Life is full of surprises. Once, while checking out with just one bottle of coke, a man was surprised when a lady with a cart full of groceries pushed ahead of him. He waited patiently while the lady checked out holding up the checker a number of times to inquire about prices and even to run back to the aisles to get items she had forgotten. After she had finished and paid, the man handed his bottle of coke to the checker. He received an even bigger surprise when the checker said, “Don’t worry about it.” When the man asked why, the lady responded, “The lady before you was so rude, I just added it to her account!” Few surprises are that good. I can remember a number of times when I reserved a non-smoking room only to find that the hotel had failed to hold one for me. One of these motel chains even had “No Surprises” as its advertising slogan!
But there is coming an event which should surprise no one–the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. Through the scriptures, God has spoken of that event over 500 times. Though many will be surprised, there will be no surprises. Another event that should surprise no one is the judgment. God’s judgment is also spoke of repeatedly in the Bible. Finally, death should surprise no one. One verse in Hebrews mentions all of these events–Hebrews 9:27. It says: “For it is appointed unto every man to die once, and then comes the judgment.” In this verse, and the one that follows, God reminds everyone of three reservations for which there will be no surprises.
1. A Reservation for Death.
It is appointed unto to every man to die once. Every one of us has an appointment for death. There will be no surprises. Benjamin Franklin said that the only two things that are certain are death and taxes. While one may avoid taxes, no one will avoid death. This passage also reminds us that there is only one death for each person. There are no reincarnations; no second chances. It is appointed unto every man to die once.
2. A Reservation for Judgment.
. . . . and then comes the judgment. Death itself should not be the greatest fear. Today, some look on death as an escape from the troubles and trials of this world. But, for those who die apart from Christ, death is not an escape from pain but an entrance into judgment and eternal punishment. Everyone has an appointment with death, and after that, an appointment with judgment. On the cross, Jesus endured the judgment of God on behalf of His people. Their judgment is settled. Their penalty has been paid.
But for those who have not trusted Christ, judgment awaits. According to Revelation 20:11-13, the books will be opened and everyone will be judged according to his deeds.
3. A Reservation for Eternal Life.
. . . . so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him, He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.
Notice what Jesus will not come to do at His second coming. He will not come to bear sin. He has already done that. There will be no second chances. Each person’s destiny will be determined by what he or she has done with Jesus in this life. He came the first time to make atonement for sin. When He comes again, He will come to receive those who have trusted Him. He will not give any second chances.
Everyone faces a reservation for death–there will be no surprises. Everyone faces a reservation for judgment–death is not the end. But only some have a reservation for heaven. Jesus came to bear the sins of many. For those who have trusted Him, there will be no surprises. Heaven is reserved for those who have believed. Hebrews 10 continues to emphasize this certainty. Consider verse 10: “By that will, we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Also ponder verse 14: “For by one offering, He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.” For those who have been covered by the blood of Jesus, there will be no surprises–a reservation has been laid up in heaven for them.
As you consider the new year ahead, you may be assured that it will contain many surprises. Some will be good; others may be quite unusual. But there is no need to be surprised about three reservations: death, judgment, and eternal life. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus has removed our penalty and provided an eternal reservation based on His sacrifice. One day He will return, not to offer any second chances. Not to provide another payment for sin (His first payment is totally sufficient–nothing else is needed; nothing else is acceptable to God). He will come again to receive His own unto Himself. Forever. No Surprises.
Copyright Jim Ehrhard, 1999. You are permitted to reproduce and distribute this material in any format provided that: (1) you credit the author; (2) any modifications are clearly marked; (3) you do not charge a fee beyond the cost of reproduction; and (4) you do not make more than 100 copies without permission. If you would like to post this material to your web site or make any use other than as defined above, please contact Teaching Resources International
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