The Sealing, Investigative Judgment, and the Scapegoat Identity

Yes, the seal of the living God is placed upon His faithful people as the investigative judgment closes and their cases are decided for eternityIC 26.2+1.

The investigative judgment, which began for the dead in 1844, is the closing work in the heavenly sanctuary to determine who is prepared for the kingdom of God16MR 177.3+1. While this work of examination is in progress, the four angels are commanded to hold the winds of strife until the servants of God are sealed in their foreheadsBroadside2 January 31, 1849, par. 3. This sealing is not a visible mark but an intellectual and spiritual settling into the truth, reflecting the image of Jesus fully14LtMs, Ms 51, 1899, par. 10+1. It is only after the final test has been brought upon the world and the third angel's message closes that an angel returning from the earth announces his work is done and all who proved loyal have received the seal of the living GodIC 26.2+1. At that solemn moment, Jesus ceases His intercession, and the decree is passed that those who are holy shall remain holy for eternity Revelation 22:11GC 613.2. This sealing process ensures that when the decree goes forth and the stamp is impressed, the believer's character remains pure and spotless for all eternityCET 191.1+1. Because this work of character building must be completed during the precious hours of probation, it is vital to cleanse the soul temple now of every defilement5T 214.2+1.

...ved themselves loyal to the divine precepts have received “the seal of the living God.” Then Jesus ceases His intercession in the sanctuary above. He lifts His hands and with a loud voice says, “It is done;” and all the angelic host ...— GC 613.2 (1911)

...—these are receiving the heavenly mold, and preparing for the seal of God in their foreheads. When the decree goes forth, and the stamp is impressed, their character will remain pure and spotless for eternity. Now is the time to prepare. The seal of God will never be placed upon the forehead of an impure ma...— CET 191.1 (1922)

Sabbath afternoon one of our number was sick, and requested prayers that he might be healed. We all united in applying to the Physician who never lost a case, and while healing p...— Broadside2 January 31, 1849, par. 3

...“the Father’s name written in their foreheads.” Revelation 14:9, 7:2, 14:1.] <**This is not a visible mark**.> The seal of God, the token or sign of His authority, is found in the fourth commandment. This ...— 14LtMs, Ms 51, 1899, par. 10

Those who had accepted the light concerning the mediation of Christ and the perpetuity of the law of God found that these were the truths presented in Revelation 14. The messages of this chapter constitute a threefold warning which is to ...— CIHS 167.1 (1969)

The sealing work is an individual and progressive process where each person’s case is examined and decided one by one in the heavenly courtsGC88 490.1+1. While the world at large remains unconscious of these solemn proceedings, the Investigative Judgment moves through the records of the professed people of God, determining the final destiny of every soul individuallyGC88 488.2+1.

The Individual Nature of the Judgment

The work of preparation and the subsequent decision of the Judge is not a collective event but a specific examination of each lifeGC88 490.1.

• Case-by-Case Review: Every individual has a case pending at the bar of God, and each must meet the great Judge face to face to have their record investigatedGC88 488.2+1.

• No Group Salvation: We are not saved in groups; the devotion of one person cannot offset the lack of it in anotherGC88 490.1.

• Individual Scrutiny: God examines the case of each person with as close and searching scrutiny as if there were no other being on the earthGC88 490.1.

• The Sequential Order: This work began in 1844 with the righteous dead and, at a time known only to God, passes to the cases of the living16MR 177.3+1.

A Progressive Closing of Probation

The fixing of destiny occurs as each name is called and their character is weighed in the balances of the sanctuary7BC 987.6+1.

• The Ledger of Heaven: As names are called one by one from the "Ledger of Heaven," their deeds are mentioned, and their names are either retained or blotted out of the book of lifePH167 6.1+1.

• A Final Decision: When the investigative judgment closes for a person, their destiny is forever fixed for life or deathCOL 310.2+1.

• The Silence of the Hour: This decisive hour for each individual comes silently and unnoticed, like a thief at midnight, while men continue their daily pursuits of building, planting, and pleasure-seekingLDE 232.4+1.

Preparation During the Sealing Time

Because this work is in progress, there is an urgent call for personal holiness and a daily connection with ChristGC88 488.2+1.

