Only at Death

15 Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant. 16 For where a will is involved, the death of the one who made it must be established. 17 For a will takes effect only at death, since it is not in force as long as the one who made it is alive. 18 Therefore not even the first covenant was inaugurated without blood. 19 For when every commandment of the law had been declared by Moses to all the people, he took the blood of calves and goats, with water and scarlet wool and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people, 20 saying, “This is the blood of the covenant that God commanded for you.” 21 And in the same way he sprinkled with the blood both the tent and all the vessels used in worship. 22 Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.
Hebrews 9:15–22

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Only at Death
Left on our own we would be lost. Our sin earns death for us. Our situation is dire. The devil would convince you to attempt your own rescue on your own. He would cast doubt and division in your heart. In the midst of his attempts, your Lord Jesus comes with his saving Word to rescue and make alive. The wages of sin is death. So, Jesus takes your place. He takes the cross and the wrath of God. He experiences being forsaken by the Father in your place. He signs this covenant with his own blood. Only in death, he gives you the spoils of his work. Thus, in Jesus' death, he makes you sons of God. He gives you forgiveness of all your sins. He grants you his own righteousness. He gives you eternal life. By his blood, you are rescued from your situation and elevated to the higher place. He rose again from death for your justification. He lives and lives with you forever.