“People are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment” (Heb. 9:27). That statement has often been used to support the idea that there are no second chances after death. Death closes the door on the possibility of repentance.
But Hebrews 9:27 is a general statement. It doesn’t state that judgment begins immediately after death. In fact, according to basic Christian teaching, final judgment cannot take place immediately after death. Why not? Because Christ must return and the dead must be raised then final judgment will be dispensed. The period between the time of an individual’s death and the resurrection of the dead is known as the intermediate state. While the intermediate state has been a source of much controversy, all agree that it is not our final resting place because it takes place before final judgment. According to Christian theology, then, this verse should not be interpreted as “People are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment immediately.”
This verse also doesn’t identify the nature of judgment. Should judgment be viewed as remedial or retributive? Christian universalists, for example, readily agree with Hebrews 9:27 because they believe remedial judgment—a process that will lead to salvation—occurs after death. Following remedial judgment or correction, all will turn to Christ in repentance and faith.
So does Scripture say that God’s mercy toward sinners ends when they die?
No.
On the other hand, does the Bible promise that all sinners will receive another opportunity to repent after death?
No, there’s no explicit statement promising that will occur.
But many church fathers believed that it did occur—deceased sinners heard the good news of Christ and received an opportunity to repent.
Where did that get that idea?
See my post on 1 Peter 3:18–20.
Should people repent sooner rather than later? Absolutely. As Paul says, “now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). We should enter into a reconciled relationship with God as soon as possible. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that death is the end of God’s attempt to reach us. Death is not powerful enough to stop God’s love (Romans 8:38–39).
Finally, if you’re a Protestant and you think Hebrews 9:27 is clear-cut in denying the possibility of postmortem salvation, consider that the founder of Protestantism would have disagreed. Martin Luther knew his Bible well, including Hebrews 9:27, and yet he said, “God forbid that I should limit the time of acquiring faith to the present life. In the depth of the Divine mercy there may be opportunity to win it in the future.”[i]
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[i] This translation is disputed. The quote is from Luther’s letter to Hanseu Von Rechenberg in 1522. Quoted by Steve Gregg, All You Want to Know about Hell: Three Christian Views of God’s Final Solution to the Problem of Sin (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2013), 261. An alternate translation follows: “It would be quite a different question whether God can impart faith to some in the hour of death or after death so that these people could be saved through faith. Who would doubt God’s ability to do that? No one, however, can prove that he does do this.” In both versions, it is clear that Luther is entertaining the idea that God could impart faith to people after death.
After graduating from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, I served as a high school Bible teacher in Asia. I enjoy traveling, writing, and playing the drums. My latest book focuses on Paul’s work as a tentmaker and what it means for today.
Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. (Romans 5:18)
Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:4)
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9)
Note: “ALL MEN” and “ALL”
But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. (Revelation 21:8)
Note: Revelation 21:8 does not say they shall remain there for ever and ever.
Only “…the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” (Revelation 20:10)
Most assuredly judgment will occur, but once the judgment, then repentance, and eternity with God. The lake of fire is a purification process. Just as the silversmith places the precious metal into the fire to burn off the dross (the impurities); yet the original precious metal is not consumed.
For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to ALL men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and PURIFY unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
(Titus 2:11-14)