Investigative Judgment: Understanding God's Pre-Advent Review

The investigative judgment is a crucial period of divine review that occurs in heaven before Christ's second coming, examining the lives of God's professed people to determine who is ready for eternal life. This solemn process began in 1844 and continues until the close of human probation, just before Jesus returns. It's a time when heavenly books are opened, and decisions are made regarding names in the Book of Life.EVRR502+3

What is the Investigative Judgment?

This judgment is a divine audit that reveals to the entire universe who has truly accepted God's gift of salvation and is covered by the blood of Christ. It's not because God doesn't know, for He is omniscient, but for the benefit of created beings who are finite and susceptible to deception. This public examination is essential to display justly who will be granted eternal life at Christ's second advent.EVRR502

The concept of a pre-advent judgment is deeply rooted in prophetic scripture:

• ** Daniel 7** foretells a heavenly court scene where thrones are set up, and the Ancient of Days sits, with books being opened Daniel 7:9-10. This judgment includes the "little horn" power and focuses on God's people before they receive the kingdom.EVRR502+1

• ** Revelation 14:7** proclaims 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." This "first angel's message" announces that the judgment has already begun, not that it will begin in the future.EVRR502+1

• ** Malachi 3:1-5** speaks of the Lord coming "suddenly to his temple" as a "refiner's fire," to purify the sons of Levi and to draw near for judgment as a "swift witness" against various transgressors. This passage describes Christ's entry into the Most Holy Place for judgment, which is part of the pre-advent judgment.EVRR319

When Did it Begin?

The investigative judgment began in 1844. This date is derived from the prophecy of Daniel 8:14 which states, "Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed." The cleansing of the sanctuary in this context represents a work of judgment in the heavenly temple, akin to the Day of Atonement in the earthly sanctuary system.EVRR502+1

The 2300 prophetic days, interpreted as years, extend to 1844. This means that the heavenly court session commenced in that year, fulfilling the first angel's message.EVRR502+1

What Happens During this Judgment?

During this judgment, the lives of God's professed people are examined from the heavenly books. Names can be "written" or "removed" from the Book of Life.BDOC 54.20+1 This process is also tied to the "blotting out of sins." While the guilt of sin is blotted out at conversion, there is also a literal blotting out of the record during the pre-advent judgment.EVRR116+2

Those who are found faithful and have overcome through God's grace are clothed in "white garments," and their names are not blotted out of the Book of Life Revelation 3:5. This signifies their acceptance and justification before the universe.EVRR502+1

This judgment determines who is sealed for the final time of trouble and who will receive eternal life at Christ's return. It is a necessary preparation for the saints to stand blameless before God at His coming 1 Thessalonians 3:13.GP 90.3+1

The Role of Saints

Interestingly, the saints themselves will have a role in judgment during the millennium, investigating the records of the unsaved to determine their punishment Revelation 20:4+1.EVRR691+1

The investigative judgment is a profound truth that calls for diligent self-examination and a deeper consecration to God. It underscores the urgency of living a life in harmony with His will, for we are all to stand before the judgment seat of God Romans 14:10.ChS 169.1+4