Despite the way some people may react, death is not that big a problem in a video game. You may lose your loot, position or game but there’s always another life. On the contrary, the Bible says real human death is a once off occasion, life is not repeatable, it’s a one time only offer. And what comes next is crucial.

“People are destined to die once, and after that to face judgement.” Hebrews 9:27

Post death divine judgement sounds like an old fashioned idea, and it is. The idea that God will judge us and our lives after we die has been around since the beginning of recorded history. It’s a scary idea and out of fashion in our post-christian culture. But the Bible says it’s true. As much as God’s eternal judgement may seem dreadful, from another perspective it gives life meaning and can comfort us as we face injustices in life. Post death divine judgement means that what we do here and now matters. There is an objective standard of right and wrong. There is a witness to every secret crime and cruelty. When all the land’s judicial systems fail, when corruption perverts truth, there is still justice for those who got away with it.

The idea that when our “games over” everyone of us will re-spawn before the impartial judgement seat of God can be both terrifying and comforting. But the above verse brings great hope as it continues.

“Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgement, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.” Hebrews 9:27-28

The good news of Jesus is that he himself bore our punishment so that those who trust in him, or, as this verse puts it, are waiting for him to return, can be confident they will be forgiven for everything and spend eternity in the loving company of God. Will you take this one life you’ve got seriously? Do you want to be sure that, on the other side of death, when you stand before the judgement of God, you will be forgiven and welcomed by a loving God? Trust Jesus. Depend on what he’s done to bring you forgiveness. Be confident of where you will be when you re-spawn.

Prayer: Dear God, I admit I don’t live according to your perfect standard. I admit I have secret sins. It’s scary to know you see them all and will judge me for them. Please forgive them in the name of Jesus. Amen.

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