The investigative judgment, which began in the fall of 1844 is drawing to a close, and when it’s finished, the destiny of all who ever took the name of Christ, and God to themselves, will be forever settled. The reason why it is of great importance to those of us who are living in the last days, is that our probation will close, without us knowing that the irrevocable decisions of the courts above, have been handed down. This, then raises the prospect that very many Christians will continue to do what they have been accustomed to doing, whether good or bad, without knowing that their probation has been closed.
The current moral decay, especially in those who’ve espoused the name of Christ, yet continue to live in violation of God’s law, will culminate in their names being removed from the book of life. And thus, in all of the back and forth, in the accusations and denials of sexual misconduct, in the corruptions, and fraud, in the violence, brutality, and the hard-heartedness that has become emblematic of our day, God wants us to remember, and ponder soberly, the following passages, for they will certainly be fulfilled in the very near future. Let’s read:
Ecclesiastes 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, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.
One of the reasons why Christ is going to bring our probation to a climax, without us knowing is so that none will be able to play church for a prescheduled date. Playing church is the game whereby the clergy and laity, politicians, and professed Christians, may
preach and advocate Biblical truths, whilst in their private lives they do the exact opposite.
Case in point was one notable mega-church pastor who died earlier this year, who was known to rant, and rail against homosexual behavior in other men, even leading public marches against the practice of same-sex marriage, whilst he would leave the pulpit to go and do the very same thing he had just spoken so vehemently against. Thus, the cryptic message given in the book of Revelation, is one that basically says, “Continue doing just what you’re accustomed to doing”. Let’s read:
Revelation 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.
12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
Men who vouch for the Ten commandments should never be found deliberately violating its precepts in public, or in their private lives, for it is much better to leave God’s law alone, rather than to preach one thing, whilst doing another. Thus, those who claim to instruct others in the laws, and principles of God, will be judged by a much higher, and stricter standard, than those who may not know any better. Jesus clearly stated this in His teaching, and for good reason. Let’s read:
Luke 12:47 And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.
48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
Matthew 5:19 Whosoever therefore shall break one
of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
20 For I say unto you that except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 23:2 The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat:
3 All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.
4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.
However, in spite of these stern warnings given us, God will try to save as many as He possibly can, and we should never think God’s investigative judgment seeks to exclude as many people as possible, for the Bible does not teach that. There is a reason why the Bible says He is able to save to the uttermost, which means that extreme efforts are made to save every living person on the planet. Let’s read:
Hebrews 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, and made higher than the heavens.
And even though it is necessary for us to cooperate with God in the salvation of our souls, by choosing to obey His every word, yet, our confidence should never be placed in our obedience. Cooperation, in and of itself does not save us; instead, the merits and the righteousness of Christ, coupled together with His sacrifice on Calvary, are what clears the way for any person to be saved.
There is an obvious imbalance in the understanding of these central truths, for the professedly Christian world may focus squarely on Christ’s merits alone, without obedience, whilst in other instances, some Christians focus solely on the aspect of cooperation. Eternal life through Jesus Christ is a stand-alone gift that is accessed through faith, and is guaranteed on condition of obedience. Let’s read:
Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
John 8:30 As he spake these words, many believed on him.
31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed.
Romans 3:31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.
The love of God through Jesus Christ, for the human family is not fickle, or changing; instead it is strong, and measureless, and Christ hates the very thought that even the wicked should perish. This sentiment is clearly expressed in the next passages. Let’s read:
Ezekiel 18:23 Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord God: and not that he should return from his ways, and live?
Ezekiel 33:11 Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?
Thus, as we study the investigative judgment, we will not be doing so from a perspective of scaring anyone into obedience. Instead, we will focus more on the confidence and assurance, each person may find in Christ. In harmony with this specific purpose, we turn to the book of Ezekiel, chapter 18, where, under the inspiration of God, the prophet treats extensively on issues pertaining to the judgement, and how God weighs the human agent in His scales.
