Seventy Weeks and 2300 years.
(part five of six)
So let's review one more time.
We have 7 + 62 = 69 + 1 = 70.
“Seventy (70) weeks are determined for your people and for your holy city, to finish the transgression, to make an end of sins, to make reconciliation for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up the vision and prophecy and to anoint the Most Holy.”(Christ and the MHP of the heavenly sanctuary.) Daniel 9:24.
The last "week" which was -- a period of seven years-- began when Christ began His ministry at His baptism. At that point, John the Baptist had said, "Behold the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world" (John 1: 29).
During this last week, it was prophesied that Christ would be cut off, or crucified, within the first three and half years of the seven years. Then at the end of the final three and a half years, probation for the Jewish nation would be ended and the Gospel would go to the Gentiles .
"And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined. And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate" (Daniel 9: 26, 27).
At the end of the the seventy weeks or 490 years, Christ was anointed and began His High Priestly work in the Holy Place of the heavenly sanctuary. If you take the 2300 years and subtract the seventy weeks/490 years given to Israel for their probationary period, it leaves us with 1810 years of the remaining 2300.
So now that takes us back to the 2300 days= 2300 years prophecy. This still leaves us with the 1810 years left from 34 A.D. takes us to the year 1844 to the end of the 2300 years. Because the starting point for both of these prophetic events was at the same time from 457 B C. at the command to restore and rebuild Jerusalem.
Now let’s read Dan 8:14 again: "And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed."
Dan 9:25 : "Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: (70 weeks) the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times."
We have just established the dates showing how accurate and true the Bible is.
Now we will learn more about the 2300 years from 457 B.C.
490 years has taken us to 34 A.D., and then we have the remaining 1810 years that take us to October 22, 1844, the end of the 2300 years.
What happened in 1844, and how is it all relevant to us today?
The 2300 Years – Prophetic Dreams and Visions continued…
Evidence of A Sanctuary in Heaven
Daniel 8:14 says "Unto 2300 days then shall the sanctuary be cleansed."
What Sanctuary is it talking about? Is it the earthly or heavenly and why? And if in heaven, where is the biblical support, and why would it have to be cleansed? What makes it in need of cleansing? What is the judgment about? And when did the judgment begin, at the cross or sometime in the future and how is it related to the cleansing of the heavenly sanctuary?
These are all important questions. Let’s take a closer look at it all.
Heb 8:2 says, "A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man."
The earthly sanctuary was just a type, or shadow, or model of the heavenly sanctuary. (See Hebrews 9:1-12, Exodus 25:8,9,40, Hebrews 8:1-5, and Revelation 11:19.)
Hebrews 9:26 explains that the object of the sanctuary service was to put away sin. Christ's blood was shed. He became the sacrificial Lamb; type met anti-type. (See Matt.26:26, Lev. 4:27-28, and John 1:29.)
On the day of Atonement, the sins that were symbolically transferred to the sanctuary were then transferred to a scape goat and the scape goat was led away into the wilderness to bear the sins of the people and die.
By this symbolic act, the sanctuary was cleansed, and the true originator of all sins had to bear them and die in his sins. That person is Satan, of whom the scapegoat is a representation. The cleansing of the sanctuary is the transfer of all the sins of God's people from them to Christ in the Heavenly Sanctuary and then to Satan, the originator of sin. Read Leviticus 16:1-34. (edited by Jim up to this point)
His throne is in the Sanctuary:
Rev 8:3 And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.
Rev 16:17 And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done.
Heb 8:1 Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;
Eze 10:1 Then I looked, and, behold, in the firmament that was above the head of the cherubims there appeared over them as it were a sapphire stone, as the appearance of the likeness of a throne.
Jer 17:12 A glorious high throne from the beginning is the place of our sanctuary.
In the book of Revelation while in vision John saw Christ in the first apartment of the heavenly sanctuary among the candle sticks this is the same description of the furnishings and fixtures found only in the Holy Place of the earthly sanctuary. Rev. 1:12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; Rev 1:13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle" John also described the “seven lamps of fire burning before the throne” in Revelation 4:5. Then a few verses further he beheld a “Lamb as it had been slain,” “in the midst of the throne.” Revelation 5:6. Here again Jesus is located in the first apartment of the heavenly sanctuary where a throne is also identified.This is un-disputable evidence of a sanctuary in heaven and the Lord Jesus had on the garment’s of a Priest. Also this is John the Apostle of Christ still alive but exiled to the island of Patmos and in this vision he saw Christ many years after His ascension to heaven here in the Holy Place not the Most Holy Place. Later in a future vision in chapter 8 John had another vision of the Holy Place. “And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand.” Revelation 8: 3,4—If you look at description of the earthly sanctuary in Leviticus 16, you will see this is the same language used to describe the activities and furniture that was in the Holy Place of the Heavenly Sanctuary. This to me is also confirming again that in Revelation 1: After His ascension to heaven the Lord Jesus in a vision was speaking to John revealing the message of the seven churches to him, and the Lord was clearly in the Holy Place and not the Most Holy Place of the Heavenly Sanctuary. That the work of Christ in Most Holy Place was going to be a future event.