• Daily Testing: The Christian soldier is trained through daily tests to prove their fidelity before the final seal is confirmedPH167 6.1+1.

• Character Perfection: While the Investigative Judgment is going forward in heaven, there is to be a special work of purification and putting away of sin among God’s people on earthGC88 425.1+1.

• The Mark of Distinction: Only those who are sanctified through the truth and reflect the likeness of Christ in self-denial will be found without spot or wrinkle in that day19MR 176.1+1.

The Lord is long-suffering and has delayed His coming because He is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance 2 Peter 3:94LtMs, Lt 21, 1886, par. 28. We are encouraged to watch and pray, for we know not when our specific time will come Mark 13:33-354SP 314.3. Let the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable in His sight as we face this solemn hour Psalms 19:1412LtMs, Ms 16, 1897, par. 7.

The blotting out of sins is a process that occurs individually and sequentially as each person’s case is decided during the investigative judgmentCCh 348.1+1. While the blood of Christ provides the means for a repentant sinner to be released from the condemnation of the law, the sin itself remains on record in the sanctuary until this final work of atonementCCh 348.1+1.

The Sequential Nature of Blotting Out Sins

The removal of sins from the heavenly records is not a single, simultaneous event for the entire world, but follows the individual review of each life in the judgment7BC 987.6+1.

• Individual Examination: The dead are judged out of the things written in the books, and it is impossible for their sins to be blotted out until after their specific cases have been investigatedCIHS 180.2+1.

• Case-by-Case Decision: As the investigative judgment moves through the records, if it appears that all wicked deeds have been fully repented of, those sins are then blotted from the book of life7BC 987.6+1.

• Order of the Judgment: This work began in 1844 with the cases of the righteous dead and will soon pass to the cases of the living16MR 177.3+2.

• Final Destination of Sins: Only after the high priest completes the entire work of atonement in the most holy place are the sins of all the truly penitent removed and placed upon the scapegoatCIHS 144.2+1.

Conditions for the Blotting Out of Sins

For a person's sins to be removed during this solemn period, specific heart-work must be accomplished while probation still lingersGC 489.3+1.

• Faithful Repentance: Only those who have come before God with deep confession and true repentance will have their sins transferred to the sanctuary to be blotted outGC 479.3+1.

• The Wedding Garment: The investigative judgment determines who has the spotless robe of character, washed in the blood of the Lamb; those found wanting are cast out, while the faithful are acceptedCIHS 156.2+1.

• The Review of Works: Every act of injustice and every harsh word must be accounted for, and only those who have overcome the world, the flesh, and the devil will have their names retained and their sins canceledTM 224.2+2.

The Close of the Blotting Out Process

The work of blotting out sins must be entirely completed before the Second Advent of ChristGC88 485.2+1.

• Before the Second Coming: The apostle Peter indicates that the blotting out of sins occurs in connection with the "times of refreshing" that precede the sending of Jesus Christ Acts 3:19-20GC88 485.2.

• Fixing of Destiny: When the work of the investigative judgment closes, the destiny of every individual is forever fixed, and Christ pronounces the final decree: "He that is righteous, let him be righteous still" Revelation 22:11CCh 349.1+1.

• End of Mediation: When the high priest leaves the sanctuary after the final atonement, he has removed the sins of Israel, and he then appears "without sin unto salvation" to bless his waiting people Hebrews 9:28CIHS 158.2+1.

We are currently living in the great antitypical Day of Atonement, a time for solemn heart-searching and the putting away of every defect of characterGC 489.3+2. 🕊️ It is our privilege now to humble our souls and ensure that our sins go beforehand to judgment so that they may be blotted out forever1SAT 50.4+2.

The sins of those whose cases have been decided remain on record in the heavenly sanctuary until the entire investigative judgment is finished and the work of mediation is completedGC 421.3+1. While the pardon is written against the names of the repentant during the review of their individual cases, the final removal or putting away of these sins from the sanctuary occurs as the closing act of Christ's high priestly ministry4SP 309.1+1.

The Final Transfer to the Scapegoat

The sins that have been blotted out from the records of the righteous are eventually placed upon the head of Satan, the originator of sinGC 421.3+1.

