1844 Made Simple

[Tom Wetmore]

Cliff Goldstein's message in the above named book is available online at the website - http://1844madesimple.org .

[Samie]

Cliff Goldstein's message in the above named book is available online at the website - http://1844madesimple.org .

[8thdaypriest]

I would like to voice some objections to the 1844 judgment doctrine:

1. The High Priest entered the Most Holy Place AND came out ON THE SAME DAY!

Even EGW says that the Fall Types "will be fulfilled in like manner" with the Spring types, and they were fulfilled day for day. How can you take a ONE DAY EVENT and stretch it out over 200 years???????

2. John 5:24 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.”

3. Jesus said, "I know my sheep." "They hear my voice." You seriously think that Christ - who is divine - needs to look into record books to decide with whom He has a relationship.

4. If I remember it right, Mrs. White said that she was shown by the angel in a vision, "what happened in heaven on October 22, 1844. Then she describes Christ in the Most Holy Place. But she saw Him dressed in the daily garb, with the ephod, and the bells and pomegranates, and the "crown." Leviticus 16:4 details the attire for the Most Holy Place ON THE DAY OF ATONEMENT - 5 pieces of plain white linen. Do you think the LORD might have been trying to tell Mrs. White that it was NOT the Day of Atonement in heaven?????

5. October 22nd, 1844 was NOT the Day of Atonement in ANY calendar. It was Sept 23rd that year.

6. One's name is entered into the Book of Life, WHEN he/she enters into covenant with God thru Christ. It will be blotted out by Christ Himself, after that person dies, IF he/she has forsaken covenant or been unfaithful to covenant without repentance. Some names were NEVER written into that Book, because those individuals never entered into covenant. There is a study at www.prophecyviewpoint.com on "The Book of Life."

7. Re Daniel 7: When the dominion and glory are given to "the Son of Man", the text says that "judgment was made in favor of the saints of the Most High, AND the time came for the saints to possess the kingdom." THAT puts this whole scene right down at the END, which agrees with Rev. 11:15-18. The 7th trumpet sounds, and it is TIME to "reward Your servants the prophets and the saints and those who fear Your name, small and great, AND should destroy those who destroy the earth. It is the time of "wrath". It's the Second Coming!

Hope I don't get kicked off this blog cause I shared my opinion.

www.prophecyviewpoint.com

[joeb]

8thdaypriest,

I have a question for you. It goes to the very basis of why there is a judgement.

Why has evil always been so spectaculary successful? Even in heaven 1/3 of the angels fell into it, and they lived in the presence of God and in a perfect creation/society. Why did they sin? What could have convinced them they needed to rebel against God? Why did Adam and Eve fall into sin? They also knew God personally. He talked to them daily, or so the Biblical account implies.

[Hair]

Me! Me! Me! I want to answer!!!

Is it because of the unknown - maybe because we doubt God's direction or truth or judgment or righteousness?

[joeb]

Me! Me! Me! I want to answer!!!

Is it because of the unknown - maybe because we doubt God's direction or truth or judgment or righteousness?

You most certainly did....

[Hair]

Was that the right answer?... If so, continue and teach me about this JUDGEMENT thing rabbi How do you connect the two?

[joeb]

Was that the right answer?... If so, continue and teach me about this JUDGEMENT thing rabbi How do you connect the two?

I'd like to see what 8thdaypriest has to say before I say anything, as the question was directed to her/him(?). You'll just have to practice your patience, I guess....

[John317]

- http://1844madesimple.org .

Wonderful website. Glad it's made available like this. And that you for posting it. So glad to know, too, that you believe in the Investigative Judgment.

[John317]

I have a question for you. It goes to the very basis of why there is a judgement.

Why has evil always been so spectaculary successful? Even in heaven 1/3 of the angels fell into it, and they lived in the presence of God and in a perfect creation/society. Why did they sin? What could have convinced them they needed to rebel against God? Why did Adam and Eve fall into sin? They also knew God personally. He talked to them daily, or so the Biblical account implies.

As you suggest, your question is answered by the Investigative Judgment. It's one of the reasons the IJ is needed, to answer just such questions.

God the Father didn't talk to Adam and Eve; it was the pre-incarnate Christ who communicated with them. All communication between God and humanity has been through Christ or the angels.

[Hair]

John317, you are not playing the game correctly. This is Joeb's baby. Don't be giving the answers away. Wait on 8Thdaypriest.

Did you not see me almost get kicked out of class for answering out of turn?

Sorry Mr. Joeb, please continue sir.

8Thday where you at?

