Investigative Judgment and Praying to Hold the Four Winds

No, the investigative judgment currently taking place in the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary is limited exclusively to the cases of those who have professed to be the people of GodHF 265.1+1.

The Scope of the Investigative Judgment

The work of investigative judgment, which began in 1844 at the end of the 2300 days, involves only those whose names have been recorded in the book of life Daniel 8:14GP 89.3+1. This process is a specialized examination of character to determine who, through true repentance and faith in the blood of Christ, is entitled to the benefits of the atonement and a place in God's kingdomGC88 427.2+1.

• The House of God: Judgment must begin first at the house of God, meaning the professed followers of Christ from all ages 1 Peter 4:17GC 479.3.

• The Books of Record: The lives of all who have ever taken the name of Christ pass in review before God, and they are judged out of the things written in the heavenly books Revelation 20:12CIHS 182.1+1.

• Two Groups: This judgment first considers the cases of the righteous dead, and when that work is finished, it will pass to the cases of the living1SM 124.3+1.

The Judgment of the Unrighteous

The judgment of the wicked is a separate and distinct work that occurs at a later periodGC 479.3.

• During the Millennium: While the saints reign in the Holy City for one thousand years, they, in union with Jesus, engage in the judgment of the wicked dead16MR 35.2+1.

• Examination of Deeds: During this thousand-year period, the acts of the wicked are compared with the Word of God, and the punishment they must suffer is meted out and written against their names in the book of deathEW 290.3.

• Final Execution: At the end of the millennium, the wicked dead are raised in the second resurrection to see the King in His majesty before receiving their final destruction in the lake of fire Revelation 20:5SH 115.2+1.

Preparation for the Judgment

Because we are living in the antitypical Day of Atonement, it is of the highest importance that we understand the work of our High Priest in the sanctuary above1SM 124.3+1.

• Afflicting the Soul: Just as ancient Israel was required to afflict their souls on the Day of Atonement, we are now called to deep heart-searching, confession, and repentance1SM 124.3+1.

• The Wedding Garment: Every individual must ensure they are attired in the wedding garment, which is the spotless robe of character washed and made white in the blood of the Lamb Matthew 22:11+1HF 265.1+1.

• Names in the Book of Life: Only those who overcome and remain faithful will have their names retained in the book of life during this investigative process Revelation 3:54LtMs, Ms 4a, 1885, par. 14+1.

The sanctuary is the center of Christ's work for humanity, revealing the plan of redemption and the final triumph of righteousness over sinGC88 488.3+1. 🛡️✨

Yes, we are explicitly instructed to pray that God will command His angels to hold the four winds of the earth until the final warning message has been proclaimed to the entire worldPr 274.3+2. While it is God alone who ultimately restrains these powers, He has placed a vast responsibility upon men and women of prayer to petition Him for a few more years of grace to work for the Master2SM 375.3+2.

The Purpose of Our Petitions

Our prayers for the restraining of the four winds are tied directly to the unfinished work of the gospel and the sealing of God's peoplePr 274.3+1.

• To Send Missionaries: We are to cry to God that the winds may be held until missionaries are sent to all parts of the world to proclaim the warning against disobeying the law of JehovahPr 274.3+2.

• For the Sealing Work: The four angels have a work to do on the earth and are ready to let the winds go, but they are commanded to hold until the servants of God are sealed in their foreheads1EGWLM 143.2+2.

• To Prepare the South: This work of reaching every nation, including the fields at our very doors like the Southern States, must be done now while the angels continue to hold the four winds7T 220.1+1.

• To Reveal Living Faith: Now is the time to reveal living faith and set our own hearts in order while the winds are restrained14LtMs, Lt 115, 1899, par. 3+1.

The Role of Christ and the Angels

It is through the intercession of Jesus and the agency of heavenly messengers that the destructive forces of earth are currently kept in check1EGWLM 52.2+2.

• The Intercession of Jesus: When the four angels are about to let go, Jesus gazes in pity on the unsealed remnant and pleads His blood before the Father, crying, "My blood, Father, My blood, My blood, My blood"3SM 370.5+2.

• The Restraining Power: It is God who restrains the powers of earth, giving His angels charge to hold the four winds until His summons is given1EGWLM 143.2+2.

• The Sentinel Angels: Although the nations are angry and mustering for war, they cannot move to a general engagement because the sentinel angels are still holding the winds in check3MR 313.1+2.

Working in Harmony with Prayer

Prayer is not a substitute for action; we must work diligently with all our capabilities while the respite lastsCCh 67.2+2.

• Aggressive Warfare: Our warfare is aggressive, and as our prayers ascend for the winds to be held, we must work in harmony with those prayers to give the last warningEv 229.4+2.

• No Time to Lose: Because the sealing time is very short and soon to be over, we must make our calling and election sure now while the four winds are being held1EGWLM 153.1+2.

• Consecration of Means: We should improve every opportunity to extend the truth, even selling our possessions to invest in missionary work while the four winds are being heldSpM 83.2+2.

What Happens When the Winds are Loosed

When the work of sealing is finished and the angels finally let go of the four winds, the world will enter a scene of strife and confusion that no pen can fully pictureLDE 228.4+2.

• A Time of Trouble: The loosing of the winds marks the end of probation and the beginning of the time of trouble, such as never was7BC 968.10+2.

• General Confusion: Once the restraining power is removed, famine, pestilence, and sword will follow, and the whole world will be in confusion as nations rise against one another7BC 968.10+2.

• The Final Battle: When the angels cease to hold the winds, the powers of earth will marshal their forces for the last great battle of ArmageddonLDE 238.3+2.

We should daily obtain a living experience in perfecting Christian character and keep our minds uplifted to God, the source of all power, while mercy's voice is still pleadingCLD 5.10+2. 🕊️🌍