• Completion of Mediation: When Jesus leaves the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary and His intercession for mankind ceases, the work of the final atonement is finishedExV 29.2+1.

• The Scapegoat Typified: Just as the earthly high priest placed the sins of Israel upon the head of the scapegoat at the close of the Day of Atonement, so Christ will place all the sins of His people upon SatanCIHS 52.3+2.

• Satan’s Punishment: Satan must bear the final penalty for the iniquities he has caused the redeemed to commit, and he will eventually be blotted from existence in the final destruction of sin and sinnersCIHS 180.2+2.

The Location of Sins Until the End of Judgment

Sins that are repented of and forgiven are transferred in fact to the heavenly sanctuary, where they stand on record until the day of final blotting outGC 421.3+2.

• Remaining in the Sanctuary: The blood of Christ releases the penitent sinner from the condemnation of the law but does not immediately cancel the sin; the record remains in the sanctuary until the final atonementCCh 348.1+1.

• The Work of Investigation: Before the sins are physically removed or "blotted out" from the sanctuary, there must be an examination of the books of record to determine who is entitled to the benefits of the atonementGC 421.3+2.

• A Final Separation: Not until the work of investigative judgment is entirely closed for both the dead and the living are the sins forever separated from the people of God and placed upon the instigator of evilCIHS 180.2+2.

Preparation for the Removal of Sin

While this solemn work of investigation and blotting out is moving forward in heaven, a corresponding work must take place in the hearts of God's people on earth1SM 125.1+2.

• Deep Humiliation: During this antitypical day of atonement, every soul is required to afflict themselves before God, confessing their sins so that they may be atoned for and blotted outCIHS 52.3+2.

• Spiritual Refreshing: The sins of believers will be blotted out when the times of refreshing come from the presence of the Lord, which occurs as the investigative judgment closes and Christ prepares to return to earth Acts 3:19-20CIHS 180.2+1.

• The Final Decree: When Jesus finishes His work as mediator, every case has been decided, and the holy will remain holy forever, their sins having been entirely removed from the sanctuary and placed upon the author of sinCCh 349.1+2.

Satan is the antitypical scapegoatGC 422.2+2. While some have mistakenly thought the goat represented Christ, the service performed with the scapegoat takes place only after Christ, our High Priest, has finished the work of atonement and cleansing in the sanctuaryLUJ 261.3+2.

The Scapegoat Represents Satan

The identification of the scapegoat, or Azazel, as Satan is supported by scriptural evidence, ancient definitions, and the nature of the sanctuary serviceATNM 104.2+2.

• A Personal Being: The casting of lots between one goat for Jehovah and one for Azazel implies that Azazel is a personal being in contrast to JehovahARSH March 13, 1866, page 116.17+2. This name is understood by the oldest authorities to refer to the devil or the "angel who revolted"LOM, page 43.9+2.

• The Author of Sin: It is a matter of justice that the sins of the truly penitent be placed upon Satan, who is the originator and instigator of all evilGC 422.2+2. He is not a substitute for the sinner—as only Jesus could be that—but he is guilty in his own right for the part he played in causing men to fallBDOC 54.41+1.

• The Difference Between the Two Goats: Two goats were chosen; the first, which was the Lord's lot, was slain as a sin offering and typified Christ's sacrificeGC 419.1+2. The second goat, the scapegoat, was not slain as a sacrifice but was sent away alive, representing a being who receives sins from the priest after the atonement is completeATNM 104.2+1.

The Role of the Scapegoat in the Antitype

The ceremony of the scapegoat harmonizes perfectly with the final events of the great plan of redemption following the close of the investigative judgmentGC 422.2+2.

• Post-Mediation Service: The high priest did not confess sins over the scapegoat until he had "made an end of reconciling" the holy place Leviticus 16:20ARSH July 18, 1899, page 460.5+1. In the same way, Christ will not place the sins of His people upon Satan until His priestly work in the heavenly sanctuary is finished and the sanctuary is cleansedGC 422.2+2.

• Bearing the Final Penalty: When Christ removes the sins from the heavenly sanctuary by virtue of His own blood, He places them upon Satan, who must then bear the final penalty for themGC 422.2+2.

