Key Text: "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:" Hebrews 9:27 KJV 
        
God's irrevocable judgment comes to every soul immediately after death. The ruling or verdict of that judgment will either be eternity in heaven or eternity in hell, depending on our relationship with Christ. Consider the following statement made by the Lord Jesus Christ - "And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the an-gels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, ..." - Luke 16:22-23.

Since every man has an unavoidable appointment with death, should you not rather prepare yourself to avoid spending eternity in hell fire? The rich man in the above parable could not do anything about his situation when he suddenly opened his eyes in hell after death. Not even Abraham could plead for him, because it was too late to do so. Only the living can enjoy God's pardon, when they truly repent.

Nobody can appeal against the judgment of the Almighty God. "If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him: but if a man sin against the LORD, who shall intreat for him?" - 1 Samuel 2:25a. The sons of Eli hardened their hearts against the wise counsel of their fa-ther and were suddenly destroyed, and without remedy. There is no sin too great for the Lord to pardon if the sinner will humbly and sin-cerely ask God for mercy and accept Jesus Christ as Lord and person-al Saviour.

Prayer: O Lord, grant me the grace to examine my life always as I await my departure from this world, in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Reflection: He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy - Proverbs 29:1.