He begins by eliminating the doctrine of inevitable, generational curses, which have discouraged many from trying, and which may have caused others to think that because of parental wrong-doing, they’re now bound in a firm, iron destiny, from which they cannot escape. The Bible signally rejects such a doctrine, because, through the freedom of choice, the buck can stop with you, and me.
My Dad died from diabetes, but we do not have to succumb to the same disease, because the grace of God through Jesus Christ can override conventional wisdom on genetic, and hereditary vulnerabilities, freeing us to live more healthy lives, if we were to try to cooperate with The Holy Ghost, by practicing, and applying the principles, and laws of health. The same is true in the spiritual realm. For instance, if one’s progenitors were known to be Serial gropers, it’s not inevitably necessary for the children to now follow in their father’s footsteps. Let’s read:
Ezekiel 18:1 The word of the Lord came unto me again, saying,
2 What mean ye, that ye use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying, The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge?
3 As I live, saith the Lord God, ye shall not have occasion any more to use this proverb in Israel.
4 Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.
5 But if a man be just, and do that which is lawful and right,
6 And hath not eaten upon the mountains, neither hath lifted up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, neither hath defiled his neighbor's wife, neither hath come near to a menstruous woman,
7 And hath not oppressed any, but hath restored to the debtor his pledge, hath spoiled none by violence, hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment;
8 He that hath not given forth upon usury, neither hath taken any increase, that hath withdrawn his hand from iniquity, hath executed true judgment between man and man,
9 Hath walked in my statutes, and hath kept my judgments, to deal truly; he is just, he shall surely live, saith the Lord God.
If we were to be judged by this standard, none of us would be saved, because we all have a checkered history, some more, some less, and therefore, God also gives assurance from the point of repentance, and accepting Jesus onward, to all who may choose to turn, and live. In other words, whatever we may have done in times past, the grace of God through Jesus Christ brings us salvation, by giving us a brand, new start. Thus, if by the grace of God, and our own choices, we met the following stipulations from that point forward, without turning back, we will be saved. It’s that simple. Let’s read:
Ezekiel 18:21 But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die.
22 All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live.
Thus, instead of going into the many fine details of the investigative judgment, we will instead hone in on one very important, determining factor. It’s not about whether we have sinned, for the Bible tells us that all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. Neither is it about the seriousness of the sins we have committed, for the Bible teaches us, that though our sins be as scarlet, they shall be made as white as snow. Neither is it about believing in Jesus, for the devils are believers too. It’s about one word, and one word only… “Remaining”. Let’s read:
[G.C pp 483] As the books of record are opened in the Judgment, the lives of all who have believed on Jesus come in review before God. Beginning with those who first lived upon the earth, our Advocate presents the cases of each successive generation, and closes with the living. Every name is mentioned, every case closely investigated. Names are accepted names rejected. When any have sins “remaining” upon the books of record, un-repented of, and unforgiven, their names will be blotted out of the book of life, and the record of their good deeds will be erased from the book of God's remembrance.
Thus, we must rush to answer the very next obvious question: “What is a “Remaining sin?”
Answer: A “remaining” sin is one that is not covered by the blood of Christ, because it was either never confessed, or was not forsaken.
Question: What’s an example of a “Remaining” sin?
Answer: We find an example in Esau, for although the Bible tells us that he cried with an exceeding, and bitter cry, at the loss of his birthright, if we read the Bible from cover to cover, we will not observe anywhere that Esau ever admitted to doing wrong, nor did he ever say that he was sorry for despising the immortal inheritance. His tears were many, and his regrets many, but those words of sorrow for his sin are no where to be found. Let’s read:
Genesis 27:30 And it came to pass, as soon as Isaac had made an end of blessing Jacob, and Jacob was yet scarce gone out from the presence of Isaac his father, that Esau his brother came in from his hunting.
31 And he also had made savory meat, and brought it unto his father, and said unto his father, Let my father arise, and eat of his son's venison, that thy soul may bless me.
32 And Isaac his father said unto him, Who art thou? And he said, I am thy son, thy firstborn Esau.
33 And Isaac trembled very exceedingly, and said, Who? where is he that hath taken venison, and brought it me, and I have eaten of all before thou camest, and have blessed him? yea, and he shall be blessed.
