Sabbath Afternoon - April 22, 2023

Reading for the Week

Rev. 14:7; Ps. 51:1-4; Rev. 20:12; Dan. 7:9, 14, 26; Rev. 4:2-4; Rev. 5:1-12. 


Prayer Thought

But the gospel of good news was not to be interpreted as allowing men to live in continued rebellion against God by transgressing his just and holy law. Why cannot those who claim to understand the Scriptures, see that God's requirement under grace is just the same he made in Eden,--perfect obedience to his law. In the Judgment, God will ask those who profess to be Christians, Why did you claim to believe in my Son, and continue to transgress my law? Who required this at your hands--to trample upon my rules of righteousness? "Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams." The gospel of the New Testament is not the Old Testament standard lowered to meet the sinner and save him in his sins. God requires of all his subjects obedience, entire obedience to all his commandments. He demands now as ever perfect righteousness as the only title to heaven. Christ is our hope and our refuge. His righteousness only is imputed to the obedient. Let us accept it through faith, that the Father shall find in us no sin. But those who have trampled on the holy law will have no right to claim that righteousness. Oh that we might view the immensity of the plan of salvation as obedient children to all God's requirements, believing that we have peace with God through Jesus Christ, our atoning sacrifice! Copenhagen, Denmark. {RH, September 21, 1886 par. 16}


Memory Text

Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.  {Rev. 14:7}


This SS week's Lesson will disclose and discover the truth concerning the Sanctuary and the Investigative Judgment, its significance, and future assurance for the righteous saints. This includes the description of what Jesus Christ is doing in the Most Holy Place on our Behalf as a Gracious Mediator.


Study Outline

Sunday - April 23, 2023

What's the Significance of the Investigative Judgment? The Judgment and the Gospel

Rev. 14:7; Ps. 51:1-4; Dan. 7:10

Monday - April 24, 2023

How God's Mercy and Justice Kiss each Other? The Judgment and Mercy

Rev. 20:12; Eph. 2:8, 9, 10

Tuesday - April 25, 2023

An Amazing Glimpse of the Future - Daniel 7: The Judge, the Son and the Saints

Dan. 7:25; Rev. 12:6, 14; 7:9, 10, 11; 14, 26-27

Wednesday - April 26, 2023

A Magnificence Scene of Heaven - Revelation 4: The Judgment Begins with Praise

Rev. 4:1-4, 11; Dan. 7; Matt. 27:52; Eph. 4:7, 8 

Thursday - April 27, 2023

The Worthiness of our Saviour Jesus - Revelation 5: The Lamb is Worthy of Judging

Rev. 5:1-5, 8-12; Dan. 7:22


Friday - April 28, 2023

Further Study and Meditation

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Sunday - April 23, 2023

What's the Significance of the Investigative Judgment? The Judgment and the Gospel

Rev. 14:7; Ps. 51:1-4; Dan. 7:10 

“Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.” (Psalm 51:2)


The Necessity of Judgment

Full of significance are the words of the prophet, "Like people, like priest." Hosea 4:9. The idolatrous priests were leaders in crime. "As troops of robbers wait for a man, so the company of priests murder in the way by consent." Hosea 6:9. "Blood toucheth blood." Verse 2. God's message to the murderous priests was: "Hear ye this, O priests, . . . for judgment is toward you, because ye have been a snare on Mizpah, a net spread upon Tabor. And the revolters are profound to make slaughter, though I have been a rebuker of them all." Hosea 5:1, 2. Everywhere violence and crime reigned supreme.  {RH, February 5, 1914 par. 1} 


The Sanctuary Truth and Investigative Judgment

It was the Sanctuary truth, and the investigative judgment preached since 1844, bound in the first, second and third angel's messages of Revelation 14:6-11. Therefore, the Three Angel's Messages constituted that call in 1844. 

It is while men are still dwelling upon the earth that the work of investigative judgment takes place in the courts of heaven. The lives of all His professed followers pass in review before God. All are examined according to the record of the books of heaven, and according to his deeds the destiny of each is forever fixed.  {COL 310.2}  


The Blotting Out of Sin

The work of the investigative judgment and the blotting out of sins is to be accomplished before the second advent of the Lord. Since the dead are to be judged out of the things written in the books, it is impossible that the sins of men should be blotted out until after the judgment at which their cases are to be investigated. . . . When the investigative judgment closes, Christ will come, and His reward will be with Him to give to every man as His work shall be.  {FLB 213.2}  

All are to be judged according to the things written in the books, and to be rewarded as their works have been. This judgment does not take place at death.  {FLB 213.3}  


Making Up the Subjects of the Kingdom

Every case had been decided for life or death. While Jesus had been ministering in the sanctuary, the judgment had been going on for the righteous dead, and then for the righteous living. Christ had received His kingdom, having made the atonement for His people and blotted out their sins. The subjects of the kingdom were made up. The marriage of the Lamb was consummated. And the kingdom, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, was given to Jesus and the heirs of salvation, and Jesus was to reign as King of kings and Lord of lords.  {EW 280.1}  

For a deeper study please visit the following links:


Consider the Following

David had sinned and asked God to blot out his transgression (Psalm 51:1). What does that mean? 

