When God Judges
The Cleansing of the Heavenly Sanctuary in Daniel 8:14 and the Investigative Judgment
Prayer Thought:
"Standing in the Judgment:
The Role of the Heavenly Sanctuary"
The Center of Christ's Atoning Work.--The subject of the sanctuary and the investigative judgment should be clearly understood by the people of God. All need a knowledge for themselves of the position and work of their great High Priest. Otherwise, it will be impossible for them to exercise the faith which is essential at this time, or to occupy the position which God designs them to fill. Every individual has a soul to save or to lose. Each has a case pending at the bar of God. Each must meet the great Judge face to face. How important, then, that every mind contemplate often the solemn scene when the judgment shall sit and the books shall be opened, when, with Daniel, every individual must stand in his lot, at the end of the days. {Ev 221.3}
PURPOSE - To help us understand that the cleansing of the Sanctuary has its vivid relevance to the last days’ judgment (for the dead and the Living.
INTRODUCTION:
Understanding Daniel 8:14 and its relevance to the investigative judgment.
EGW Insight:
“The subject of the sanctuary and the investigative judgment should be clearly understood by the people of God.” (The Great Controversy, p. 488)
Daniel 8:14 – The Biblical Basis for the Cleansing of the Sanctuary
Scripture:
“Unto 2,300 days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.” (Daniel 8:14)
Prophetic Context:
The 2,300-day prophecy and its connection to the Day of Atonement.
EGW Commentary:
“At the termination of the 2300 days, in 1844, Christ entered the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary, to perform the closing work of atonement.” (The Great Controversy, p. 422)
The Cleansing of the Heavenly Sanctuary Explained
Earthly vs. Heavenly Sanctuary:
The earthly sanctuary as a type of the heavenly one (Hebrews 9:23-24).
verse 23 It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.
verse 24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:
Day of Atonement Parallel:
How the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16) prefigured the heavenly cleansing.
The Investigative Judgment: Historical and Prophetic Context
2 Corinthians 5:10
"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ."
This emphasizes that every person will be judged.
1 Peter 4:17
"For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God."
The investigative judgment begins with those who have professed faith in God.
Connection to 1844:
How the cleansing began in 1844 as the start of the investigative judgment.
Christ in His Sanctuary, p. 105:
"The investigative judgment is an examination of the records of the lives of all who have believed in Christ. It determines who will be saved and who will not."
Early Writings, p. 280:
"The judgment is now passing in the sanctuary above. For many years this work has been in progress. Soon—none know how soon—it will pass to the cases of the living."
The Book With Seven Seals Contains the History of the World.
"And I saw in the right hand of Him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals. And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon" (Revelation 5:1-3). {9MR 7.1}
There in His open hand lay the book, the roll of the history of God's providences, the prophetic history of nations and the church. Herein was contained the divine utterances, His authority, His commandments, His laws, the whole symbolic counsel of the Eternal, and the history of all ruling powers in the nations. In symbolic language was contained in that roll the influence of every nation, tongue, and people from the beginning of earth's history to its close. {9MR 7.2}
EGW Commentary:
“In the typical service, only those who had come before God with confession and repentance, and whose sins, through the blood of the sin-offering, were transferred to the sanctuary, had a part in the service of the Day of Atonement. So in the great day of final atonement and investigative judgment the only cases considered are those of the professed people of God.” (The Great Controversy, p. 480)
The Investigative Judgment and Its Application to SDA Believers
Personal Responsibility:
How should this doctrine affect our daily lives?
Living in the Day of Atonement:
A call to repentance, holiness, and spiritual vigilance.
EGW Insight:
“All who have truly repented of sin, and by faith claimed the blood of Christ as their atoning sacrifice, have had pardon entered against their names in the books of heaven.” (The Great Controversy, p. 483)
The Significance of the Doctrine for Today
God’s Justice and Mercy:
How the investigative judgment reveals God’s fairness.
Assurance of Salvation:
Understanding judgment as a process of vindication for believers.
EGW Reflection:
“The judgment is now passing in the sanctuary above. For many years this work has been in progress. Soon — none know how soon — it will pass to the cases of the living.” (The Great Controversy, p. 490)
Conclusion: The Cleansing and Christ’s Return
Christ’s Final Work:
How the cleansing of the sanctuary culminates in the Second Coming (Revelation 22:12).
Final Appeal:
A call for spiritual readiness and faith in Christ’s mediatory role.
“Now is the time to prepare. The seal of God will never be placed upon the forehead of an impure man or woman. All who receive the seal must be without spot before God.” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 216)
The investigative judgment underscores the importance of personal accountability and emphasizes Christ's role as our High Priest. It calls for a deep, personal connection with Christ, repentance, and a clear understanding of His work in the heavenly sanctuary. This doctrine is not about fear but about preparation, faith, and the assurance that Christ is advocating for His people.
To God Be the Glory!