What does "appointed unto men once to die" mean? 1. Introduction to the Phrase The expression “appointed unto men once to die” comes from Hebrews 9:27, which states: “Just as man is appointed to die once, and after that to face judgment, so also Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many...” These words bear extensive theological weight across Christian teachings. Because this passage connects human mortality with a subsequent judgment, it is often referenced when discussing issues such as the finality of physical life, eternal accountability, and the hope found in the resurrection. 2. Context within the Book of Hebrews Hebrews as a whole addresses the supremacy and completeness of what Christ has accomplished, especially in contrast with the sacrificial system detailed in the Old Testament. In Hebrews 9, the writer compares the repeated sacrifices of the Levitical priesthood with the singular, all-sufficient sacrifice of Christ. • In Hebrews 9:24–28, the author highlights that Christ entered “heaven itself,” making a once-for-all atonement. • The passing reference to death here functions to underscore Christ’s unique sacrificial death. Just as each person inevitably faces one physical death, Christ offered Himself once. Thus, the statement about being “appointed unto men once to die” is tied to the argument that Jesus’ single, historical sacrifice is final and unrepeatable. 3. Language and Meaning of “Appointed” The Greek term translated as “appointed” carries the sense of a determined or set time. It conveys the idea that God, as Sovereign over history, has ordained that each person will face one mortal death. This concept underlines the biblical view that events unfold according to divine knowledge and plan (cf. Psalm 139:16). • “Appointment” here does not suggest an arbitrary or whimsical decree. Rather, it aligns with the overarching biblical teaching that life and death are under God’s dominion. • This appointment also reflects the consistent testimony seen throughout Scripture, where human lifespans, genealogies, and the eventual physical death of humanity are recorded (e.g., Genesis 5 repeatedly states, “and then he died”). 4. The Certainty of Physical Death Throughout Scripture, physical death is portrayed as the universal result of the fall (Genesis 3). The genealogies in Genesis, the accounts of the kings in Chronicles, and even anecdotal cases in the Gospels all reinforce that human life is finite. Archaeological and historical records similarly show that all civilizations were aware of, and wrestled with, the reality of death. • The Dead Sea Scrolls (c. 3rd century BC–1st century AD) affirm the reliability of Old Testament passages referencing humanity’s brevity of life and the eventual facing of judgment. • Anecdotal examples in Scripture, such as the burial of Abraham in the field of Machpelah (Genesis 25:9–10), further illustrate the inescapability of death for all people in biblical times. 5. Exclusion of Reincarnation The statement “once to die” has often been used to refute any notion of cyclical rebirth or reincarnation. While certain philosophical or religious traditions propose multiple life cycles, the plain reading of Hebrews 9:27 indicates each individual has only one earthly life and one death. • This verse fits seamlessly into the broader narrative of Scripture: Ecclesiastes 12:7 teaches that “the dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.” There is no scriptural endorsement of an unending chain of rebirths. • Historically, the early church fathers, such as Irenaeus in Against Heresies (Book II), also affirmed the oneness of life and subsequent judgment, consistently refuting any teaching of multiple earthbound lives. 6. The Judgment Following Death Hebrews 9:27 also makes clear that after physical death, each person must face a divine judgment. This underscores accountability and the necessity of salvation. • Various scriptural passages parallel this theme, including 2 Corinthians 5:10: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ...” • This forthcoming judgment underscores humanity’s moral responsibility, emphasizing that choices made in this life have lasting consequences beyond physical death. 7. Relation to the Resurrection of Christ Although “appointed unto men once to die” affirms universal death, Scripture sets forth the unique event of Christ’s resurrection, pointing to resurrection hope for believers. • Hebrews 9:27–28 states: “Just as man is appointed to die once, and after that to face judgment, so also Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many...” This parallel highlights the significance of Christ’s victory over death. • Historical research by numerous scholars (referencing sources such as first-century Jewish historian Josephus, and the multiple attestations of the empty tomb) consistently shows that belief in the Resurrection was not a late addition but a foundational claim of early Christian teaching. 8. Assurance of Salvation and Eternal Life Within the passage’s broader context, the certainty of death is met by the certainty of salvation offered through Jesus. The finality of physical death stands in contrast to the eternal life Christ grants believers. • John 10:28 emphasizes that Christ gives His followers eternal life, and “they will never perish.” • This assurance transforms the believer’s perspective on death. Rather than an end in itself, it is seen as a doorway to eternal fellowship with the Creator. 9. Consistency with Manuscript Evidence Hebrews 9:27 has consistent and reliable manuscript support across a range of ancient Greek manuscripts (e.g., Codex Vaticanus, Codex Sinaiticus). Text-critical studies from experts confirm that this crucial passage has been preserved accurately. • Early papyri fragments, along with later uncial manuscripts, contain essentially the same reading of Hebrews 9:27. • Archaeological discoveries, such as various fragments at Oxyrhynchus, reinforce the confidence that this verse was transmitted with remarkable fidelity. 10. Implications for Daily Living The knowledge that death is certain and divinely “appointed,” coupled with the promise of judgment and the hope of salvation, serves as a sober yet hope-filled motivation: • It shapes ethics and morality: knowing that life is finite and judgment awaits encourages a purposeful, God-honoring life. • It reminds believers and seekers alike to consider the eternal realm, prompting reflection on how they stand before God. • It provides comfort to those who trust in Christ, assuring them that death does not hold ultimate power. 11. Conclusion “Appointed unto men once to die” affirms a universal principle: life on earth is finite, and each person is accountable to God. Hebrews 9:27 displays both the brevity of earthly life and the reality of impending judgment, underscoring the necessity of Christ’s sacrificial work. While this Scripture emphasizes that no one escapes physical death, it also points to the triumphant hope found in the resurrection of Christ—offering assurance to believers that, through Him, death is not the end but the threshold to eternal communion with the Creator. |
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