David knew that God forgives our sins as soon as we acknowledge our sin (Psalm 51:2-3). David’s conclusion was: “That You may be found just when You speak, and blameless when You judge” (Psalm 51:4). Judgment? 

How does God wash our sins away, judges with justice, and is found pure in the judgment? 

Thanks to the gospel. That’s how our sins are forgiven, our salvation is assured, and we will be victorious in the judgment. 

The sacrifice of Jesus showed the whole Universe that God is fair in the way He deals with sin 


Monday - April 24, 2023

How God's Mercy and Justice Kiss each Other? The Judgment and Mercy

Rev. 20:12; Eph. 2:8, 9, 10 

“Also to You, O Lord, belongs mercy; for You render to each one according to his work.” (Psalm 62:12)


The Merging of Justice and Mercy

The combined influence of mercy and justice is to be felt. "Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other." Households under this discipline will walk in the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment. {AH 310.4}  

Paul's life was an exemplification of the truths he taught, and herein lay his power. His heart was filled with a deep, abiding sense of his responsibility, and he labored in close communion with Him who is the fountain of justice, mercy, and truth. He clung to the cross of Christ as his only guarantee of success. The love of the Saviour was the undying motive that upheld him in his conflicts with self and in his struggles against evil as in the service of Christ he pressed forward against the unfriendliness of the world and the opposition of his enemies.  {AA 507.1}


Satan's Counterfeit on Justice and Mercy

The condemning power of Satan would lead him to institute a theory of justice inconsistent with mercy. He claims to be officiating as the voice and power of God, claims that his decisions are justice, are pure and without fault. Thus he takes his position on the judgment seat and declares that his counsels are infallible. Here his merciless justice comes in, a counterfeit of justice, abhorrent to God. {CTr 11.4} 

Amid the awful darkness, apparently forsaken of God, Christ had drained the last dregs in the cup of human woe. In those dreadful hours He had relied upon the evidence of His Father’s acceptance heretofore given Him. He was acquainted with the character of His Father; He understood His justice, His mercy, and His great love. By faith He rested in Him whom it had ever been His joy to obey. And as in submission He committed Himself to God, the sense of the loss of His Father’s favor was withdrawn. By faith, Christ was victor.—Ibid., p. 756. {CTr 277.5} 


Consider the Following

Justice demands the death of those who have broken God’s Law (Romans 6:23; 1 John 3:4). God could’ve abolished or changed His Law. 

However, He didn’t. The wicked will be judged and punished by their works (Revelation 20:13). Those who transgressed the Law will be condemned (Revelation 20:15). 

How can we find hope in the judgment? By God’s mercy, Jesus gave His life for us. We just have to accept Him as our Savior (Ephesians 2:4-5; James 2:13). 


Tuesday - April 25, 2023

An Amazing Glimpse of the Future - Daniel 7: The Judge, the Son and the Saints

Dan. 7:25; Rev. 12:6, 14; 7:9, 10, 11; 14, 26-27

“But the court shall be seated, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and destroy it forever.” (Daniel 7:26)


A Foretaste of Heavenly Happiness

But Satan is contending for the souls of men, and casts his hellish shadow athwart their path, in order that they shall not behold the light. He would not have them catch a glimpse of the future honor, the eternal glories, laid up for those who shall be inhabitants of heaven, or have a taste of the experience that gives a foretaste of the happiness of heaven. But with the heavenly attractions set before the mind to inspire hope, to awaken desire, to spur to effort, how can we turn from the prospect, and choose sin and its wages, which is death?  {FE 234.2}  

Those who accept Christ as their Saviour have the promise of the life that now is, and that which is to come. The human agent owes no part of his ability to the service of Satan; but his entire allegiance is due to the infinite and eternal God. The lowliest disciple of Christ may become an inhabitant of heaven, an heir of God to an inheritance incorruptible, and that fadeth not away. O that every one might make choice of the heavenly gift, become an heir of God to that inheritance whose title is secure from any destroyer, world without end! O, choose not the world, but choose the better inheritance! Press, urge your way toward the mark for the prize of your high calling in Christ Jesus. For Christ's sake, let the aim of your education be shaped by the inducements of the better world.-- Review and Herald, Nov. 21, 1893.  {FE 234.3} 


