Question
The bible Heb 9: 27 says it is appointed for man to die once and after death come judgment. Are we judge immediately we died? Luke 16 story of Lazarus and the rich man said Lazarus went to bosom of Abraham and the rich man to a place of torment, Is that judgement because we can see separation or will there be a second judgement as the appearing of Christ as in 2timothy 4:1. What happens to Christian when we died, are we judged immediately to warrant separation like Lazarus and the rich man?
Answer
Hebrews 9:27 states that judgment follows death, but it does not state it follows immediately. Christ will judge all people when He returns (Matthew 25:31-32; Jude verses 14-15). And yes, immediately after death we will know our fate (Luke 16:19-24). I have heard explanations of why there will be a general judgment, although each already knows his fate, but these involve human wisdom. It is best to simply accept by faith what the Scriptures reveal.
