Do Gospel Adventists believe in the investigative judgement? Do we believe that God judges both the righteous and wicked prior to the second coming of Jesus to decide their place in eternity?
The answer to this question is yes. The problem has never been about whether there is an investigative judgement (IJ), but the real issue has been related to the nature of the IJ. The traditional view leans heavily on character perfection as a prerequisite to passing through the judgment into eternity, while gospel adventists believe that christians already have the final verdict in their possession as a result of the gift of salvation.
Genuine Christians have nothing to worry about as they wear the perfect robes of Christ’s righteousness. However, false christians who lean on their own self-righteousness will be wiped off the books.
“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.” (John 3:36, NIV).”The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life, but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels.” (Revelation 3:5, NIV).
My own questions regarding the 2300 days prophecy that ended in 1844, is two fold: a). Could Christ have returned prior to 1844? b). When did Christ enter the Most Holy Place?
My understanding is that Christ could have come anytime after his ascension if the gospel had gone to the entire world. The problem with the traditional view that states Christ waited in the Holy Place until 1844 and then moved into the Most Holy Place to begin the judgment phase of His work is ruled out by the Bible that clearly states: “He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption.” (Hebrews 9:12, NIV).
The question has never been about the existence of a judgment, but the argument has been over the validity of the 2300 days prophecy. However, I remain open minded on this topic. If the 2300 days prophecy is true then it does nothing to rob me of my faith in the gospel. I already have the final verdict: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1, NIV).
~Stephen Beagles