Which scripture directly supports the teaching that judgment follows death?

The scripture found in Hebrews 9:27 teaches that "it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment." This verse explicitly establishes a connection between death and judgment, emphasizing the theological principle that life on earth is followed by an inevitable period of judgment after death. This idea is central to various theological interpretations concerning the afterlife and moral accountability.

In contrast, Matthew 5:14 focuses on the idea of light in the world and the responsibility of believers, John 3:16 presents the message of salvation and eternal life through faith in Christ, and Revelation 7:14 describes the tribulations faced by individuals and their ultimate victory. None of these passages directly address the concept of judgment following death in the way that Hebrews 9:27 does, making it the most appropriate choice for this question.