I was in Bacolod when I heard the sad news of former Defense Secretary Angelo Reyes’ death. It was really a shocking news for the whole nation as we never experienced such a tragic event where a man of this stature and public figure would take his own life. We don’t know the reason why and I would not want to second guess. I think nobody is in a position to judge the motive of his suicide. But a question is beg to be asked? What’s next for Angelo Reyes and his family?

I won’t dive into politics but would rather look at the event at a spiritual perspective. If there is one thing I am sure of that the Bible is clear about – all of us will face death. It is the appointment that nobody can’t miss. We Filipinos always say when your time is up, your time is up. Now I know for General Angelo Reyes, his time might not have been up since he took his own life but the end result is still the same – death.

The Bible says in Hebrews 9:27

Heb. 9:27 Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.

Everybody who dies (whether through natural means or suicide) is destined to die once and when we die we face God our creator in judgment. Here are some biblical implications of this verse.

1. We are destined to die once.

Not 2x or 3x – no reincarnation stuff that I live to be a pig or a prince in the next life. We live once, we die once. Simple and plain truth.

2. After death, judgment.

No middle ground or purgatory. We can’t pay our way to heaven. Jesus Christ payed the penalty of our sin at the cross.

Heb. 9:14 How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!

Through what Christ did at the cross – He made a way for our sin to be made cleansed. What great joy to know that my sins – past, present and future is forgiven. Only Christ can do such a wonderful thing. I think this is what gives me hope everyday.

I remember when I was new in the faith and still struggling with certain sins that I seem can’t give up. I tried to do everything but to no avail. I would live a defeated life most of the time and feel frustrated on why I still choose to live in sin. I never understood God’s love and forgiveness.I felt like God distance Himself away from me because of my sin and filth.

But how wonderful that Hebrews 9 did not end with judgment but with a great hope for sinners like me.

Heb. 9:28 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.

Christ paid the penalty of my sin.I might have made dumb decisions that could have destroyed my name, my family and my honor but the Scripture declares that God takes away my sins by the sacrifice of Christ at the cross. It means I no longer have to bear the weight of sin and carry it for the rest of my life. I am given an opportunity to live a life that is forgiven by our Heavenly Father through Christ’s death at the cross.

Jesus promises to come back not to condemn me, but to give me salvation. God is a God of second, third, fourth, fifth chances.

So you might be reading this and saying, I have messed up and sin. Is there still hope? You might have given up on life and you might have every reason to but let me encourage you today to look to Jesus. Don’t give up on God – His grace is sufficient.