Overview
The “Investigative Judgment” of those who in all ages have professed to serve God started in 1844. It was when Jesus as “High Priest” of the “Heavenly Sanctuary” entered the ”Most Holy” place.
Their characters have been examined according to the record of the books of Heaven (Daniel 7:10). It is to be determined who, through repentance and faith in Christ is entitled to the benefits of His atonement.
This ministry of Jesus is to remove the sins of His people registered in the heavenly records. Moreover, to help them cut off sin from the heart through His grace and intercession.
Thus their spotless robe of character is washed and made white in the blood of the Lamb (Revelation 7:14).
The final judgment began in the house of God as foretold by apostle Peter (1 Peter 4:17). This evaluation takes place before Christ’s second coming to the world. For when He comes He gives His reward, because every case has been decided (Revelation 22:12).
The outcome of this decision reveals who are the righteous dead involved in the “First resurrection” (Revelation 20:4, 5). Additionally, who are the righteous alive, welcoming their Lord (Isaiah 25:9).
The judgment of the unrighteous is a separate work, taking place at a later time.
Christ’s mission was not for judgment, but for salvation:
God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world. But that the world through Him might be saved. John 3:17.
What will you discover?
This article explores the specifics of the investigative judgment. It explains its nature, timing and relation to the final atonement of God’s people.
Furthermore, it underlines why it is done before the second coming of Jesus Christ.
It also clears the confusion around the investigative judgment question.
This piece satisfies the hunger for knowledge and understanding of Christians in different stages of their journey.
It encourages believers to make the preparation of heart today.
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Table of contents
- The investigative judgment nature and timing
- The standard of judgment for character and live
- The judgment opening announced in Revelation 14
- Christ judgment and His ministry as the High Priest
- Conclusion
The investigative judgment nature and timing
This judgment has as its name points an investigative nature. It has to find out who complies with the standard set by Jesus. Thus the examination of God’s people of all time is to reveal who will receive the eternal reward.
Jesus said:
My reward is with Me, to give everyone according as one’s work shall be. Revelation 22:12.
His reward is with Him at His second appearance to our world. So, the investigation is already done and Christ will reward people accordingly.
Based on this evaluation, the righteous – resurrected and those alive are caught up to meet Him in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17). It is the evidence to separate them from the rest (Matthew 25:32, 33). For example:
Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection. On such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ. Revelation 20:6.
Moreover, they are receiving their immortal bodies in the moment. And so they will be with the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:52, 53).
So, the Son of God rewards the righteous of all time:
- According to His standard, examination and evaluation.
- At the time of His second coming to the world.
The standard of judgment for character and live
God’s Law of love is the standard to examine believers motives, intentions and actions. It is a reflection of God’s character and loving nature.
Jesus said:
- I delight to do Thy will, O My God. Yea, Thy law is within My heart. Psalm 40:8.
- I have kept My Father’s commandments. John 15:10.
He came to the world and did what Isaiah prophesied:
The Lord is well pleased for His righteousness’ sake. He will magnify the law, and make it honourable. Isaiah 42:21.
It was done through His righteousness demonstrated in His life and sacrificial death. Thus Jesus satisfied the righteous claims of the Law. Moreover, He became the world’s Savior, giving His life as ransom for it.
The judgment is to decide two things.
- Who has sincerely repented to God for violating His holy Law.
- Who through faith has accepted Christ as their personal Savior, Substitute and Leader.
Thus the judgment reveals those who are entitled to the benefits of His atonement. Moreover, who had developed a Christ-like character through His grace. For example:
- But of Him ye are in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption. 1 Corinthians 1:30.
- For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin. That we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Corinthians 5:21.
Jesus will put the robe of His own righteousness upon every repenting and believing soul. When we give ourselves to Him then our:
- Hearts are united with His heart.
- Will is merged in His will.
- Minds become one with His mind.
Thus we live His life, thinking and acting as He would do. For example:
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live. Yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.
And the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20
So, by faith we become Christ’s. And faith that works through love we grow heavenly character in Him.
It is through His imputed (for our justification) and imparted (for our sanctification) righteousness.
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The world passing through judgment
God is the Judge of all through His Son (Hebrews 12:23; Romans 2:16). It includes:
- People:
- Dead and alive – from Adam’s time till the end of time (2 Timothy 4:1).
- Righteous and unrighteous – revealing every motive, intention and work (Ecclesiastes 3:17).
- Nations:
- Ancient (Isaiah 2:1-4; Acts 7:7).
- Contemporary (Daniel 7:14; Revelation 11:15, 18).
- Institutions:
- Church – House/assembly of God (Ezekiel 18:30; 1 Peter 4:17).