In fact, later in Rev.11, John was given another future vision of Christ in His Work in the Most Holy Place this is showing Clear evidence that this is a future event because this was the 7th or last angel sounding, indicating the end of Christ Priestly work in the Most Holy and the Investigative Judgment finished completed. Rev 11:15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign forever and ever. Rev 11:16 And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God,Rev 11:17 Saying, We give thee thanks, O LORD God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned. Rev 11:18 And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth. And then the second apartment with in the inner veil of the sanctuary the Most Holy Place was opened. “And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.”Revelation 11:19. And he looked into the inner veil, into the most holy place or the holies of holies; were he saw the “ Ark of His testament,” which contained the Ten Commandments. Here it is clearly referring to the Temple or Sanctuary in Heaven the Most Holy Place, Christ work there completed and time for the Investigative Judgment to end and for the Lord to come. Rev 22:10 And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand. Rev 22:11 He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. Rev: 22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. Rev 22:13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.Rev 22:14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.Rev 22:15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.Rev 22:16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.
Judgment Scene
There is no question that Daniel in his vision in chapter 7 saw a Judgment seen that takes place in the last days. And that it was all related and relevant to his vision of chapter 8 and 9. And puts some of the events of Daniel chapters 8 and 9 in the last days before Christ coming for the saints. And other bible texts also indicate that this Judgment was after Christ resurrection closer to the time of His second coming, not upon His ascension.
Daniel 7:9 I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire. Dan 7:10 A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened. Dan 7:11 I beheld then because of the voice of the great words which the horn spake: I beheld even till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame.Dan 7:12 As concerning the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion taken away: yet their lives were prolonged for a season and time. Dan 7:13 I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.Dan 7:14 And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed. Dan 7:15 I Daniel was grieved in my spirit in the midst of my body, and the visions of my head troubled me.
Dan 7:16 I came near unto one of them that stood by, and asked him the truth of all this. So he told me, and made me know the interpretation of the things. Dan 7:17 These great beasts, which are four, are four kings, which shall arise out of the earth. Dan 7:18 But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever. Dan 7:19 Then I would know the truth of the fourth beast, which was diverse from all the others, exceeding dreadful, whose teeth were of iron, and his nails of brass; which devoured, brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with his feet; Dan 7:20 And of the ten horns that were in his head, and of the other which came up, and before whom three fell; even of that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spake very great things, whose look was more stout than his fellows. Dan 7:21 I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them… Daniel chapter 7 and 2 compliment and parallel each other.
In Daniel Chapter 2: the Kings Dream
We see that Daniel chapter (2) explains the dream and the interpretation of the dream to the king in verses 31-44. And he said that the king is represented by the ‘head of gold,’ history and archaeologists can confirm that Babylon the kingdom of Nebuchasnezzar was an ancient wonder, an amazing kingdom of gold, gold was used and seen in many parts of the kingdom and its construction and it arose in 606 BC. Well the kingdom that conquered Babylon was inferior to Babylon the kingdom of Medo- Persia was represented by the ‘chest and arms of silver.’ And history tells us that Persia conquered the world (then Babylon) in the year 538 B.C. just as predicted. Then the next kingdom that conquered Medo-Persia was represented by the ‘belly and thighs of bronze’ History knows that the next world kingdom was that of Greece that arose in the year 331 B.C. just as predicted. The fourth and last kingdom represented in the dream by the ‘ legs of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of clay.’ This kingdom was Pagan Rome which rose in 168 B.C. just as predicted. History tells us that Alexander the Great conquered the world in only twelve years time, but that he died at the age of 33.His kingdom was then divided among four of his generals -Cassander, Lysimachus, Seleucus, and Ptolemy. After it was divided, it was weaker as iron an clay do not mix well together then it was later divided more into the ten (10) kingdoms of Europe represented by the (10) ten- toes in the image in king Nebuchaznezzar’s dream, partly iron, partly clay, weaken so they could not unite or cleave together to become A one world powerful kingdom. The ten kingdom or nations of Rome-Europe later became seven because three were destroyed as we will see later.