[John317]

I hope it's OK for to post a Bible study here which I think will mix well with the presentations of "1844 Made Simple." I believe they will show clearly that the Investigative Judgment is taught in the Scriptures. I didn't write this study; it was written by Bradley Williams, author of The Silencing of Satan: The Gospel of the Investigative Judgment.

I would love to hear anyone's understanding of, or response to, the Bible study. Is it clear to you? How could it be improved? What points would you like to see added to it? Or what parts are not as clear as you would like them to be?

The Gospel and Judgment

What part of the Gospel is not usually recognized?

Romans 2:5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; 6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds ... 16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

Note: The Bible tells us that the judgment of God is part of the Gospel gospel.. It seems that it is quite rare to hear or to read of this connection. Yet how rare it is to hear or read of the connection between the judgment and the gospel.

Why does the judgment matter to believers?

Romans 2:5 ... the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; 6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds: 7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: 8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, 9 Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; 10 But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile.

Note: The Bible makes us understand that our judgment is a matter of eternal loss of life or unending life with God (Rom 2:5-10). Therefore, this Bible study of God’s judgment is essential to the preaching of the Gospel gospel, timely in its answers to our questions about the judgment, and critical for every Christian to understand.

Does the Gospel truth of the judgment need more emphasis in these last days?

Revelation 14:6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, 7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.

Note: Yes, the hour of God’s judgment should receive more emphasis. The context of Rev 14:6,7 shows that this part of the gospel truth will receive special emphasis at the time of the last great conflict between Satan, his angels and human subjects on one hand, and Christ, His angels and His followers on the other. According to Revelation 13 and 14 the last worldwide conflict just before Christ returns will be a time of unparalleled trials for believers.

Who is the instigator of persecution, troubles, and trials? What is his purpose?

Revelation 2:10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried ... be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

The Devil has put us on trial. Who does he draw into this litigation? Who does he recognize as the judge?

Revelation 12:9-10 ... The ... serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan ... the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night.(NKJV)

Does this mean that Jesus participates in this judicial testing of believers?

John 5:22 For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son.

Revelation 2:23 ... And all the churches shall know that I am He [Jesus Christ] who searches [investigates] the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works. (NKJV)

Note: The word usually translated “searches” in Revelation 2:23 is the Greek word verb ereunaô. Gerhard Delling, the contributor to the Theological Dictionary of the New Testament for the entry on Ereunaô and Exereunaô, states, “In the NT [ereunaô] has the common sense of ‘thorough investigation.’ ” It would be proper to translate this passage, “. . . And all the churches shall know that I am He who investigates the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works.” According to this, Jesus investigates the minds and hearts of believers.

Is the judgment “investigative” in its nature because God is uncertain of us?

2 Timothy 2:19 ... the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his ...

Note: No, the Lord knows who are His true children. But we are told that He participates in the investigation of believers. Why? We need to discover what this investigative judgment is about, why it is necessary, and how it will be conducted. Then we will understand God's participation in it.

What was God's judgment of Job? Who brings Job up for consideration?

Job 1:8 Then the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil." (NIV)

Will Jesus similarly bring us up for consideration?

Romans 14:10 ... we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. (Cf. Rev 20:12)

Is God's judgment of us the same as His assessment of Job?

Ephesians 1:3-4 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ ... he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. (NIV)

Colossians 1:20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross .... 22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight.

2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. (Cf. Rom 8:4;1 John 2:5; 3:3, 9)

What happened to the charges of the law that condemned us?

Colossians 2:14 He canceled the record that contained the charges against us. He took it and destroyed it by nailing it to Christ's cross. NLT

Note: There are two that bring charges against us: First God’s law judges us (Rom 2:12), and condemns us to death (2 Cor 3:7a, 9a). The second condemnation comes from the Devil (Rev 12:10). Col 2:14 addresses itself to the first condemnation, that of the law of God. Through faith, Christ’s death cancels the charges leveled by God’s law against each of us. We will soon find out how heaven deals with Satan's accusation of believers.

To be Continued

[John317]

Bible Study on 1844 and the Investigative Judgment Continued...

How do we become blameless and upright?

Hebrews 10:14-16 ... By one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy. The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this... he says: "This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds." (NIV)

Christ Disputes the Devil (lit. the False Accuser)

Does Satan accept God's judgment?

Job 1:9-12 "Does Job fear God for nothing?" Satan replied. "Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands ... But stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face."

Note: Satan not only questions Job's integrity; more importantly, he blasphemously brings into doubt the judgment of God. In other words, he suggests that God's judgment is faulty. It is as if Satan says, “God says He knows who are His, but does He really know? Does He really know Job? Look at all those who God forgave but then have given up their loyalty to God and joined me in my rebellion when life got hard. God makes these mistakes because He is a poor judge of character.” The Devil implies that, if God is a poor judge of character, He is not qualified to pass judgment on anyone—not even on Satan!