- Religious-political bodies – the woman in scarlet/great city (Revelation 17:4, 17; Revelation 18:8).
God is the mighty and ultimate Judge on the earth (Psalm 82). He had created humans and their planet. He exercises sovereignty on animate and inanimate worlds.
In His prerogatives as Creator, Governor and Judge, He incorporates His character attributes. Moreover, His Will as revealed in His Word.
It is all of His creation to show in life the same qualities (Micah 6:8; Zechariah 7:9):
- Unselfish love and beneficence.
- Mercy and justice.
- Righteousness and truth.
He gave fallen humanity a standard for life. It is the Law of the Ten Commandments. They are based on the principle of love.
Supreme love for God and unselfish love for others. For example:
Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Matthew 22:37, 39.
Speaking in figure about the church, the Bible puts it this way:
The church should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white, not having spots, or wrinkles, or any such thing (Revelation 19:8; Ephesians 5:27).
The fine linen is the righteousness of the saints (Revelation 19:8). So, the judgment of the church is to be understood as the judgment of people.
To the law and to the testimony. If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. Isaiah 20:8.
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The judgment opening announced in Revelation 14
The angel’s message announces the opening of the judgment.
And I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth…
Fear God, and give glory to Him. For the hour of His judgment is come. Revelation 14:6, 7.
Salvation has been preached in all ages. But, this message is a part of the gospel which can be proclaimed only in the last days.
For only then it would be true that the hour of judgment had come. The Bible prophecies show a succession of events leading down to the opening of the judgment.
Daniel’s prophecy about the last days was to be closed up. It was also to be sealed until the “time of the end”. For example:
And I heard, but I understood not. Then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things?
And he said, Go thy way, Daniel. For the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. Daniel 12:8, 9.
Only after this time has passed the judgment can be proclaimed. Thus the prophecy is to be fulfilled.
Then the wise will understand.
But at the time of the end many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. Daniel 12:4.
“The time of the end” began at 1789 AD, marking the unsealing (understanding) time for Daniel’s last days’ prophecies.
Furthermore, Gabriel continued:
Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days. Daniel 12:12.
This is the blessing pronounced upon those who are living in the year 1843, (508 + 1335 = 1843). For the seal has been removed (through earnest prayers and study) and they are to be understood.
So, they proclaimed the “First angel’s message” and the judgment when Jesus began His ministry in the Most Holy.
Christ judgment and His ministry as the High Priest
Both, the prophecy of Daniel 8:14 and Revelation 14:6 pointed to Christ’s ministry in the Most Holy place.
Unto two thousand and three hundred days. Then shall the sanctuary be cleansed. Daniel 8:14.
Moreover, they marked the beginning of the investigative judgment and the cleansing of the Heavenly Sanctuary.
Furthermore, His ministry there is supported by the next Bible texts:
- The Son of man comes to the Ancient of Days (Daniel 7:13).
- Coming of the Lord to His Temple (Malachi 3:1).
- The Bridegroom’s coming to the marriage (the parable of Matthew 25).
- The King’s examination of guests before the wedding (the parable of Matthew 22).
So, the king’s evaluation at the feast signifies the investigative judgment of those who profess to serve God.
And they that were ready went in with Him to the marriage. And the door was shut. Matthew 25:10.
This investigative judgment decides the cases of all servants of God.
For many years this work has been in progress for the dead. It will continue at some point with the cases of the living.
So, this time requires everyone to heed Christ’s admonition – Watch and pray. For ye know not when the time is. Mark 13:33.
If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief. And thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. Revelation 3:3.
Heart searching during the investigative judgment
It is self examination of the heart and unceasing prayer needed. We should examine our motives and actions in the light of God’s holy Law.
God will not save us in disobedience (sin). His perfection of character constrains Him to deal justly.
Pray as David did:
Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy loving kindness. According unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
For I acknowledge my transgressions. And my sin is ever before me.
Purge me with a hyssop, and I shall be clean. Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.
Create in me a clean heart, O God. And renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from thy presence. Take not thy holy spirit from me.
Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation. And uphold me with thy free Spirit. Psalm 51:1-12.
Conclusion
The final judgment began in the house of God. It has an investigative nature, examining the professed people of God in all ages.
It is to decide who will be rewarded by Jesus at His second coming to the world. He comes with His eternal reward, giving it to those who pass the examination.
Based on this evaluation, the righteous – resurrected and those alive are transformed and caught up to meet Him in the clouds.
The message of Revelation 14:6, 7 announces the opening of the judgment. We live today in the time of investigative judgment.
So, let us examine ourselves through heart searching and prayer. Furthermore, acknowledge our sin and ask Jesus to cleanse us.
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