Then we see in verses 44-45 that a ‘stone cut out of a mountain without hands’- representing the kingdom of Christ that would destroy the kingdoms of the world represented by the image in the dream. Most of these prophecies have been full-filled, soon Christ will come and establish His kingdom on earth-the new earth with the Holy City the New Jerusalem that shall never be destroyed and will last forever. Verse 44 “And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever. 45 Inasmuch as you saw that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver, and the gold—the great God has made known to the king what will come to pass after this. The dream is certain, and its interpretation is sure.” Daniel 2-44-45
Part of this same vision was related to Daniel again in Chapter 8:5-11, but this time it was with a ram and goat with the horns which represented Media Persia and Greece, Babylon was now captured by the them so the vision continues with them now. Notice they all have the same meaning, all the visions and dreams with the beasts are related and so is the interpretation of Daniel chapter Two. We also see so much of the same descriptions-symbolism in the beast of Revelation 13: as we do in the four beasts of Daniel 7: So let’s find the interpretation to all the beasts and what they represent. “These great beast, which are four, are four kings, which shall arise out of the earth.” Dan. 7:17. So here we have some clarification, but there is more! ‘The first beast was like a lion, and had eagle’s wings…’ This is Babylon-the head of gold in King Neb’s dream. Babylon rose to power in 606 B.C. But what about the reference to A Lion with wings…See Jeremiah 50:43,44. Babylon was referred to as a lion. And in the British Museum there is displayed a stone taken from Ancient Babylon that portrays a lion with wings like an eagle. This was the symbol of the old city of Babylon. The next-second beast mentioned was like a bear ‘and it raised itself on one side, and had three ribs in the mouth of it…’ this is Media-Persia represented by the ‘chest in arms of silver’ In chapter 2 in King Neb’s dream. It rose up in the year 538 B.C. Old Babylon was composed of three provinces, Babylon, Lydia, and Egypt. Media-Persia the bear with three ribs in his mouth destroyed all three. And then it says that the bear raised himself on one side…When Media-Persia became strong, the Persians overthrew the Medians represented by the bear raising himself on one side. The next beast—the third was ‘like a leopard which had upon the back of it four wings of a fowl the beast also had four heads, and dominion was given to it.’ Dan.7: 6. History tells us that Greece conquered the Persian Empire in the year 331 B.C. The four wings represents how swiftly it conquered the world. In only twelve (12) years’ Alexander the Great conquered the then known world. It said the beast had four heads. Alexander died young at the age of only 33. He did not have any relatives. His kingdom was divided among his four generals: Cassander, Lysimachus, Seleucus, and Ptolemy, they continued to rule the world under the fourth beast. We see how accurate Bible Prophecy is, it’s amazing God predicted all this for us many years before. Daniel was given this dream about 550 years before Christ came.
Notice how that chapter 8 parallels this prophecy of Daniel chapters 2 and 7. Daniel saw Babylon fall to the Media Persians and now he had another vision concerning Media Persia, Greece and Pagan and Papal Rome. Dan 8:15 And it came to pass, when I, even I Daniel, had seen the vision, and sought for the meaning, then, behold, there stood before me as the appearance of a man. Dan 8:16 And I heard a man's voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision. Dan 8:17 So he came near where I stood: and when he came, I was afraid, and fell upon my face: but he said unto me, Understand, O son of man: for at the time of the end shall be the vision. Dan 8:18 Now as he was speaking with me, I was in a deep sleep on my face toward the ground: but he touched me, and set me upright. Dan 8:19 And he said, Behold, I will make thee know what shall be in the last end of the indignation: for at the time appointed the end shall be.
Dan 8:20 The ram which thou sawest having two horns are the kings of Media and Persia. Dan 8:21 And the rough goat is the king of Grecia: and the great horn that is between his eyes is the first king.Dan 8:22 Now that being broken, whereas four stood up for it, four kingdoms shall stand up out of the nation, but not in his power. Dan 8:23 And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up.Dan 8:24 And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people. Dan 8:25 And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand. Dan 8:26 And the vision of the evening and the morning which was told is true: wherefore shut thou up the vision; for it shall be for many days. Dan 8:27 And I Daniel fainted, and was sick certain days; afterward I rose up, and did the king's business; and I was astonished at the vision, but none understood it.”
Conclusion:
Clearly the prophecies of Daniel 7, 8, and 9 are all related and correspond to the same events. The anti-Christ is revealed as the Roman Papacy it grew out of Pagan Rome which became the little horn, confirmed also by Revelation 13. The beast is the same as the one in Daniel 7. Daniel 9 the prophecies of verses 26 and 27 have a dual application it represent the Pagan Roman kingdom that helped to crucify Christ, but also the prophecy is extended to the end of time, when Pagan Rome becomes Papal Rome and persecutes Christians and becomes the Anti-Christ and deceives many.
Now the fourth beast ‘After this I saw in the night visions, and beheld a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth…And it was diverse from all the other beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns.’ Dan.7:7. This fourth beast we also saw with the legs of iron and feet of clay and iron, with the ten toes mixed with both iron and clay. This was pagan Rome represented as the fourth kingdom in the dream King Neb had in chapter 2. Once again we have the same dreams, in Daniel 2 and in chapter 7, that Daniel himself had dreamed. This fourth beast was pagan Rome which rose in the year 168 B.C. Historians tell us that Rome was an iron monarchy. It’s weapons, chariots, tools where all made of iron. And it pursued its enemies with great force and brutality. It was Pagan Rome that ruled when Christ was born, and it was under this rule that Christ was so brutally beaten and tortured and then crucified in A.D. 31. The bible prophecy says that this beast had ten horns-they represent the ten kingdoms that pagan Rome was divided into in the year 476 A.D. ‘And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise.’ Daniel 7:24.