Does God agree to Lucifer's challenge to investigate Job's integrity? Who brings upon Job the trials that judge test his integrity? Who is the main instigator of the investigation?

Job 1:12 The LORD said to Satan, "Very well, then, everything he has is in your hands, but on the man himself do not lay a finger." (NIV)

Note: Yes, God agrees to allow the investigation of Job's integrity. But, it is Satan's idea.

A Jewish rabbi translated the Hebrew text of Job into the Aramaic language. This document is called the Targum of Job and may have been prepared as early as the times of Gamaliel and New Testament Christianity or as late as the ninth century. In this translation the rabbi inserted thoughts of his own, apparently to provide explanatory commentary.

Here is the text of the rabinnic Targum of Job 1:6, 7 as translated into the English language—note that the italics reflect the translator’s work and indicates places where the rabbi attempts to elucidate the text of Job: "And it happened on the day of judgment at the beginning of the year [a reference to the Day of Atonement at the beginning of the civil calendar/end of the religious calendar] that ... the angels came to stand in judgment before the Lord, and Satan also came in their midst to stand in judgment before the Lord. And the Lord said to Satan: ‘Where are you coming from?’ Satan answered the Lord: ‘From roaming the earth to investigate the work of human beings and from walking about on it.’ "

A careful reading of the book of Job shows that the experience of Job is a picture of the Day of Atonement-- the great day of judgment. Satan is depicted as a prime mover in the pursuit of a ‘live investigation' of the saintly Job. Job's troubles are the means of conducting the investigation. Peter affirms that persecution, trials, and sufferings are not just evidences of Satan’s hatred of the saints, but evidence that believers have entered a Job-like hour experience of judgment: "If you suffer as a Christian ... praise God ... For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God ... it begins with us” (1 Pet 4:16, 17 NIV). The book of Job is a dramatic view of the judgment of believers. It is the Lawsuit Drama of the Book of Job, as one author entitled her dissertation (Sylvia Scholnick, 1975). Therefore it gives a view of the Day of Atonement—and consequently of the investigative judgment.

What will Jesus do with the information gained in the investigation of believers?

Revelation 2:23 ... And all the churches shall know that I [Jesus Christ] am He who searches [investigates] the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works. (NKJV)

Romans 2:6-7, 16 God ‘will give to each person according to what he has done.’ To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life.... This will take place on the day when God will judge men's secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares. (NIV)

Does our salvation concern itself with the question of our being qualified for, or worthy of , eternal life?

Revelation 3:4 They will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy. (NIV)

Colossians 1:10 And we pray ... that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God. (See also: Eph 4:1; Phil 1:27; 1Thes 2:12; 2Thes 1:11 NIV).

What motive does Satan have for wanting us convicted of being unworthy?

Romans 2:3 And do you suppose this, O man, when you pass judgment upon those who practice such things and do the same yourself, that you will escape the judgment of God? (NAS)

What is God proving in the testing of believers?

Deuteronomy 13:3 ... The LORD your God is testing you to find out whether you love him with all your heart and with all your soul. (NIV)

Psalms 7:8 The LORD shall judge ... according to my integrity within me. 9 ... for the righteous God tests the hearts and minds. (NKJV)

1 Peter 1:6 ...you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith ... though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, (NKJV)

Deuteronomy 8:2 Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. (NIV)

Continued

[John317]

Bible Study On 1844 and the Investigative Judgment continued....

What is the evidence that God's judgment of His faithful is right and Satan is wrong?

Colossians 1:10 And we pray . . . that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.

2 Thessalonians 1:3-7 ... Your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing. . . we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring. All this is evidence that God's judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering. (NIV; Compare NKJV, AMP, NRSV, NASU)

What verse indicates that God is looking for a continually progressing experience?

1 Timothy 4:15-16 Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you. (NKJV)

Note: Growing faith, increasing love in the church, perseverance in trials, and spiritual progress are the evidence that God's judgment is right.

Does God openly consider cases of His saints, as He did with Job?

Daniel 7:9 I watched till thrones were put in place, And the Ancient of Days was seated .... 10 The court was seated, And the books were opened. NKJV

Colossians 1:20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross 22 to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: 23 if ye continue in the faith ...and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel.

What indication do we have that Satan will treat the saints to an investigation of their integrity in the last days?

