A Journey That Opened My Eyes
My wife and I recently returned from a month-long road trip—a change from our past reliance on flying. We set off in our SUV to cheer on our youngest daughter, who competed in athletic events in North Carolina (she even won one!), and then spent three weeks exploring Florida. On the way, we noticed several roadside billboards, created by ministries that address a wide range of Christian themes such as biblical teachings and moral issues.
One billboard, in particular, featured a flatline on a heart monitor with the simple yet striking message: “After you die, you will meet God.” This message echoed a well-known verse reminding us that every person dies once before facing judgment—a sobering thought that many prefer not to consider.
The Inevitable Encounter With Death
Unless we are miraculously spared by extraordinary events, every one of us will eventually face death. However, the end of life is only the beginning of a far more significant encounter, as described in Scripture. Jesus warned us not to fear those who can only harm the body, but rather to fear the one who has the power to affect both soul and body eternally.
The idea of God as a force who can both save and condemn is as old as Scripture itself. An early account from the Old Testament vividly illustrates this dual role.
The Lifesaving and Condemning Power of Blood
Moses’ life is prominently featured in the Bible, and the story of the ten plagues in Egypt is one of the most memorable. A closer look reveals that during the first nine plagues, the Israelites were largely spared because of their distinct identity. For instance, during the hail plague, only the land where the Israelites resided was untouched. Similarly, in the plague of darkness, while the Egyptians were enveloped in shadow, the Israelite homes remained illuminated.
This pattern shows that the identity of the Israelites offered protection against God’s initial judgments. Yet, this safeguard would not suffice against what was about to unfold.
God informed Moses that a final, inescapable judgment was coming—a judgment that would strike down every firstborn, from the highest in society to the lowliest worker, and extend even to the livestock. Unlike the earlier plagues, mere heritage would not be enough to evade this devastating blow. Only the sacrificial blood—applied during the Passover—would serve as a shield against the destroyer’s advance.
The Passover account tells us that it was the visible sign of that blood on every door that prevented the bringer of death from entering. In that moment, death visited every household except those marked by God’s mercy.
The Universal Reality of Divine Judgment
Today, just as the ancient warning proclaimed, death comes for everyone. After that final breath, we will all face the ultimate encounter with the divine—either receiving the gift of salvation or experiencing the consequences of divine judgment.
In this context, genuine faith is the only safeguard. The sacrifice of Christ, understood as a fulfillment of biblical promise, stands as our protection against eternal condemnation. The message is clear: salvation is not restricted to one path or another. Regardless of religious affiliation or personal beliefs, every soul will ultimately stand before God.
The enduring lesson of the Passover is as relevant now as it was then. It reminds us that life’s most critical decision is made long before death arrives. Preparing our hearts and lives for that inevitable moment is essential, for at the moment of truth, the only two outcomes are embracing salvation or facing eternal judgment.
Rockin’ the faith, one verse at a time!
Growing up, the Bible’s stories deeply impacted me. Now, with over 15 years of preaching experience, I blend timeless teachings with modern technology, making them relevant for today’s world.
Bible Hub Verse is my platform to share historical insights and thought-provoking articles, exploring both familiar and uncommon Christian topics. My passion is building a welcoming online space for everyone to learn, grow in their faith, and discover the Bible’s enduring message.
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God bless you.
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