We read in Daniel chapter seven about the four beast, now again we see many of the same characteristics that are also found in the Beast of Revelation 13: Let’s look at it again. “Then I stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads a blasphemous name. 2. Now the beast which I saw was like a leopard, his feet were like the feet of a bear,and his mouth like the mouth of a lion…Rev.13:1-2. It is amazing, God took A part of each of the four beasts from Daniel chapter two and put them all together in the beast of Revelation 13. So there would be no mistake that they represent the same thing. But there is much more! “The ten horns are ten kings who shall arise from this kingdom. And another shall rise after them; He shall be different from the first ones, And shall subdue three kings.” Daniel 7:24 The Roman Papacy was established in A.D. 538 when it subdued the Ostrogoth’s. The tenth horn, or the divided kingdom, was established in A.D. 476. So you can see that the Papacy arose after the ten kingdoms as prophecy predicted. “And another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings.” Dan. 7:24. History shows us the Papacy destroyed three of the ten kingdoms: The Heruli’s in A.D. 493,The Vandals in A.D. 534, and the Ostrogoth’s in A.D. 538. There are seven out of the ten nations still in existence today. They are: Germany, England, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Switzerland.
“I considered the horns, and behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things.” Daniel 7:8. This little horn that rose after the tenth horn, with the eyes of man; is the Papacy. Pagan Rome has now become Papal Rome. “And he shall speak great words against the most High.” Daniel 7:25. And it is the same little horn that rose out of the goat power of Daniel chapter 8. Dan 8:9 And out of one of them came forth a little horn, which waxed exceeding great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the pleasant land. Dan 8:10 And it waxed great, even to the host of heaven; and it cast down some of the host and of the stars to the ground, and stamped upon them. Dan 8:11 Yea, he magnified himself even to the prince of the host, and by him the daily sacrifice was taken away, and the place of the sanctuary was cast down. Dan 8:12 And an host was given him against the daily sacrifice by reason of transgression, and it cast down the truth to the ground; and it practiced, and prospered.”
Dan 7:22 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. (This last verse makes it clear that this vision was related to the end and ending with Christ coming for the saints to give them the kingdom-the New Jerusalem!) Daniel chapter 7 is connected with the same vision and prophecy of Daniel chapters 8 and 9. This puts this Judgment in connection with the “Cleansed” Sanctuary of Dan.8:14.
More Bible Support The Judgment Day
First Messenger of Revelation 14: "Fear God and give glory to Him for the hour of His Judgment is come...
2nd 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 that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
Heb 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
1st Peter 4:17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
2nd Peter 2:4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;
2nd Peter 3:7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.
Rev 14:7 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.
Rev 20:4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
Rev 20:11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. Rev 20:12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.Rev 20:13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. Rev 20:14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. Rev 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
Rev 22:10 And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.Rev 22:11 He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. Rev 22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. Rev 22:13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Rev 22:14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. Rev 22:15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie. Rev 22:16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.”
Ellen White statment on the Executive Judgment after the 1000 years:
The Judgment and the Books in Heaven:
At the general conference of believers in the present truth, held at Sutton, Vermont, September, 1850, I was shown that the seven last plagues will be poured out after Jesus leaves the sanctuary. Said the angel, "It is the wrath of God and the Lamb that causes the destruction or death of the wicked. At the voice of God the saints will be mighty and terrible as an army with banners, but they will not then execute the judgment written. The execution of the judgment will be at the close of the one thousand years." {EW 52.1}
After the saints are changed to immortality and caught up together with Jesus, after they receive their harps, their robes, and their crowns, and enter the city, Jesus and the saints sit in judgment. The books are opened--the book of life and the book of death. The book of life contains the good deeds of the saints; and the book of death contains the evil deeds of the wicked. These books are compared with the statute book, the Bible, and according to that men are judged. The saints, in unison with Jesus, pass their judgment upon the wicked dead. "Behold ye," said the angel, "the saints, in unison with Jesus, sit in judgment, and mete out to the wicked according to the deeds done in the body, and that which they must receive at the execution of the judgment is set off against their names." This, I saw, was the work of the saints with Jesus through the one thousand years in the Holy City before it descends to the earth. Then at the close of the one thousand years, Jesus, with the angels and all the saints, leaves the Holy City, and while He is descending to the earth with them, the wicked dead are raised, and then the very men that "pierced Him," being raised, will see Him afar off in all His glory, the angels and saints with Him, and will wail because of Him. They will see the prints of the nails in His hands and in His feet, and where they thrust the spear into His side. The prints of the nails and the spear will then be His glory. It is at the close of the one thousand years that Jesus stands upon the Mount of Olives, and the mount parts asunder and becomes a mighty plain. Those who flee at that time are the wicked, who have just been raised. Then the Holy City comes down and settles on the plain. Satan then imbues the wicked with his spirit. He flatters them that the army in the city is small, and that his army is large, and that they can overcome the saints and take the city. {EW 52.2}