Daniel 7:25 He shall speak pompous words against the Most High, Shall persecute the saints of the Most High .... 26 But the court shall be seated, And they shall take away his dominion, To consume and destroy it forever. 27 Then the kingdom and dominion, And the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven, Shall be given to the people, the saints of the Most High. (NKJV)

Is there any further indication that the saints living at the time of the Second Coming second coming and the first resurrection, will face tribulations that might be a trial of their loyalty (or, investigate their loyalty) to God like Job’s loyalty was tried?

Daniel 12:1 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. 2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life ...

Joel 2:1 ... Sound an alarm ... for the day of the LORD cometh ... 2 A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness ...

Amos 5:18 Woe unto you that desire the day of the LORD! To what end is it for you? The day of the LORD is darkness, and not light.

Matthew 24:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.

Daniel 7:21 I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them; 22 Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom.

Where does Satan aim his weapons in his war against the saints?

Revelation 13:6 ... [satan's medium] opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.

Note: There is a sanctuary in heaven where Christ directs and carries forward the work of salvation (Heb 8:1-2; Heb 9:24; Rev 11:19). "The word 'blasphemy' is practically confined to speech defamatory of the Divine Majesty;” thus, it is to “speak contemptuously of God.” (Vine's Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words, Copyright © 1985, Thomas Nelson Publishers.). Blasphemy is a "vilification" of God (Strong's Greek-Hebrew Dictionary). Satan's blasphemy against God is a defiling, defamatory attack on the heavenly sanctuary. He vilifies God's character (His name), and suggests doubts about the integrity of God's plan of salvation (symbolized by His tabernacle) and about those whom God judges to be worthy (or, suitable) to "dwell in heaven."

Continued

[John317]

Bible Study on 1844 and the Investigative Judgment continued..

Why does God pay attention to Satan’s charges against Job?

Romans 3:4: "That thou [God] mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged."

Note: The title of Robert Sutherland’s insightful book on Job reads, Putting God on Trial: The Biblical Book of Job (2006).

Certainly, as far as Satan is concerned, God should be on trial before anyone else is tried. If it is found that Christ (our judge, Jn 5: 22) has poor judgment, then his government and laws are likely unreliable, His decisions questionable, and his creations faulty (see Gen 1: 31). If God has poor judgment He has no right to judge anyone – not even Satan. So, God must establish the reliability of His Laws, Government, Creative Works, and Judgment. Otherwise, Satan could say, “Christ does not have good judgment. He should not be allowed to judge me! If there is something wrong with me, Christ made me this way. He is the reason I am the way I am. It is not just to destroy me for His mistake!”

For the benefit of God's kingdom and in order to prove believers worthy of eternal life, the integrity of Jesus’ followers is investigated by troubles and temptation. Not one human who will live eternally with God escapes this trial. Even Christ’s faith, love, and obedience are investigated in the fires of Satanic temptation and persecution.

The Starting Point of the Judgment

What has become necessary for God's heavenly sanctuary -- due to Satan's blasphemy against the divine plan of salvation that it represents?

Hebrews 9:23 Therefore it was necessary for the copies of the things in the heavens to be cleansed with these [sacrifices], but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. (NASB)

Note: The blasphemy of Satan against God's plan of salvation and the Devil's incessant slander of the saints defiles heaven with lies and recrimination. Therefore, it is necessary that all things be set right (justified), cleared up, cleansed, and restored by Jesus Christ.

When would God undertake the cleansing of His heavenly sanctuary (the location of His government)?

Daniel 8:14 And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed [or set right, justified].

Note: The cleansing of Satan's “blasphemy against God ... his name ... his tabernacle ... and them that dwell in heaven,” ---blasphemy largely through his insinuation that God is faulty in His judgment of character in describing those He chooses to dwell in heaven as “blameless,” ---began in 1844 in fulfillment of this time prophecy.

The process of cleansing is a process of judgment that is typified in the Day of Atonement rituals described in Leviticus 16.

As demonstrated in the following diagram (which is missing here but which will be in the book), the time prophecy found in Daniel 8:14 is reminiscent of five other biblical time prophecies (Gen 6; Gen 15:13,14; Jer 25:11,12; Dan 9:24-27; Rev 20:2,7-15), that announce the beginning of a time of divine judgment. Of course, these messages of judgment are given by a prophet of God, and in most cases, their fulfillment is noted by another prophet of God.

What other evidence do we have that there would be a pre-advent judgment?

Revelation 14:6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, 7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters .... 14 And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.

Revelation 13:7 ... it was given unto him [a human institution under Lucifer’s power] to make war with the saints, and to overcome them ... 14 And [he] deceiveth them that dwell on the earth ... [into making] an image to the beast .... 16 And ... to receive a mark ... 17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark ...