• Banishment to the Wilderness: The act of leading the scapegoat into a land not inhabited symbolizes Satan being bound and confined to the desolate earth for a thousand years Revelation 20:1-3GC 485.3+2.

Why the Scapegoat Cannot Be Christ

There are definitive reasons why the scapegoat cannot represent our SaviorARSH September 1, 1863, page 109.3+2.

• Christ is Without Sin: When Christ appears the second time, He comes "without sin" Hebrews 9:28. The scapegoat, however, was laden with sin and sent away to perishSYNPT 37.1+1.

• The Priest and the Goat: Christ is our Great High Priest Hebrews 4:14. In the type, the priest is the one who places the sins on the goat; therefore, the goat must be a separate entity that the Priest can send awayATNM 104.2+1.

• Atonement and Removal: Christ's work is to provide the atoning blood that cleanses the soul and the sanctuaryGC 422.2+1. The scapegoat’s role is merely to bear the sins away into a land of forgetfulness, leaving the sanctuary and the people free from them foreverCIS 216.2+1.

Ultimately, while Christ bore our sins on the cross to provide a way of escape, He will finally place the guilt of those sins back upon their original author, Satan, who will be blotted from existence in the final destruction of sinGC 422.2+2.

The scapegoat in the typical service is not Christ, but rather a representation of SatanARSH October 14, 1852, page 91.7+1. While many have mistakenly supposed that the scapegoat typified Christ in one of His offices, a careful study of the law reveals that the goat represents the originator of sin, also known as AzazelARSH October 14, 1852, page 91.7+2.

The Scapegoat is Not Christ

There are several definitive reasons why the scapegoat cannot be a type of our Savior:

• The Timing of the Service: The scapegoat was not sent away until the high priest had finished the work of cleansing the sanctuary and making an end of the atonementARSH October 14, 1852, page 91.7+2. Since Christ's sacrifice on Calvary occurred before His sanctuary ministration began, it cannot meet the antitype of a service that only occurs after the sanctuary is cleansedARSH November 27, 1856, page 28.8+1.

• The Condition of Christ at His Coming: When Christ appears the second time, the Scriptures declare He will be "without sin" Hebrews 9:28. In contrast, the scapegoat received and retained all the iniquities of Israel to bear them awayARSH October 14, 1852, page 91.7+1.

• The Distinction Between Priest and Goat: In the typical service, the priest is the one who places the sins upon the head of the goat and sends it awayARSH October 14, 1852, page 91.7+1. As Christ is our Great High Priest, the goat must be a separate entity that He can send awayARSH October 14, 1852, page 91.7+2.

• Only One Goat was the Lord's: Of the two goats chosen for the Day of Atonement, only one was for the Lord and offered as a sin offering to typify ChristARSH October 14, 1852, page 91.7+1. The other was not offered as a sacrifice and had no part in reconciling the people to God; its only office was to act as a vehicle to carry sins awayCIS 216.1+1.

The Scapegoat Represents Satan

The scapegoat, or Azazel, represents the one who instigated the sins that caused the death of the Son of GodPP 358.2+1.

• Definition of Azazel: The Hebrew name for the scapegoat is "Azazel," which ancient authorities, including the oldest opinions of Hebrews and Christians, recognize as the name of the devil or a revolted angelARSH October 14, 1852, page 91.7+2.

• Justice and the Originator of Sin: While Jesus is the innocent Substitute who bore our sins to provide forgiveness, Satan is the guilty one who must bear the final punishment for the sins he caused God's people to commitBDOC 20.39+2.

• Typifying the Bottomless Pit: The act of the high priest sending the scapegoat into a separate, uninhabited wilderness symbolizes Christ's act of binding Satan and casting him into the bottomless pit at His second appearing Revelation 20:1-3ARSH October 14, 1852, page 91.7+1.

The Sequence of Sin's Transfer

The typical law shows a specific order for the removal of sin:

1. The sin is imparted to the victim through confessionSANC 23.2+1.

2. The priest bears the sin in the blood of the offering into the sanctuarySTTHD 313.1+1.

3. On the Day of Atonement, after the sanctuary is cleansed, the priest removes the sins and places them upon the head of the scapegoatSTTHD 313.1+1.