While Satan was rallying his army, the saints were in the city, beholding the beauty and glory of the Paradise of God. Jesus was at their head, leading them. All at once the lovely Saviour was gone from our company; but soon we heard His lovely voice, saying, "Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world." We gathered about Jesus, and just as He closed the gates of the city, the curse was pronounced upon the wicked. The gates were shut. Then the saints used their wings and mounted to the top of the wall of the city. Jesus was also with them; His crown looked brilliant and glorious. It was a crown within a crown, seven in number. The crowns of the saints were of the most pure gold, decked with stars. Their faces shone with glory, for they were in the express image of Jesus; and as they arose and moved all together to the top of the city, I was enraptured with the sight. {EW 53.1}
Then the wicked saw what they had lost; and fire was breathed from God upon them and consumed them. This was the execution of the judgment. The wicked then received according as the saints, in unison with Jesus, had meted out to them during the one thousand years. The same fire from God that consumed the wicked purified the whole earth. The broken, ragged mountains melted with fervent heat, the atmosphere also, and all the stubble was consumed. Then our inheritance opened before us, glorious and beautiful, and we inherited the whole earth made new. We all shouted with a loud voice, "Glory; Alleluia!"
These bible text we have explored confirm without any doubt a future Day of Judgment by God. We SDA Christians call this the Executive or Investigative Judgment. And we believe that it started around October 22, 1844 at the end of the 2300 days-years of the prophecy of Dan. 8:14. At that time Christ left the Holy Place in Heaven and Him and the Father God entered the Most Holy Place of the Sanctuary in Heaven to being the Investigative Judgment which will vindicate God and cleanse the Sanctuary in Heaven. After Christ finishes the Atonement with the application of His own shed blood being the Lamb of God. After all heaven and all saints investigate the books of judgment records for the 1000 year period and everyone bows down and admits that God has been just and true in all His ways, God and Christ are vindicated and then the sins that Christ bore and in Heaven applied His Blood for the sinners in Heaven. Then after this judgment the sins will be place on the Scape-Goat Satan and He and all sinners will be destroyed in the final judgment on earth when fire comes down from God out of heaven and destroys Satan the root and all sinners the branches, so there will never be sin ever again. And this happens after the 1000 years when Satan is loosed from the pit and all the wicked dead are raise and final Executive Judgment administered. (See Revelation 20) Rev 20:4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. Rev 20:5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Rev 20:6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. Rev 20:7 And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, Rev 20:8 And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog, and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. Rev 20:9 And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them. Rev 20:10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. Rev 20:11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.Rev 20:12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.Rev 20:13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.Rev 20:14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.Rev 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”
In the summer and autumn of 1844 the proclamation, “Behold, the Bridegroom cometh,” was given. Perhaps you heard of the historical event called the “Great Disappointment” of 1844. William Miller a popular Protestant Minister was teaching about this very same time-line of the 2300 days/years of Dan.8:14. He had the dates right, but he misunderstood what Sanctuary was to be cleansed. He thought and taught that the sanctuary was the earth and Christ was coming the second time to take the believing saints home with him to the kingdom of God in heaven. But of course they were wrong in their interpretation. Christ never came back and many were very discouraged and gave up their faith all together. Well others kept faith and prayed for a clearer understanding of the 2300 years. The two classes represented by the wise and foolish virgins were then developed--one class who looked with joy to the Lord's appearing, and who had been diligently preparing to meet Him; another class that, influenced by fear and acting from impulse, had been satisfied with a theory of the truth, but were destitute of the grace of God. In the parable, when the bridegroom came, "they that were ready went in with him to the marriage." There were a group of believes that prayed for a greater understanding of this prophecy. They became known as Adventist and later Seventh-day Adventist.