Revelation 2:23 . . . And all the churches shall know that I am He [Jesus Christ] who searches [investigates] the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works. (NKJV)

Note: God’s investigative judgment of His people begins before the Second Coming. And just as it was with Job, the pre-advent judgment is also a trial of God’s own judgment of character. In the review of centuries of conflict between good and evil, as seen through the great afflictions of His faithful people sometime after 1844 and just before the Second Coming, it is proven that God’s judgment is right. While some fall away in times of greatest extremity, when the threat level is at its highest, God’s steadfast followers maintain true integrity of faith. “All this is evidence that God's judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering” (2 Thess 1:5 NIV).

The last and greatest time of testing and trouble is the last phase of the pre-Advent investigative judgment. Those who live to see the Second Advent will be seen to demonstrate by their lives the prior positive verdict of being worthy. At this time, persecuted saints with the integrity of Job vindicate God's "name, his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven."

Continued

[John317]

Bible Study on 1844 and the Investigative Judgment continued...

Where do we find the starting point of the time prophecy that marks the beginning of the investigative judgment of God’s people?

Note: The prophecy of the 2,300 years found in Daniel 8:14 is explained by the time prophecy of 490 years. The angel Gabriel comes to Daniel to help him understand the vision (Dan 9:23) of Dan 8; specifically, Dan 8:14's 2,300 year/day prophecy. The beginning point of both prophecies is said to start, “.... from the going forth of the commandment (literally the word) to restore and to build Jerusalem” (Dan 9:25).

The “word” that the Jews had freedom to “restore and build Jerusalem” came through Ezra (Ezra 7) to the Jews in Jerusalem in 457 BC. Ezra gave them the word that God’s providence had opened a door of freedom to rebuild the city. Consider five points where the inspired record affirms that the 457 B.C. decree led the Jews to believe that the time and the opportunity for the rebuilding of the city of Jerusalem had arrived; and, that their freedom to do so was protected by the decree of the king:

1. In 457 B.C. a very wide latitude of freedom was granted to Ezra.

... this Ezra came up from Babylon.... The king had granted him everything he asked, for the hand of the Lord his God was on him (Ezra 7:6 NIV).

2. In 457 B.C. an invitation to fulfill God’s will—which would include the restoration of Jerusalem at that time—was made by the king.

Ezra 7:18 You and your brother Jews may then do whatever seems best with the rest of the silver and gold, in accordance with the will of your God (NIV).

Was it God’s will—-His plan—-that Jerusalem be rebuilt? Yes. That was what He prophesied He would bring about.

Notice the prophecies concerning Jerusalem and God’s people-- prophecies that notify them of desolation, captivity, and restoration:

Jeremiah 25:11 This whole country will become a desolate wasteland, and these nations will serve the king of Babylon seventy years. 12 “But when the seventy years are fulfilled, I will punish the king of Babylon and his nation, the land of the Babylonians, for their guilt,” declares the LORD, "and will make it desolate forever (NIV). (Compare 29:10,11; 30:18,19.)

Jeremiah 30:18 This is what the LORD says: “I will restore the fortunes of Jacob's tents and have compassion on his dwellings; the city will be rebuilt on her ruins, and the palace will stand in its proper place. 19 From them will come songs of thanksgiving and the sound of rejoicing.”(NIV)

3. Ezra gave word to the people that God was granting them freedom through the kings of Persia to again have a wall of protection around Jerusalem.

Ezra 9:9 God ... has shown us kindness in the sight of the kings of Persia: He has granted us new life to rebuild the house of our God, ... and he has given us a wall of protection in Judah and Jerusalem (NIV).

4. It is obvious that the decree of 457 B.C. led Ezra to feel free to give the word to the Jews to begin the rebuilding of Jerusalem and its walls. For their neighbors said that this is exactly what they were doing, as found in the letter which their enemies sent to the king:

Ezra 4:12 The king should know that the Jews who came up to us from you have gone to Jerusalem and are rebuilding that rebellious and wicked city. They are restoring the walls and repairing the foundations (NIV).

5. The decree of 457 B. C. gave the Jews the right to self-government. Up until then the leaders in Judea were no more than local commissioners without judicial or executive authority. Now they could set up their own magistrates and judges to carry out their laws. See Ezra 7:25-26.

Some have claimed that the letters given to Nehemiah in 445 B.C. (Neh 2:7-9) by King Artaxerxes reveal the starting point of the 490 year prophecy. However, these letters did not give permission to begin rebuilding the city of Jerusalem, but permission to resume rebuilding Jerusalem. Based on the word of God’s servant, Ezra, the Jews were already rebuilding the walls and city when anti-Jewish opposition convinced the king to issue a decree stopping the restoration of Jerusalem.