4. The goat bears them away to a land of separation where they perish with himSTTHD 313.1+2.

Thus, the great plan of redemption reaches its final accomplishment when the guilt of all the sins caused by Satan is placed back upon him, resulting in the final eradication of sin from the universePP 358.2+1.

The quote you have provided highlights a specific and profound application of the scapegoat type to the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus ChristLUJ 257.1+1. While the broader theological framework often identifies Satan as the antitypical scapegoat who bears the final guilt as the instigator of sin, this particular perspective emphasizes that Christ alone possessed the divine power and sinless nature required to actually bear the weight of human iniquity away from the peopleBEST March 24, 1902, page 101.3+1.

Christ as the Bearer of Sins

The core of this perspective is that only a being over whom death had no power could truly serve as the vehicle for the removal of sinARSH March 18, 1858, page 140.2+1.

• The Power of Life: Christ, as the one who has life in Himself, was able to take the sins of the world upon His own divine soul and bear them into the "wilderness" of His separation from the Father on the crossBEST March 24, 1902, page 101.3+1.

• The Substitutionary Sacrifice: In the typical service, the sins were transferred from the people to the sanctuary and finally removed; Christ fulfills this by being the one who "taketh away the sin of the world" John 1:29LOM, page 43.9.

• The Reality of the Burden: The "awful cry" of the multitude, "His blood be upon us," underscores the reality that the blood of the true Sacrifice was the only means by which sin could be answered and carried away Matthew 27:25PP 355.3.

The Scapegoat and the Wilderness

The act of the goat being led into a land not inhabited finds its most poignant fulfillment in Christ's experienceLUJ 257.1+1.

• Bearing Iniquities: Just as the goat bore the iniquities of Israel to a land of separation, Christ bore our sins in His own body on the tree, experiencing the desolation and isolation that sin produces 1 Peter 2:24PP 355.3.

• Separation from God: The wilderness represents a place of separation; Christ, in His final struggle, bore the load of guilt so completely that He was regarded as forever separated from the sin He carried for His peoplePP 355.3+1.

The Distinction in Application

It is important to understand that while Satan eventually receives the punishment for his role as the instigator of sin, he cannot be a "scapegoat" in the sense of a savior or a bearer of sins for the purpose of atonementAERS 243.1+1.

• No Part in Atonement: Satan has no part in reconciling people to God; he merely receives the weight of his own rebellion and the sins he caused others to commit after the work of atonement is already finishedCIS 216.1+1.

• Christ's Unique Role: Because Christ is the only one who can make satisfaction for the law, He is the only one who can truly be represented by the goat that removes the burden of sin from the repentant believerCIHS 52.2+1.

In summary, this quote serves to exalt Christ as the ultimate fulfiller of every part of the sacrificial system, reminding us that every shadow and type was designed to point to His all-sufficient work for our redemptionST July 29, 1897, par. 10+2.

... lots were cast upon them, “one lot for the Lord, and the other lot for the scapegoat.” The goat upon which the first lot fell was to be slain as a sin offering for the people. And the priest was to bring his blood within the veil, and sprinkle it upon the mercy seat. “...— PP 355.3 (1890)

...e scapegoat, he confessed over him all these sins, thus transferring them from himself to the goat. The goat then bore them away, and with him they perished. The ceremony of sending away the scapegoat on the day of atonement is a demonstration of the fact t...— LUJ 95.2 (1898)

...r transgressions in all their sins, putting them upon the head of the goat.” Leviticus 16:21. This is a plain statement that the sins taken from the sanctuary were transferred to the goat. The goat, with these sins upon him, was then by the hand of a suitable person sent away into the wi...— LUJ 257.1 (1898)

...itype of the scape-goat, we are compelled to differ, for what we consider very plain reasons. 1. If Christ, in bearing the sin of the world, fulfilled the antitype of the scape-goat, he must have accomplished it at the crucifixion; for Peter says of him, “Who his own self ba...— ARSH March 18, 1858, page 140.2 (1857)

The most important feature in this ceremonial was the Day of Atonement. On that day two goats were brought (see Leviticus 16, and lots were cast upon them, &ldq...— BEST March 24, 1902, page 101.3