The Final Appointment

The Final Appointment

1. The Single Sacrifice

The earthly sanctuary pointed to a greater reality

Sin separates humanity from God, and under the old covenant the sacrificial system reminded God's people of both the seriousness of sin and their need for forgiveness. The tabernacle and later the temple were never the final destination. They were copies of the true heavenly sanctuary where God's perfect presence dwells.

The earthly priest entered the Holy of Holies year after year with the blood of animals, but those sacrifices could never permanently remove sin. They pointed ahead to something greater.

Jesus entered the true heavenly sanctuary

Jesus did not enter an earthly sanctuary made by human hands. He entered heaven itself on behalf of His people. Instead of offering the blood of another sacrifice, He offered His own blood.

Unlike the repeated sacrifices of the old covenant, Christ's sacrifice happened once for all. There is no need for another sacrifice because His work is complete.

The debt of sin has been fully paid

Jesus did more than temporarily cover sin. He removed it completely. Through His sacrifice, the guilt and penalty of sin were dealt with forever.

Like a debt that has been completely canceled rather than merely having the interest paid, Christ has settled the entire account for everyone who places their faith in Him.

Trying to overcome guilt through personal effort, religious activity, or self-condemnation can never accomplish what Christ already finished. The proper response is to receive His grace with gratitude and then live a life of joyful obedience.

2. The Certain Deadline

Every person has an appointment with death

Death is not an accident or a possibility. Scripture teaches that every person has an appointed time to die.

People spend enormous amounts of time trying to extend life or avoid thinking about death, but no plan, diet, or strategy can eliminate this appointment.

The real question is not how long someone lives but whether they are prepared for what comes afterward.

Preparation for eternity matters more than preparation for retirement

Many people carefully prepare financially for the future while giving little attention to their eternal future.

Avoiding conversations about death does not remove its certainty. Just as wise people prepare legally and financially for the future, they must also prepare spiritually.

The invitation remains open today. Faith in Jesus provides the only true preparation for eternity.

Today's life should reflect tomorrow's hope

Those who belong to Christ should live in a way that reflects the One they will spend eternity with.

Every day becomes an opportunity to demonstrate devotion, faithfulness, and obedience while looking forward to what God has promised.

3. The Coming Judgment

Death is followed by judgment

Scripture presents a clear sequence: people die once, and afterward comes judgment.

There is no cycle of repeated lives and no opportunity to start over. Every person will one day stand before God.

Those who reject Christ will face judgment for their sin

Those who reject Jesus will stand before Him without His forgiveness. Their standing before God is not determined by whether they were better than someone else but by whether they trusted Christ.

The deciding issue is whether a person's name is found in the Book of Life because they received the salvation Christ freely offers.

Believers will stand before Christ with confidence

Those who have trusted Christ do not face condemnation because Jesus has already borne their judgment.

Their appearance before Christ is not about determining salvation but evaluating how faithfully they lived for Him. Faithfulness, motives, generosity, obedience, and eternal rewards will all be considered.

Salvation rests entirely upon Christ's finished work, giving believers confidence instead of fear.

Live with eager expectation

When Jesus returns, He will not come again to deal with sin because that work has already been completed through the cross.

His return will bring salvation in its fullest sense for those who eagerly await Him and will usher believers into His victorious kingdom.

Every person has a final appointment with Christ. The question is not whether that appointment will come but whether they will meet Him as Judge or as Savior.

SERMON DETAILS

Speaker: Jeff McNicol
Series: Greater Than
Sermon Title: The Final Appointment
Date: July 5, 2026

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES

• Hebrews 9:23–28

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