The king’s stop-work decree reads, in part, “Give ye now commandment to cause these men to cease, and that this city be not built, until another commandment shall be given from me” (Ezra 4:21). The other commandment anticipated in this decree would then allow the Jews to resume the rebuilding of the city. The king specified that the commandment to resume rebuilding Jerusalem should come from him. And it did – when the same king sent Nehemiah with letters of safe conduct and requisition of building materials for rebuilding Jerusalem (Neh 2:7-10).

Therefore the date 457 B.C., the 7th year of King Artaxerxes (Ezra 7:8) when the king issued the decree found in Ezra 7, and when Ezra gave the Jews word that it was time to begin rebuilding Jerusalem, gives us the starting point for the prophecy of 70 weeks of years (Dan 9:24-27) and consequently of the 2,300 day/year prophecy (Dan 8:14).

It is important to notice that the 70 weeks of years prophecy of Daniel 9 was delivered by the angel Gabriel in order to help Daniel understand the 2,300 year prophecy of Daniel 8:14. And to chronologically locate the starting point of the 2,300 year prophecy (“ ' . . . understand the matter, consider the vision. Seventy weeks . . .’,” Dan 9:23-24; cf. 8:27 with 9:20-27). From 457 B.C. , going forward in time, 2,300 years takes us to A.D. 1844 as shown in the diagram above. This means that the investigative judgment of believers began in A.D. 1844.

When understood in the light of the diagram above, it is clear that Bible students prior to A.D. 1844 could have, and should have, known that God would once again (as with the Flood, Exodus, Judgment upon Babylon, and First Advent) bring about a time of judgment in about A.D. 1843/1844. Further study would have shown the unique, heavenly nature of this judgment and its relation to Christian believers. With the advantage of 'hindsight' we are still more responsible to make ourselves familiar with this vital revelation into the judgment of God.

Continued

[John317]

Bible Study on 1844 and the Investigative Judgment continued...

Our Judgment

When do we enter into our own personal investigative judgment?

Hebrews 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.

What group is an exception to this?

1 Thessalonians 4:15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. 16 For ....the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. (NKJV)

Do those who never die have their own personal investigative judgment?

Revelation 12:10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

Note: None are excluded by Satan. He litigates against all of us.

How is this judgment conducted? What evidence is reviewed to vindicate those judged worthy, whether they died or not? What evidence also establishes the righteous judgment of God?

Acts 14:22-- Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

2 Thessalonians 1:3-- We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other, 4 so that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure, 5 which is manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer. (NKJV)

Revelation 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

Note: It is by the word of our testimony, our story of faithfulness and repentance and confession and spiritual growth, mingled with the purifying blood of the Lamb, that Satan's charges are overcome (Rev 12: 10, 11).

The dead are judged after death by the recorded account of their lives by the same measure standard as those who never die. The living believers at the time of the Second Coming will be tested by persecution and deception to prove their faithfulness and love for God and their fellow man. In principle, this is but a little different than the judgment of those who fall asleep in Jesus, except that the trials of the last generation persist up to the very end and include all the faithful at the same time. God looks upon them as holy, righteous, and blameless. They have now been eternally sealed (Rev 7:3; 9:4). However, they do not know this. And just before Jesus returns, God allows His judgment of their worthiness to be put to the test and scrutinized by the Devil's fiercest tools of duress and deception. There is a showcase contrast with the wicked who are also under duress but can only blaspheme God (Rev 16:8-12). This is a ‘live investigative judgment’ of the saved and the lost.

In substance the judgment of those who never die is the same. But in its details this judgment is different. Up to the present time, the Devil has been somewhat limited in how severe he can make his tests of our faith and loyalty. So, he apparently demands that the severity of the investigative trials of the last generation be increased. The troubles suffered by those who never die are similar to those that Job suffered: The loss of family and possessions and the condemnation and opposition from friends and family--- all these are intensified. Those who live to see Jesus come again live through the most intense time of trouble (Dan 12:1-2; Rev 7:14).

Just as it was with Job, the pre-advent judgment and the live demonstration that follows is actually a trial of God's own judgment of character. Through the great afflictions of His faithful people sometime after 1844, and just before the Second Coming, it is proven that God's judgment is right. When God seals someone as His, blameless and perfect, they prove to be faithful. Even in times of greatest extremity, when the threat level is at its highest, God's children maintain true integrity of faith. As Paul says, “All this is evidence that God's judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering” (2 Thess 1:5 NIV). The last and greatest time of testing and trouble is the investigative judgment of those who live to see the Second Advent. At this time, the persecuted saints with the integrity of Job vindicate God's "name, his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven."

