERNAL HOPE IN CHRIST
a) Eternal life through Jesus Christ
For those who accept Jesus, death is not the end but the doorway to eternal life with God (John 11:25-26).
b) No more fear of death
Through Christ, we no longer need to fear death, for He has conquered it (1 Corinthians 15:55-57).
c) Heaven as our eternal home
Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us, and when we are faithful, we will spend eternity with Him in heaven (John 14:2-3).
d) The reward of the righteous
Revelation 22:12 assures us that Jesus is coming soon, and His reward is with Him to give to each person according to what they have done.
Biblical Example: Paul’s Assurance
In 2 Timothy 4:7-8, Paul, near the end of his life, expressed confidence in his eternal reward because he had fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.
CONCLUSION:
Life is full of uncertainty, but one thing is sure—everyone has a divine appointment with death and judgment. The good news is that we can be prepared for this appointment through Jesus Christ. He has already paid the price for our sins and offers us eternal life if we accept Him. If you have not made Jesus the Lord of your life, today is the day of salvation. Do not wait for tomorrow, for tomorrow may be too late. Make the decision now to be ready for your divine appointment.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, I thank You for the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.
2. Father, help me to live each day with the awareness of eternity.
3. Lord, I repent of all my sins and accept Jesus as my Lord and Saviour.
4. Father, give me the grace to remain faithful to You till the end.
5. Lord, deliver me from the fear of death and fill me with the hope of eternal life.
