Understanding the Timing of the Blotting Out of Sins

The blotting out of sins occurs during the final ministry of our High Priest in the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary, a process that began in 1844 and concludes just before the second advent of ChristGCB April 2, 1903, page 53.10+2. While the forgiveness of sins is available to all who repent today, the actual blotting out of the record of those sins is a distinct, final act of the investigative judgmentGCB April 2, 1903, page 53.10+1.

The Timing of the Blotting Out

The timing of this solemn event is tied to specific prophetic and sanctuary milestones:

• The Investigative Judgment: Sins cannot be blotted out until after an individual's case has been investigated in the heavenly courtsGC 485.2. This examination determines if the person has remained an overcomerJEO 21.3+1.

• The End of Probation: The blotting out of sins is the very last act of Christ’s priesthood, occurring at the close of human probationBDOC 20.20+1. Once this work is finished, the decree is issued that those who are holy shall remain holy forever Revelation 22:11ARSH August 15, 1865, page 82.4+1.

• The Times of Refreshing: This process is associated with the "times of refreshing" and the outpouring of the latter rain, which prepares God's people for the return of the Lord Acts 3:19CWCP 124.2+1.

• Prior to the Second Advent: Sins must be blotted out before Jesus appears in the clouds of heaven, as He returns to reward every man according to his works Hebrews 9:28GC 485.2+1.

The Difference Between Forgiveness and Blotting Out

It is vital to understand that receiving pardon is not the same as the final blotting out of the recordGCB April 2, 1903, page 53.10+1:

• Forgiveness: When a person repents and confesses, their sins are forgiven through the blood of Christ, but the record of those sins remains in the sanctuary until the final atonementCCh 348.1+2.

• Blotting Out: This is the literal removal of the sin record from the books of heaven and the erasing of sin from the nature and being of manARSH September 30, 1902, page 8.6+2.

• Two Phases: There is a "spiritual" blotting out of guilt at the point of conversion and a "literal" blotting out of the record during the pre-advent judgmentEVRR117+1.

The Role of the High Priest

Our High Priest, Jesus Christ, performs this work in the immediate presence of the glory of God in the most holy placeGCB April 2, 1903, page 53.10+1. He presents the cases of the righteous individually before the Father, showing from the "book of remembrance" that they have truly repented and overcome Malachi 3:16JEO 20.4+1. For those who are found faithful, He confesses their names before the Father and the holy angels, and their sins are blotted out forever Revelation 3:5JEO 21.3+1. 🕊️

The Individual's Responsibility

While the High Priest performs the work in heaven, there is a work for us to do on earth:

• Deep Repentance: We are called to repent and be converted so that our sins may be blotted out Acts 3:19CWCP 124.2+1.

• Confession: Only sins that are confessed and placed upon the Priest can be blotted outGCB April 2, 1903, page 53.10+2.

• Overcoming: It is only by being overcomers that our names are retained in the book of life while our sins are removed from the record Revelation 3:5DAR1909 394.1+1.

The day of atonement is a time for soul-searching and putting away every sin that defiles the character, ensuring we are ready for the final work of our MediatorRH November 2, 1886, par. 5+1. 📖✨