This time of trouble has also been likened to the time of Jacob’s trouble (Jer 30:7) which refers to the night of struggle with the Lord -- a night of spiritual distress, and seeking the blessing of God (Gen 32:24-28).This is also a factor in the great test that faces those who never die.

Continued

[John317]

Bible Study on 1844 and the Investigative Judgment continued...

When Satan’s test failed to cause Job to lose faith in God, what was Satan’s next move?

Job 2:4 So Satan answered the LORD and said, "Skin for skin! Yes, all that a man has he will give for his life. 5 But ... touch his bone and his flesh, and he will surely curse You to Your face!" NKJV

Note: The Devil claims that Job’s trials were too limited; that they had not been severe enough or as personal as needed to fairly test Job’s loyalty and love. He insinuates that Job is so self-centered that only if the test of his faith touches him physically will he 'show his true colors’. Satan’s new level of blasphemy is also an insinuation that the first test was limited because God knew that Job would otherwise turn against Heaven and prove Satan right; namely, that God just does not know the true character of the patriarch. So, God agrees to let Satan intensify the severity in the testing of Job’s integrity.

Do we have any other examples where it seems Satan argued with God over the loyalty of one of God's servants? What was the outcome of these cases?

Note: Yes, The Devil also acted as the accuser in the cases of Moses (Jude 9), and Joshua the High Priest (Zech 3:1.2). Interestingly, these situations parallel Job’s in three ways:

1. Satan opposes each of them. He is trying, of course, to cause their eternal loss. Probably Satan is also trying to prove that God's judgment is faulty—that God is wrong about them.

2. God, as he did with Job, disputes with Satan over each of them.

3. Eventually God ends the dispute, rebukes Satan (or Satan's representatives -- Job's "friends"), and blesses or promises to bless each of them in some way. Job is restored and prospers. Moses is raised and taken to heaven. Joshua is promised a place in heaven. Essentially, each of them is vindicated and Satan is silenced.

Is there any difference in the judgment of those who never die?

Daniel 12:1 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.

Revelation 7:14 .... These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb (Compare Rev 12:11).

Note: They also face the investigative troubles and temptations of the Devil.

What special state of spiritual development will exist in God's Church when Christ comes again to rescue them from the last great time of trouble?

2 Thessalonians 1:7,10... You who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels....When he shall come to be glorified in his saints,

Ephesians 5:25-27 Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

Note: This condition of holiness is not reached in order to commend us to God (an impossibility). Instead it is the spiritual condition needed to withstand the onslaught of trials and powerful deceptions that immediately precede the Second Coming. It has been pure, blameless men and women like Job, Daniel, and the early Christian martyrs that have been able to faithfully endure. God waits for His Church to come to this level of spiritual growth before He allows Satan to bring on the great trials of the last days. Why? Read on:

Good News in the Judgment

What encouragement do we have as we face the trials of the pre-advent investigative judgment of the living?

1 Corinthians10:13 .... God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear...

Revelation 22:12 ... Behold, I come quickly ...

Matthew 24:22 ... for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.

Note: This is encouraging news, but notice also that 1 Corinthians 10:13 gives us the explanation of why God waits for His people to become a "glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish." He will not let them be tempted and tried with the terrible troubles of the end times until they are able to bear their severity.

Continued

[John317]

Bible Study on 1844 and the Investigative Judgment continued...

What is Jesus' ultimate goal concerning Lucifer?

Hebrews 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.

Note:

1. Jesus' death provides for our justification.

2. Justification gives God the legal right to afford us the time and opportunity (a time of probation before the final judgment) to prove that we are His loving and loyal children.

3. Overcoming challenges to our loyalty to Christ proves our integrity and vindicates the rightness (righteousness) of God's judgment.

4. Proof of the rightness of God’s judgment settles the question of whether God is just in destroying the Devil for his sins, while forgiving us for our sins, declaring us righteous, and giving us unending life.

At the conclusion of the investigative judgment of the living saints, what will God point out to Satan?

Revelation 14:12 Here is the perseverance of the saints who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus. (NASV)

Job 2:3 .... He [/she] still maintains his[/her] integrity, though you incited ...[their] ruin ..." (NIV)

Note: Revelation 14:12 indicates that by God's grace the saints overcome their last trial. They choose to obey God, rather than man (Acts 5:29; Rev 13:15-17).

