The Timing and Meaning of the Blotting Out of Sin

The blotting out of sin takes place during the investigative judgment in the heavenly sanctuary, a process that began in 1844 and will conclude just before the second advent of Jesus ChristGCB April 2, 1903, page 53.10+4.

The Timing and Nature of the Blotting Out

While forgiveness of sin is available to the penitent individual immediately upon confession, the actual blotting out of the record of that sin is a distinct, future eventGCB April 2, 1903, page 53.10+2. This work occurs in the second apartment of the heavenly sanctuary, the most holy place, where our High Priest transitioned at the end of the prophetic period of 2300 days in 1844 Daniel 8:141SM 125.1+3.

• The Investigative Judgment: The lives of all who have ever professed faith in God pass in review before Him to determine whose cases are entitled to the benefits of the atonement4SP 307.2+3.

• The Close of Probation: This work is the final act of Christ's mediatorial ministry and brings His priesthood to a conclusionJEO 76.1+3.

• A Prerequisite for the Second Advent: Sins must be blotted out before Jesus returns, as He brings His reward with Him to give to every man according to his works Revelation 22:12GC88 485.2+2.

• The Times of Refreshing: The blotting out is connected to the "times of refreshing" and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit known as the latter rain, which prepares God's people for the end of time Acts 3:19EVRR117+2.

The Distinction Between Forgiveness and Blotting Out

It is essential to understand that being forgiven and having sins blotted out are not the same thingGCB April 2, 1903, page 53.10+2.

• Forgiveness: This occurs at the point of conversion when an individual repents and accepts Christ as Savior 1 John 1:9EVRR117+2. At this time, pardon is written against their name in the books of heaven4SP 307.2.

• Blotting Out: This refers to the literal removal of the record of sin from the heavenly books so that it is remembered no more Hebrews 8:12EVRR116+2. This only happens for those who have remained faithful and overcome their sins through Christ Revelation 3:5EVRR116+2.

The Responsibility of the Believer

In this antitypical Day of Atonement, individuals are called to a special work of preparation1SM 125.1+1.

• Confession and Repentance: Now is the time to right every wrong and confess every sin, both open and secret, to ensure the soul is clean before God Proverbs 28:131T 155.3+2.

• Afflicting the Soul: Just as the ancient Israelites were required to humble themselves on the Day of Atonement, believers today must study the Word and live out the truth in deep humility Leviticus 16:29-311SM 125.1+1.

• Character Transformation: The ultimate goal is the erasure of sin from the nature and being of man, replaced by the everlasting righteousness of GodARSH September 30, 1902, page 8.6+2.

Once this work is finished, the final decree will be issued: "He that is unjust, let him be unjust still... and he that is holy, let him be holy still" Revelation 22:11ARSH August 15, 1865, page 82.4+1. This marks the fixing of every person's destiny just before the Savior descends in the clouds of heavenGC88 491.2+2.