Freedom and Equality with Christ and Heavenly Angels

How sad it is that men turn from the immortal inheritance, and live for the gratification of pride, for selfishness and display, and lose the blessings which they might have both in this life and the life to come. They might enter into the palaces of heaven, and associate on terms of freedom and equality with Christ and heavenly angels, and with the princes of God. God has given men the Light and Majesty of heaven, and with Him all of heaven's rich treasures, and He is waiting to bestow upon them the love which He gives to his only begotten Son. Even in this life He would have us enjoy everything that will ennoble, elevate, and expand our characters; for it is his design to fit us for the heavenly courts above. And yet, incredible as it may seem, men turn from heavenly attractions, and yield themselves to him who would shut from them every glimpse of the future honour, the eternal glories of heaven, or even from a foretaste of its happiness.  {BEcho, January 29, 1894 par. 6}  


Consider the Following

Daniel saw a vision about God’s judgment and its consequences: 

(1) God begins the judgment seated on a throne of fire (v. 9) 

(2) Millions are attending the judgment, and the books are opened (v. 10) 

(3) Jesus attends the judgment as our representative (v. 13) 

(4) At the end, Jesus receives “dominion and glory and kingdom” (v. 14) 

(5) The judge orders the destruction of the wicked (v. 26) 

(6) Jesus gives His kingdom “the people, the saints” (v. 27) 


Wednesday - April 26, 2023

A Magnificence Scene of Heaven - Revelation 4: The Judgment Begins with Praise

Rev. 4:1-4, 11; Dan. 7; Matt. 27:52; Eph. 4:7, 8 

“Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne.” (Revelation 4:2)


Seek the Kingdom of God First and His Righteousness

Jesus Christ has engaged to save every soul who will believe in him as a personal Saviour. He has engaged us in his service, and has pointed out to us the work that he expects us to do. He has given us a glimpse of eternity, in order that we may realize that temporal things are of little moment beside that which is eternal. Something higher than the affairs of this life is to engage our attention, and call forth the energies of our being, that we may glorify our Redeemer. Christ calls upon us as human agents to cooperate with heavenly agencies in the work of saving the world. Not one is to feel that he can use his time as he chooses. Heavenly requirements are not to be ignored. It is the universal tendency of men to subordinate the eternal realities to temporal matters, to make the claims of the future, immortal life subservient to the commonplace affairs of this fleeting life. But the Lord has said: "No man can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon." The god of this world claims the service of men, and seeks to keep them in continual slavery to his will. But Christ, the uplifted Saviour, calls to men in authoritative tones, saying, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things [of secondary importance] shall be added unto you." {ST, July 30, 1894 par. 11}  


The Contrast Between the Light and Darkness

In the discharge of life's duties the righteous will to the last be brought in contact with the ungodly. The children of light are scattered among the children of darkness, that the contrast may be seen by all. Thus are the children of God to "show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." The divine love glowing in the heart, the Christ like harmony manifested in the life, will be as a glimpse of heaven granted to men of the world that they may see and appreciate its excellence. {CCh 343.2} 

The divine love glowing in the heart, the Christlike harmony manifested in the life, are as a glimpse of heaven granted to men of the world. . . . The world watches to see what fruit is borne by professed Christians. It has a right to look for self-denial and self-sacrifice from those who claim to believe advanced truth. . . .  {HP 316.3}  


The Children of the Heavenly Kings Excels

God has ordained that His work shall be presented to the world in distinct, holy lines. He desires His people to show by their lives the advantage of Christianity over worldliness. By His grace every provision has been made for us in all our transaction of business to demonstrate the superiority of heaven's principles over the principles of the world. We are to show that we are working upon a higher plane than that of worldliness. In all things we are to manifest purity of character, to show that the truth received and obeyed makes the receivers sons and daughters of God, children of the heavenly King, and that as such they are honest in their dealings, faithful, true, and upright in the small as well as the great things of life.  {HP 316.4}  


Consider the Following

John also saw the magnificent scene of the Judgment. 

(1) God is seated on His throne (v. 1-3) 

(2) 24 elders are gathered around the throne as the jury (v. 4) 

(3) Lightnings, thunders, and voices are heard: the judgment begins (v. 5) 

(4) The witnesses appear: the cherubs represent the angels that have been with us (v. 6-8) 

(5) God is praised before proceeding (v. 9-11) 

Praise is the core of this judgment scene. The heavenly beings praise God because He is worthy of judging and ending sin (Revelation 4:11). 