34 And when Esau heard the words of his father, he cried with a great and exceeding bitter cry, and said unto his father, Bless me, even me also, O my father.
36 And he said, Is not he rightly named Jacob? for he hath supplanted me these two times: he took away my birthright; and, behold, now he hath taken away my blessing. And he said, Hast thou not reserved a blessing for me?
37 And Isaac answered and said unto Esau, Behold, I have made him thy lord, and all his brethren have I given to him for servants; and with corn and wine have I sustained him: and what shall I do now unto thee, my son?
38 And Esau said unto his father, Hast thou but one blessing, my father? bless me, even me also, O my father. And Esau lifted up his voice, and wept.
41 And Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing wherewith his father blessed him: and Esau said in his heart, The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then will I slay my brother Jacob.
It is worthy of note that the words “Blessing”, and “Bless” came from Esau’s lips repeatedly, showing that his focus was on the blessing, and the material benefits of the birthright, rather than confession for his sins. He never ever said he was sorry, and there was no change in his values, in his esteem of eternal things, in his regard for the law of God, which was the spiritual side of the birthright, and that is why Paul wrote the following passages. Let’s read:
Hebrews 12:16 Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.
17 For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.
[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 177>178] The promises made to Abraham and confirmed to his son were held by Isaac and Rebekah as the great object of their desires and hopes. With these promises Esau and Jacob were familiar. They were taught to regard the birthright as a matter of great importance, for it included not only an inheritance of worldly wealth, but spiritual pre-eminence. On the other hand, there were obligations resting upon the possessor of the birthright. He who should inherit its blessings must devote his life to the service of God.
Like Abraham, he must be obedient to the divine requirements. In marriage, in his family relations, in public life, he must consult the will of God. Isaac made known to his sons these privileges and conditions, and plainly stated that Esau, as the eldest, was the one entitled to the birthright. But Esau had no love for devotion, no inclination to a religious life.
The requirements that accompanied the spiritual birthright were an unwelcome, and even hateful restraint to him. The law of God, which was the condition of the divine covenant with Abraham, was regarded by Esau as a yoke of bondage. “Thus, Esau despised his birthright.” In disposing of it he felt a sense of relief. Now his way was unobstructed; he could do as he liked.
In our day, the overwhelming majority of Christians focus on the “Blessings”. Sermons preached on the blessings of God are sure to result in applause, or a resounding Amen. In fact, there are many songs, or sayings on blessings, such as “When the praises go up, the blessings come down”, and we do take joy in the fulfillment of God’s material promises. But if one dares to preach on the law of God, like Esau, many Christians become quite uncomfortable, and the preacher has to literally beg for an amen.
Thus, like Esau, in many minds, the blessings of God have usurped the place that His law should have in our estimation, and is regarded by many, as a yoke of bondage, pertaining to the Jews only, and having no weight with the Christian. From this perspective flows the doctrine that the ten commandments are nailed to the cross, and as a result, those, like Jacob who embrace God’s law as being good are regarded as being Pharisees.
Hear the word of The Lord now! If, as Christians we continue to cling to this error and do not confess, and forsake that specific sin, when names are called in the investigative judgement, there will be found sin “Remaining”, and the names of all such will be forever removed from the Lamb’s book of life. As was stated before, it matters not if we professed to believe in Christ, nor does it matter if every other sin we committed has been confessed and forgiven. If we continue to embrace this error, all our good, righteous deeds will be wiped out of God’s book of remembrance.
Thus, in closing, The Lord gives us a gentle reminder that merely professing to believe in Jesus, is not a be all, end all, as far as our salvation is concerned, for the practical work of salvation is to have God’s law printed in our hearts and minds, where it was originally placed before Adam sinned. We therefore close with two passages of scripture which bear this sacred truth out. Let’s read:
Hebrews 8:10 For this is the covenant that I will make after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people.
Matthew 7:21 Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
God bless!