The subject of the sanctuary was the key which unlocked the mystery of the disappointment of 1844. It opened to view a complete system of truth, connected and harmonious, showing that God's hand had directed the great Advent movement, and revealing present duty as it brought to light the position and work of his people. As the disciples of Jesus, after the terrible night of their anguish and disappointment, were "glad when they saw the Lord," so did those now rejoice who had looked in faith for his second coming. They had expected him to appear in glory to give reward to his servants. As their hopes were disappointed, they had lost sight of Jesus, and with Mary at the sepulcher they cried, "They have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him." Now in the holy of holies they again beheld him, their compassionate high priest, soon to appear as their king and deliverer. Light from the sanctuary illumed the past, the present, and the future. They knew that God had led them by his unerring providence. Though like the first disciples they themselves had failed to understand the message which they bore, yet it had been in every respect correct. In proclaiming it they had fulfilled the purpose of God, and their labor had not been in vain in the Lord. "Begotten again unto a lively hope," they rejoiced "with joy unspeakable and full of glory." {GC88 423.1}
Both the prophecy of Dan. 8:14, "Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed," and the first angel's message, "Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his Judgment is come," pointed to Christ's ministration in the most holy place, to the investigative Judgment, and not to the coming of Christ for the redemption of his people and the destruction of the wicked. The mistake had not been in the reckoning of the prophetic periods, but in the event to take place at the end of the 2300 days. Through this error the believers had suffered disappointment, yet all that was foretold by the prophecy, and all that they had any Scripture warrant to expect, had been accomplished. At the very time when they were lamenting the failure of their hopes, the event had taken place which was foretold by the message, and which must be fulfilled before the Lord could appear to give reward to his servants. {GC88 423.2}
Christ had come, not to the earth, as they expected, but, as foreshadowed in the type, to the most holy place of the temple of God in Heaven. He is represented by the prophet Daniel as coming at this time to the Ancient of days: "I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came"--not to the earth, but--"to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him." [DAN. 7:13.] {GC88 424.1}
This coming is foretold also by the prophet Malachi. "The Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of hosts." [MAL. 3:1.] The coming of the Lord to his temple was sudden, unexpected, to his people. They were not looking for him there. They expected him to come to earth, "in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel." [2 THESS. 1:8.] {GC88 424.2}
But the people were not yet ready to meet their Lord. There was still a work of preparation to be accomplished for them. Light was to be given, directing their minds to the temple of God in Heaven; and as they should by faith follow their High Priest in his ministration there, new duties
would be revealed. Another message of warning and instruction was to be given to the church. {GC88 424.3}
Says the prophet: "Who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap; and he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness." [MAL. 3:2, 3.] Those who are living upon the earth when the intercession of Christ shall cease in the sanctuary above, are to stand in the sight of a holy God without a mediator. Their robes must be spotless, their characters must be purified from sin by the blood of sprinkling. Through the grace of God and their own diligent effort, they must be conquerors in the battle with evil. While the investigative Judgment is going forward in Heaven, while the sins of penitent believers are being removed from the sanctuary, there is to be a special work of purification, of putting away of sin, among God's people upon earth. This work is more clearly presented in the messages of Revelation 14. {GC88 425.1}
When this work shall have been accomplished, the followers of Christ will be ready for his appearing. "Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the Lord, as in the days of old, and as in former years." [MAL. 3:4.] Then the church which our Lord at his coming is to receive to himself will be "a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing." [EPH. 5:27.] Then she will look forth "as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners." [CANT. 6:10.] {GC88 425.2}
Besides the coming of the Lord to his temple, Malachi also foretells his second advent, his coming for the execution of the judgment, in these words: "And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right, and fear not me, saith the Lord of hosts." [MAL. 3:5.] Jude refers to the same scene when he says, "Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, to execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds." [JUDE 14, 15.] This coming, and the coming of the Lord to his temple, are distinct and separate events. {GC88 425.3}
The Investigative Judgment In the New Testament:
Sometimes our critics challenge us with the following argument: "The Investigative Judgment is nowhere to be found in the New Testament!"
Some of our critics would be surprised to learn that the Investigative Judgment really is taught in the New Testament. Not only that, it is taught by the Master himself! Some find it difficult to believe in the Investigative Judgment, so we thought if this doctrine came directly from the lips of the Lord Jesus Christ himself it would be even more convincing. Follow us to the book of Matthew, where the Lord Jesus was once again confronted by the Pharisees, but to their own shame:
Matthew 22:1-14
(1) And Jesus answered and spake unto them again by parables, and said,
(2) The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son,
(3) And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come.
(4) Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage.
(5) But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise:
(6) And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them.
(7) But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.
(8) Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy.
(9) Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage.
(10) So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests.
(11) And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment:
(12) And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless.
(13) Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
(14) For many are called, but few are chosen.
There are 5 points we want you to notice here:
Point # 1) Once the wedding was furnished with guests, the king comes in to “see” those present. While seeing, he finds a man unprepared for the wedding (verse 11). With all the people that were present the king found one unprepared individual there. The king’s “seeing” and finding this certain individual must have therefore been an investigation he performed upon those who were there.
Point # 2) This is not a scene of heaven, but of earth, because both “good and bad” are present. This means that when the king “investigates” those present, he is investigating those upon the earth.
Point # 3) The king can be none other then God himself. If God, then he has to be in heaven, looking (investigating) down upon the earth, for God on earth would result in the destruction of the earth by reason of his glory. Therefore God, from heaven, is investigating both the good and bad people on earth.
