Practical application of the "investigative judgment".

[SivartM]

Nobody has of yet pointed out to me exactly what this doctrine is supposed to mean beyond that Jesus went into a different room and started covering our sins in (literal? figurative?) blood. Since nobody has told me what they think (other than pointing me to books I've already read), I've had to think about it myself.

I had an epiphany today (thanks to Madeleine L'Engle). Maybe a good way to think about the At-one-ment is that we, the Body of Christ, are to make the world At One with God. Sort of hard to explain, but I hope you get it. What do you think of that idea?

[BobRyan]

In the preflood days of Noah - the "practical" application of his "end is near" message was to repent - then choose to serve God's end-time program by helping to build the boat, spread the warning and then actually get in the boat 7 days before the rain fell.

In these last days we are warned via the IJ sanctuary doctrine of another "closed door" coming. (The one you see in Rev 15:8.

The practical value is to "repent" and also engage in God's end-time program of spreading the warning to others, and engaging in sanctification for this time as Christ is about to step out of His role as High Priest in the MHP (Again Rev 15 is instructive). Walking closely with God today is the only way to prepare to persevere during the upcoming "great tribulation".

in Christ,

Bob

[teresaq]

that would go with the 3 angels message, sivartm.

we are to spread the gospel...but first we have to know what the "good news" is.

im thinking it isnt, "shape up or im going to incinerate you."

(good thought, but possibly not easily recognized at the moment. )

[pnattmbtc]

The investigative judgment is what it sounds like; a judgment which involves investigating. Who is investigating, and what is the purpose?

The who must be holy angels and unfallen worlds, as they are the ones available for such a judgment (other than God, who doesn't need to investigate anything, since He already knows).

What's being investigated? God's decisions and actions. At the time Christ comes again, for every person it will be known which resurrection they will be a part of (or if they will be translated; also some will "be as though they had not been"). We can readily imagine that guardian angels will be most interested in the fate of those they have cared for. And, in general, there is an interest in how God has made the decisions He has for each case.

Satan has accused God of being arbitrary, harsh and severe. To counter this, God lays open the evidence, for all to see. First non-humans will see it (during the Investigative judgment), then saved humans (during the Millennium), and finally the lost (final judgment).

Quote:

The aim of the great rebel has ever been to justify himself and to prove the divine government responsible for the rebellion. To this end he has bent all the power of his giant intellect. He has worked deliberately and systematically, and with marvelous success, leading vast multitudes to accept his version of the great controversy which has been so long in progress. For thousands of years this chief of conspiracy has palmed off falsehood for truth. But the time has now come when the rebellion is to be finally defeated and the history and character of Satan disclosed...

The reproach which he has endeavored to cast upon Jehovah rests wholly upon himself. And now Satan bows down and confesses the justice of his sentence...

Every question of truth and error in the long-standing controversy has now been made plain. The results of rebellion, the fruits of setting aside the divine statutes, have been laid open to the view of all created intelligences. The working out of Satan's rule in contrast with the government of God has been presented to the whole universe. Satan's own works have condemned him. God's wisdom, His justice, and His goodness stand fully vindicated. It is seen that all His dealings in the great controversy have been conducted with respect to the eternal good of His people and the good of all the worlds that He has created... The history of sin will stand to all eternity as a witness that with the existence of God's law is bound up the happiness of all the beings He has created. With all the facts of the great controversy in view, the whole universe, both loyal and rebellious, with one accord declare: "Just and true are Thy ways, Thou King of saints." (GC 670)

To my way of thinking, understanding these paragraphs is key to understanding the Great Controversy in general, and many other things, such as the Gospel and the Investigative Judgment.

The goal that God is striving for is that all created beings recognize the truth. This is the only way that sin can be brought to an end.

[Gerr]

Practical application? You can't hide sin.

Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. Therefore whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in private rooms shall be proclaimed on the housetops. Lk 12:2-3 ESV.

But if you will not do so, behold, you have sinned against the Lord, and be sure your in will find you out. Nu 32:23 ESV

Can't hide counterfeit faith.

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven." Mt 7:21 ESV

So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. Ja 2:17 ESV

To show that God is just.

...to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Rom 3:25-26 ESV

[teresaq]

there is also this thought,

Quote:

In the opening of the great controversy, Satan had declared that the law of God could not be obeyed, that justice was inconsistent with mercy, and that, should the law be broken, it would be impossible for the sinner to be pardoned. Every sin must meet its punishment, urged Satan; and if God should remit the punishment of sin, He would not be a God of truth and justice. When men broke the law of God, and defied His will, Satan exulted. It was proved, he declared, that the law could not be obeyed; man could not be forgiven. Because he, after his rebellion, had been banished from heaven, Satan claimed that the human race must be forever shut out from God's favor. God could not be just, he urged, and yet show mercy to the sinner. {DA 761.4}

i just came across this also:

Quote:

There have been so many discourses that have not had the fragrance of Christ's merits and His righteousness, that the gospel as it has been preached does not convict and convert souls. "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." We may dwell upon the punishing of every sin, and the awfulness of the punishment inflicted on the guilty, but this will not melt and subdue the soul. {1888 844.3}

i still like your thought, tho, sivart.

Quote:

Maybe a good way to think about the At-one-ment is that we, the Body of Christ, are to make the world At One with God.