Chapter 28:
Facing Life's Record
For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.
Ecclesiastes 12:14
Introduction
Think of a courtroom. The Great Controversy suggests, by its name, a courtroom trial. There are basic requirements needed in order to hold a trial. There must be a judge, witnesses, the accused, and an advocate. Evidence must be examined to determine the judgment. Humanity has a role to play in the trial that will take on several processes of judgment. These processes will affect you and your salvation.
What are the elements of this chapter?
Concept: THE JUDGMENT
The characters of the righteous are investigated by the courts of heaven. (Daniel 7: 9-10; Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; Exodus 32:33; Ezekiel 18:24 ; Acts 3:19-20)
Who are the participants in the Judgment?
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God (Psalm 50:6, Ecclesiastes 12:14)
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Angels (Daniel 4:23;)
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Jesus (1 John 2:1; Hebrews 8:1-2; Hebrews 9:24)
The Standard for Judgment
The law of God, which is also the foundation of His government and transcript of His character
The time of the judgment started at the end of the 2300 days prophecy in 1844 AD when Christ entered into the Most Holy Place of the heavenly sanctuary and will conclude before His second coming to earth.
(Daniel 8:14)
Concept: THE INVESTIGATIVE JUDGMENT
Jesus enters the most holy place to present the cases of the righteous before God to be investigated
Concept: THE BOOK OF LIFE
Mankind will have to give an account of their actions in life.
The evidence examined for the righteous is contained in the Book of life. Their names are written down along with the deeds of righteousness which they did in service to God. (Revelation 20:12; Luke 10:20; Revelation 21:27; Malachi 3:16; Exodus 32:32-33; Matthew 12:36-37)
Jesus Our High Priest
(Hebrews 7:25)
He does not excuse sin but shows the sorrow for sin of the righteous and claims forgiveness of their sins by reason of his wounds.
He knows each "by name" because they have overcome sin by partaking of Jesus' righteousness and they have a character that is in harmony with the law of God. (John 10:2-4)
A Verdict Rendered
(Proverbs 28:13)
Names are blotted out for willfully holding onto un-confessed sins.
Pardon is granted to all who have truly repented of their sins and have claimed the blood of Christ on their behalf.
Case Closed
The judgment is decided and Christ comes to earth with His reward. (Daniel 12:1; Revelation 1:7; 22:11-15)
Sin is blotted out for the pardoned sinner. (Revelation 3:5; Matthew 10:32-33)
Concept: TYPE AND ANTITYPE
Type: A thing or person that represents perfectly or in the best way a class or category; a model.
Antitype: Something that is foreshadowed by a type or symbol, such as a New Testament event prefigured in the Old Testament.
The Atonement in Type and Anitype
(Hebrews 8:5)
Type - The earthly tabernacle service. Sins were confessed and put on a lamb which was slain. The lamb’s blood made atonement for sin.
Antitype - The heavenly sanctuary. Sins confessed and brought to Jesus who was slain. He pleads His blood to His father in heaven.
The Scapegoat in Type and Antitype
Earthly sanctuary (type) – sins placed on the scapegoat and led away into an uninhabited land
Heavenly Sanctuary (antitype) – sins placed on Satan and confined to a desolate earth for 1000 years.
People: SATAN
Satan accuses mankind as transgressors before God, while leading them into skepticism. He causes them to lose confidence in God and break His law. (Revelation 12:10)
"It is impossible to overcome sin." - Satan
Satan claims sinful mankind as his rightful subjects.
Satan hates the truth of salvation and schemes to divert people’s minds from Jesus and His truth. He is constantly seeking to deceive the followers of Christ.
Concept: REFORMATION
Reformation includes preparation for the judgment.
(1 Peter 3:15; 2 Timothy 2: 15; 4:1-5; Revelation 3:3)
Fearing God, giving Him glory
Striving for holiness
Prayerful Bible study
Bearing the testimony of truth
The Sanctuary Message
Preaching the Sanctuary Message and the Investigative Judgment gives clearer insight into the mysteries of redemption.
It is a call for consecrating yourself to Jesus.
What does this have to do with me today?
How do I know if I’m ready to face the judgment?
Am I able to explain what I believe to others? Do I have a hunger for the conversion of souls?
The world says, “We’re going to be sinning until Jesus comes; I’ll confess on my deathbed; all our doctrines will be sorted out in heaven; don’t get hung up on doctrine…” What does the Bible say about these things?