1. Christ’s death secures our inheritance like a will.
2. Christ’s blood secures our place with God.
3. Christ’s work is enough to atone for all sin.

“Oh death, won’t you spare me till another year?” But what is this I cannot see, with ice-cold hands taking hold of me? “I am Death, none can excel; I open the door to heaven or hell.” These words echo the reality of mortality, leading us to Hebrews 9:27: “Just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment.” There is no better way to live a life that matters than to recognize that every heartbeat, no matter how strong, brings us closer to our end. Death is a reality many will face sooner than expected, and after death comes judgment, as we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10).

The Challenge of Facing Death

Living with the awareness of death and judgment is difficult. Just as I struggle to accept that drinking coffee at 3:30 PM will keep me awake at 10:00 PM, it’s hard to let distant realities like death shape our daily lives. Yet, God’s Word reminds us of these truths, much like a car’s seatbelt warning chime. We wear seatbelts because we’ve been reminded of their importance, even if we haven’t all experienced their life-saving power. Similarly, Scripture calls us to face death not with fear but with confident expectation in Christ, who has conquered death as our faithful High Priest.

The Sufficiency of Christ’s Work

The book of Hebrews presents Christ as our source of confidence in life’s hardest moments. Jesus is greater than angels, sympathetic to our weaknesses, and a faithful High Priest who intercedes for us. His death on the cross is sufficient to pay for sin, secure our inheritance, and give us hope. Today, we explore three truths about Christ’s sacrifice:

1. Christ’s Death Secures Our Inheritance Like a Will
   This week, I wrote my last will and testament, bequeathing my disc golf collection to my children. This will takes effect only upon my death, ensuring they receive their inheritance. Similarly, Hebrews 9:15-17 teaches that Jesus, as the mediator of a new covenant, secures our eternal inheritance through His death: “Therefore, He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant.” The Greek word diathēkē means both “will” and “covenant,” showing that Christ’s death guarantees our heavenly inheritance, far greater than any earthly wealth.
2. Christ’s Blood Secures Our Place with God
   The first covenant was inaugurated with blood, as Moses sprinkled animal blood on the people (Exodus 24:8). This serious act underscored the covenant’s weight, unlike casually accepting an app’s terms and conditions. Christ’s blood, shed as the divine Son of God, establishes the new covenant, securing our place in heaven. Hebrews 9:23-24 explains: “For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf.” His blood doesn’t purify heaven but prepares it for us, uniting us with Him by faith, as we remember in communion.
3. Christ’s Sacrifice Is Enough to Atone for All Sin
   Unlike Old Testament priests who offered repeated sacrifices, Christ’s one sacrifice is sufficient for all sin, past and future. Hebrews 9:25-26 states: “But as it is, He has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.” His sacrifice is powerful enough to atone for Adam’s sin in the Garden and every sin until the last day. Because Christ, fully man, died once and was judged righteous, we who trust in Him are also declared righteous, freed from the fear of judgment.

Application: Living with Confidence

Christ’s sacrifice frees us from the fear of death and judgment. His death destroyed death’s power, and His righteousness covers us. No sin is too great for His atonement. For believers, this truth calls us to dig deeper into Christ’s work, glorifying God for His perfect gift. For those who do not yet believe, Christ’s sacrifice is sufficient for all who come to Him. He invites: “Come to me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). By trusting in Him, you can face death with confidence, knowing He is the door to heaven.

Conclusion

“Oh death, where is your victory? Where is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:55). Death has no power because Christ died to destroy it. His sacrifice, offered once for all, secures our inheritance, our place with God, and our forgiveness. Let us eagerly await His return, trusting in His perfect work on the cross. Amen.