Point # 4) After the king performs the “investigation” of the people at this wedding, he finds a man unprepared and as a result pronounces a “judgment” upon him (verse 13). This is therefore an “Investigative Judgment” because along with the investigation there was a Judgment.
Point # 5) This scene of the “Investigative Judgment” takes place before the Second Coming. Notice what Jesus says in Luke 12:
Luke 12:36-37 (36) And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately.
(37) Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.
Notice in verse 36 how it specifically says that Jesus will come “from” the wedding. If therefore the wedding and the marriage were the same event, how is it that he comes “from” the wedding to pick up his children? The marriage, says John the Revelator, is the Second Coming:
Revelation 19:7 (7) Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.
If the above verse were read in context, you will find two very important points:
A) Just before verse 7, all those in heaven proclaim, “True and righteous are his Judgments…” (verse 2) God has performed a Judgment in heaven upon the wicked on earth before Jesus’ Second Coming. The greek word translated “Judgments” here is “krisis” which can be subjectively (for) or objectively (against). In other words, God just finished performing either subjective or objective Judgments upon people before the coming. This is why we read of both “good and bad” in the Investigative Judgment (the wedding) of Matthew 22. An objective Judgment was pronounced upon that “great whore” –verse 3.
B) Right after this verse, a scene of the Second coming of Jesus Christ is seen:
Revelation 19:11- 21 "And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God… And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS."
That the Investigative Judgment is taught by Jesus Christ himself should be good enough for our critics we hope. If the Old Testament is not enough, hopefully the New Testament Hebrews, Matthew and Revelation will finally reveal that there is a Sanctuary in Heaven and an Investigative Judgment is going on there right now and it is truly biblical.
Ellen White comments on Matthew 22 znd 25
"The coming of Christ as our high priest to the most holy place, for the cleansing of the sanctuary, brought to view in Dan. 8:14; the coming of the Son of man to the Ancient of days, as presented in Dan. 7:13; and the coming of the Lord to his temple, foretold by Malachi, are descriptions of the same event; and this is also represented by the coming of the bridegroom to the marriage, described by Christ in the parable of the ten virgins, of Matthew 25. {GC88 426.1}
In the summer and autumn of 1844, the proclamation, "Behold, the Bridegroom cometh," was given. The two classes represented by the wise and foolish virgins were then developed,--one class who looked with joy to the Lord's appearing, and who had been diligently preparing to meet him; another class that, influenced by fear, and acting from impulse, had been satisfied with a theory of the truth, but were destitute of the grace of God. In the parable, when the bridegroom came, "they that were ready went in with him to the marriage." The coming of the bridegroom, here brought to view, takes place before the marriage. The marriage represents the reception by Christ of his kingdom. The holy city, the New Jerusalem, which is the capital and representative of the kingdom, is called "the bride, the Lamb's wife." Said the angel to John, "Come hither, I will show thee the bride, the Lamb's wife." "He carried me away in the spirit," says the prophet, "and showed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of Heaven from God." [REV. 21:9, 10.] Clearly, then, the bride represents the holy city, and the virgins that go out to meet the bridegroom are a symbol of the church. In the Revelation the people of God are said to be the guests at the marriage supper. [REV. 19:9.] If guests, they cannot be represented also as the bride. Christ, as stated by the prophet Daniel, will receive from the Ancient of days in Heaven, "dominion, and glory, and a kingdom," he will receive the New Jerusalem, the capital of his kingdom, "prepared as a bride adorned for her husband." [DAN. 7:14; REV. 21:2.] Having received the kingdom, he will come in his glory, as King of kings, and Lord of lords, for the redemption of his people, who are to "sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob," at his table in his kingdom, [MATT. 8:11; LUKE 22:30.] to partake of the marriage supper of the Lamb. {GC88 426.2}
The proclamation, "Behold, the Bridegroom cometh," in the summer of 1844, led thousands to expect the immediate advent of the Lord. At the appointed time the Bridegroom came, not to the earth, as the people expected, but to the Ancient of days in Heaven, to the marriage, the reception of his kingdom. "They that were ready went in with him to the marriage, and the door was shut." They were not to be present in person at the marriage; for it takes place in Heaven, while they are upon the earth. The followers of Christ are to "wait for their Lord, when he will return from the wedding." [LUKE 12:36.] But they are to understand his work, and to follow him by faith as he goes in before God. It is in this sense that they are said to go in to the marriage. {GC88 427.1}
In the parable it was those that had oil in their vessels with their lamps that went in to the marriage. Those who, with a knowledge of the truth from the Scriptures, had also the Spirit and grace of God, and who, in the night of their bitter trial, had patiently waited, searching the Bible for clearer light,--these saw the truth concerning the sanctuary in Heaven and the Saviour's change of ministration, and by faith they followed him in his work in the sanctuary above. And all who through the testimony of the Scriptures accept the same truths, following Christ by faith as he enters in before God to perform the last work of mediation, and at its close to receive his kingdom,--all these are represented as going in to the marriage. {GC88 427.2}