For detailed studies on the Seven Seals and Sanctuary Doctrine, please visit the following sites:


Thursday - April 27, 2023

The Worthiness of our Saviour Jesus - Revelation 5: The Lamb is Worthy of Judging

Rev. 5:1-5, 8-12; Dan. 7:22

And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;  (Rev. 5:9)


All Centered in Christ - Our Mediator

The messengers of the cross must arm themselves with watchfulness and prayer, and move forward with faith and courage, working always in the name of Jesus. They must exalt Christ as man's mediator in the heavenly sanctuary, the One in whom all the sacrifices of the Old Testament dispensation centered, and through whose atoning sacrifice the transgressors of God's law may find peace and pardon.  {AA 230.2}  

Satan invents unnumbered schemes to occupy our minds, that they may not dwell upon the very work with which we ought to be best acquainted. The archdeceiver hates the great truths that bring to view an atoning sacrifice and an all-powerful mediator. He knows that with him everything depends on his diverting minds from Jesus and His truth. {CCh 348.3} 

Jesus pleads in their behalf His wounded hands, His bruised body; and He declares to all who would follow Him: "My grace is sufficient for thee." 2 Corinthians 12:9. "Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light." Matthew 11:29, 30. Let none, then, regard their defects as incurable. God will give faith and grace to overcome them. {CCh 348.4} 


Elevate the Mediator. Lift Up Jesus

God saves man through the blood of Christ alone, and man's belief in, and allegiance to, Christ is salvation. It is no marvel to angels that the infinite sacrifice made by the Son of God was ample enough to bring salvation to a fallen race, but that this atoning sacrifice should have been made is a wonder to the universe. It is a mystery which angels desire to look into. The angels are amazed at the indifference and coldness manifested by those for whom so great a salvation has been provided. They look with grief and holy indignation upon those who do not seek to appreciate the unspeakable gift of God. Instead of offering adoration to God, finite men think themselves capable, without divine unction, of determining what is worthy of praise or blame in their fellow-men. But to be glorified by man is no glory. We should learn to value the praise of man at what it is worth. The Lord says, "Them that honor me I will honor." Let every breath of praise, every word of exaltation, flow to him who is worthy, flow to Jesus, the Prince of life, the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world. Elevate the cross of Christ. Elevate the Mediator. Lift up Jesus. In him is everything noble. Contemplate God in Christ. He is surrounded with angels, cherubim and seraphim continually behold him. Angelic voices day and night cry before him: "Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.... Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created." "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing." "Great and marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy; for all nations shall come and worship before thee." But although God only is holy and worthy to be praised, human tongues are perverted to praise and glorify man rather than God.  {ST, December 30, 1889 par. 5}  


The Marvelous Faith which Enables One to See the Future

Faith . . . enables us to look beyond the present, with its burdens and cares, to the great hereafter, where all that now perplexes us shall be made plain. Faith sees Jesus standing as our Mediator at the right hand of God. Faith beholds the mansions that Christ has gone to prepare for those who love Him. Faith sees the robe and crown prepared for the overcomer, and hears the song of the redeemed.  {FLB 126.5}  


Consider the Following

The Father has a scroll in his hand. Its contents will be examined during the judgment. However, no one is worthy of opening its seals and judging fairly (Revelation 5:1-4). 

Only Jesus is worthy, the Lamb of God that was slain for us. He is our representative in the judgment. His perfect and upright life covers us (Revelation 5:5-7). 

Heavens burst into praises to Jesus before this amazing act of love (Revelation 5:8-14). 

The purpose of the judgment is not to find out how bad we are but to reveal how good God is.


Friday - April 28, 2023

Further Study and Meditation

 In the typical service the high priest, having made the atonement for Israel, came forth and blessed the congregation. So Christ, at the close of His work as mediator, will appear, "without sin unto salvation" (Hebrews 9:28), to bless His waiting people with eternal life. As the priest, in removing the sins from the sanctuary, confessed them upon the head of the scapegoat, so Christ will place all these sins upon Satan, the originator and instigator of sin. The scapegoat, bearing the sins of Israel, was sent away "unto a land not inhabited" (Leviticus 16:22); so Satan, bearing the guilt of all the sins which he has caused God's people to commit, will be for a thousand years confined to the earth, which will then be desolate, without inhabitant, and he will at last suffer the full penalty of sin in the fires that shall destroy all the wicked. Thus the great plan of redemption will reach its accomplishment in the final eradication of sin and the deliverance of all who have been willing to renounce evil.  {GC 485.3}  


Questions to Ponder

From the Pen of Inspiration

“Satan urges before God his accusations against them […] ‘Are these,’ he says, ‘the people who are to take my place in heaven and the place of the angels who united with me? […] Look at the sins which have marked their lives. Behold their selfishness, their malice, their hatred toward one another.’

[…] ‘Will God banish me and my angels from His presence, and yet reward those who have been guilty of the same sins? […]’

But while the followers of Christ have sinned, they have not given themselves to the control of evil. They have put away their sins, and have sought the Lord in humility and contrition, and the divine Advocate pleads in their behalf. He who has been most abused by their ingratitude, who knows their sin, and also their repentance, declares: ‘“The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan.” I gave My life for these souls. They are graven upon the palms of My hands.’” E. G. W. (Testimonies for the Church, book 5, cp. 53, p. 473-474)


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