By their victory, God's good judgment is vindicated and Satan's accusations will be silenced forever. Then will be said of the loyal, “All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him” (Eze 18:21, 22 KJV). In effect, Jesus will say to the Devil, “I command you to drop the subject of the saint's sins.” Satan must obey Christ, and with that the investigative judgment of believers is closed. “In those days, at that time,” declares the Lord, “search will be made for Israel’s guilt, but there will be none, and for the sins of Judah, but none will be found …” (Jer 50:20 NIV). "... There shall be no more ... sorrow , nor crying ... for the former things are passed away" (Rev 21:4). Never again will anyone anywhere in God’s kingdom mention the sins of the saints. The painful and embarrassing memories of transgressions are put out of mind. And so it will be for each one of us who put our hope in Christ—from that moment on, only the good we have done will ever again be mentioned.

What joyous event comes right after the close of the investigative judgment?

Heb 9:28... Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation. NKJV

Revelation 21:7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.

Matthew 25:34 ... Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom...

Completed

[John317]

I would like to voice some objections to the 1844 judgment doctrine:

1. The High Priest entered the Most Holy Place AND came out ON THE SAME DAY!

Even EGW says that the Fall Types "will be fulfilled in like manner" with the Spring types, and they were fulfilled day for day. How can you take a ONE DAY EVENT and stretch it out over 200 years???????

Because the type has nothing to do with how long the event takes, any more than a type of the sacrifice of Christ tells us how long it would take Jesus to die on the cross. In the case of the day of atonement, the type pointed to a process of judgment, and did not indicate how long that process would be.

It's important to keep in mind that the Investigative Judgment did not HAVE to take a certain number of years. Christ could have come over 100 years ago if the church had united in the acceptance and proclamation of the Three Angels Messages under the power of the Latter Rain. Christ is not waiting for a particular time; He is waiting for a particular spiritual condition in the church. This is indicated by such verses as Rev. 19:7 which shows that the wife of the Lamb makes herself ready for the marriage. The wife has to get ready. When she is ready, the marriage will take place. It can't take place before she's made herself ready for it. Notice also the groom doesn't get her ready. There's something she must do to get herself ready.

[LifeHiscost]

Quote:

6. One's name is entered into the Book of Life, WHEN he/she enters into covenant with God thru Christ.

Please give Biblical evidence of that fact. I've never seen a text indicating when a name is put into the book of life. Only those removed, leading me to believe all birthed humans start with their name in the book of life and are only removed when overt refusal to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit's guidance is evidenced of permanent opposition to "the Way, the Truth, and the Life".

"All who are victorious will be clothed in white. I will never erase their names from the Book of Life, but I will announce before my Father and his angels that they are mine."Revelation 3:5 NLT

God cares!

[LifeHiscost]

Quote:

3. Jesus said, "I know my sheep." "They hear my voice." You seriously think that Christ - who is divine - needs to look into record books to decide with whom He has a relationship.

The opening of the heavenly books is not to inform God, but to let the universe of created beings know of the impeccable justice and love of God, despite the accusations of the prince of darkness and those he led into believing his deceitful lies.

What other evidence would lead even those lost to perdition, to bow before Him in homage, vindicating fully the Prince of Peace and His Father to all.

"I have sworn by Myself; The word has gone out of My mouth in righteousness, And shall not return, That to Me every knee shall bow, Every tongue shall take an oath." Isaiah 45:23 NKJV

God cares!

[John317]

I would like to voice some objections to the 1844 judgment doctrine:

....2. John 5:24 Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.

Several excellent books on the Investigative Judgment answer this "objection." See Bradley Williams' book, The Silencing of Satan.

The simple answer is that the Greek word translated "judgment" is "krisis" (Strong's 2920) and can be translated either "condemned" or "judgment." The NIV translates it "will not be condemned."

The Amplified: "And he does not come into judgment [does not incur sentence of judgment, will not come under condemnation], but he has already passed over out of death into life."

Here's Strong's: Krisis

a separating, sundering, separation a trial, contest selection judgment opinion or decision given concerning anything esp. concerning justice and injustice, right or wrong sentence of condemnation, damnatory judgment, condemnation and punishment the college of judges (a tribunal of seven men in the several cities of Palestine; as distinguished from the Sanhedrin, which had its seat at Jerusalem) right, justice

Finally, consider the following verses, which leave no doubt whatsoever that everyone's life comes up for review in judgment:

Ecc. 12: 13-- Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.

14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether it be good or whether it be evil.

2 Cor. 5: 10-- For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to what he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

[Hair]

John317, come on man!

What are you doing?

Eight pages??!!

Really??!!

Did you really just do that??!!

Eight pages??!!... Really??

[Hair]

John317, by the way, after reading for four hours it all sounds pretty good to me. I didn't want you to think I was in disagreement or anything, its just all that writing man, I can't get over that.