DEATH: NO EXCEPTIONS

Hebrews 9:27 says, "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment."  In other words, all of mankind, created (Adam and Eve) or born (everyone else), will die, and all will be raised from the dead to face God's judgment (Jn. 5:29).  Those who have accepted God's free gift of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ (Rom. 10:9-13; Eph. 2:8-9), will stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ (Rom. 14:10; 1 Cor. 3:11-15; 2 Cor. 5:10).  Because those standing at this judgment have had their sins paid for by Christ's sacrifice (1 Cor. 5:7), the Judgment Seat of Christ is to reward those who loved Jesus, and served Him.

The rest of mankind will be raised in the resurrection of damnation; John 5:29 says, "And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation."  "Done good," and "done evil," might be misunderstood if this verse is not interpreted according to John's theology.  John quoted Jesus as saying, "This is the work of God, that ye believe on Him (Jesus) whom He (The Father) hath sent" (Jn. 3:16-18 with 6:29).  This judgment is called "the Great White Throne Judgment," and for all those whose names are not written in "the Book of Life," will be cast into the Lake of Fire (Rev. 20:11-15).  These will have rejected God's free gift of salvation, and as a result, their names were not written in the "Lamb's Book of Life" (Phil. 4:3; Rev. 13:8; 17:8; 20:12; 21:27; 22:19).   

Those familiar with the Bible, are aware that there are three "apparent exceptions" to God's sentence of death upon ALL of mankind (Rom. 5:12):  Enoch (Gen. 5:24); Elijah (2 Kg. 2:11); and born again believers removed from the earth prior to the Tribulation via the Rapture (Jn. 14:1-3; 1 Cor. 15:50-51; 1 Thes. 4:13-18; etc.).  But I contend that Enoch, Elijah, and all born again believers will, in fact, die.  I believe the two witnesses of Revelation 11:3-12, are Enoch (representing the Gentiles), and Elijah (representing the Jews); after all, they preach the Gospel to both Gentiles and Jews.

As for born again believers dying, I believe that occurs during the short period known as "the twinkling of an eye" (1 Cor. 15:48-52).  The text clearly indicates that our bodies are changed from corruptible to incorruptible, and from mortal to immortal.  Otherwise, why would Paul end his teaching with "Death is swallowed up in victory" (1 Cor. 15:54)?!  If the transformation does not involve our death and immediate resurrection, we will not be able to say, "But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Cor. 15:57)!!!

 

If all Scripture is true, then ALL of Hebrews 9:27 is true!