In the parable of Matthew 22 the same figure of the marriage is introduced, and the investigative Judgment is clearly represented as taking place before the marriage. Previous to the wedding the king comes in to see the guests, [MATT. 22:11.]--to see if all are attired in the wedding garment, the spotless robe of character washed and made white in the blood of the Lamb. [REV. 7:14.] He who is found wanting is cast out, but all who upon examination are seen to have the wedding garment on, are accepted of God, and accounted worthy of a share in his kingdom and a seat upon his throne. This work of examination of character, of determining who are prepared for the kingdom of God, is that of the investigative Judgment, the closing work in the sanctuary above. {GC88 428.1}
When the work of investigation shall be ended, when the cases of those who in all ages have professed to be followers of Christ have been examined and decided, then, and not till then, probation will close, and the door of mercy will be shut. Thus in the one short sentence, "They that were ready went in with him to the marriage, and the door was shut," we are carried down through the Saviour's final ministration, to the time when the great work for man's salvation shall be completed. {GC88 428.2}
In the service of the earthly sanctuary, which, as we have seen, is a figure of the service in the heavenly, when the high priest on the day of atonement entered the most holy place, the ministration in the first apartment ceased. God commanded, "There shall be no man in the tabernacle of the congregation when he goeth in to make an atonement in the holy place, until he come out." [LEV. 16:17.] So when Christ entered the holy of holies to perform the closing work of the atonement, he ceased his ministration in the first apartment. But when the ministration in the first apartment ended, the ministration in the second apartment began. When in the typical service the high priest left the holy on the day of atonement, he went in before God to present the blood of the sin-offering in behalf of all Israel who truly repented of their sins. So Christ had only completed one part of his work as our intercessor, to enter upon another portion of the work, and he still pleaded his blood before the Father in behalf of sinners. {GC88 428.3}
This subject was not understood by Adventists in 1844. After the passing of the time when the Saviour was expected, they still believed his coming to be near; they held that they had reached an important crisis, and that the work of Christ as man's intercessor before God, had ceased. It appeared to them to be taught in the Bible, that man's probation would close a short time before the actual coming of the Lord in the clouds of heaven. This seemed evident from those scriptures which point to a time when men will seek, knock, and cry at the door of mercy, and it will not be opened. And it was a question with them whether the date to which they had looked for the coming of Christ might not rather mark the beginning of this period which was to immediately precede his coming. Having given the warning of the Judgment near, they felt that their work for the world was done, and they lost their burden of soul for the salvation of sinners, while the bold and blasphemous scoffing of the ungodly seemed to them another evidence that the Spirit of God had been withdrawn from the rejecters of his mercy. All this confirmed them in the belief that probation had ended, or, as they then expressed it, "the door of mercy was shut." [SEE APPENDIX, NOTE 7.] {GC88 429.1}
But clearer light came with the investigation of the sanctuary question. They now saw that they were correct in believing that the end of the 2300 days in 1844 marked an important crisis. But while it was true that that door of hope and mercy by which men had for eighteen hundred years found access to God was closed, another door was opened, and forgiveness of sins was offered to men through the intercession of Christ in the most holy. One part of his ministration had closed, only to give place to another. There was still an "open door" to the heavenly sanctuary where Christ was ministering in the sinner's behalf. {GC88 429.2}
Now was seen the application of those words of Christ in the revelation, addressed to the church at this very time: "These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth: I know thy works; behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it." [REV. 3:7, 8.] {GC88 430.1}
It is those who by faith follow Jesus in the great work of the atonement, who receive the benefits of his mediation in their behalf; while those who reject the light which brings to view this work of ministration, are not benefited thereby. The Jews who rejected the light given at Christ's first advent, and refused to believe on him as the Saviour of the world, could not receive pardon through him. When Jesus at his ascension entered by his own blood into the heavenly sanctuary to shed upon his disciples the blessings of his mediation, the Jews were left in total darkness, to continue their useless sacrifices and offerings. The ministration of types and shadows had ceased. That door by which men had formerly found access to God, was no longer open. The Jews had refused to seek him in the only way whereby he could then be found, through the ministration in the sanctuary in Heaven. Therefore they found no communion with God. To them the door was shut. They had no knowledge of Christ as the true sacrifice and the only mediator before God; hence they could not receive the benefits of his mediation. {GC88 430.2}
The condition of the unbelieving Jews illustrates the condition of the careless and unbelieving among professed Christians, who are willingly ignorant of the work of our merciful High Priest. In the typical service, when the high priest entered the most holy place, all Israel were required to gather about the sanctuary, and in the most solemn manner humble their souls before God, that they might receive the pardon of their sins, and not be cut off from the congregation. How much more essential in this antitypical day of atonement that we understand the work of our High Priest, and know what duties are required of us. {GC88 430.3}
(Continue to part six of six for conclusion)
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