The Judgment Hour Has Come

Dear friends, as we continue our journey through the profound truths revealed in the sanctuary message, we come to a most solemn and significant topic: the investigative judgment. This isn't a message of fear, but one of hope and assurance for those who love God. Understanding this final review of humanity's choices helps us grasp the depth of God's justice and His ultimate plan for salvation. It reveals that before Christ returns to take His people home, a crucial work of examination and vindication is taking place in the heavenly courts.

The Proclamation of Judgment

Our study begins with a powerful message from heaven, a warning and a call to all the world. The book of Revelation describes three angels flying in the midst of heaven, each bearing an urgent message for the last days. The first of these angels declares a truth that sets the stage for our understanding of the investigative judgment:

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,
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.

Revelation 14:6-7

Notice the urgency in this message. It's an "everlasting gospel," good news, but it's intertwined with the declaration that "the hour of his judgment is come." This isn't a future event, but a present reality when this message is proclaimed. This judgment is not simply a sudden pronouncement at Christ's second coming, but a process that precedes it. It's a call to the world to recognize God's authority and character, especially as His final review of human lives is underway.

Daniel's Vision: The Heavenly Courtroom

To understand what this "hour of his judgment" entails, we turn to the prophet Daniel, who was given a stunning vision of a heavenly tribunal:

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.
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.

Daniel 7:9-10

What a majestic and awe-inspiring scene! Daniel sees God the Father, the "Ancient of days," presiding over a grand judgment. Countless heavenly beings are present, serving as witnesses and assistants. The most critical detail for our study is the declaration: "the judgment was set, and the books were opened." These "books" are not literal paper volumes, but symbolic records of human lives. They contain every thought, word, and deed, both good and evil, for "God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil" (Ecclesiastes 12:14).

This vision in Daniel 7 perfectly complements the message of Revelation 14. It shows us that there is indeed a pre-advent judgment taking place in heaven, a thorough examination of the records before Christ's return.

Who is Being Judged?

A common question is, "Who is being judged in this investigative judgment?" The Bible gives us a clear answer:

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?

1 Peter 4:17

This verse tells us that the judgment begins with "the house of God"—those who profess to be God's people, those whose names are recorded in the "book of life" (Philippians 4:3; Revelation 20:12). It's a review of the lives of those who have claimed Christ's name, to see if their profession is genuine and if their lives reflect a true relationship with Him. Jesus Himself alluded to this review in a parable:

And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment:
And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless.
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.
For many are called, but few are chosen.

Matthew 22:11-14

The "wedding garment" represents the righteousness of Christ, a character transformed by grace. This judgment reviews whether those who accepted the invitation (professed believers) have truly clothed themselves in Christ's righteousness through faith and obedience. It's a solemn thought, reminding us that salvation is not merely a verbal claim, but a living experience.

The Purpose of the Investigative Judgment

Why is this judgment necessary? God knows all things, so it's not for His information. It's for several crucial reasons:

1. To Vindicate God's Character: It demonstrates to the entire universe that God is just and fair in His dealings with humanity. Every decision made is based on truth and righteousness.
2. To Determine Who Is Ready: It reveals who has truly accepted the provisions of the everlasting gospel and allowed Christ to cleanse and transform their lives. Those whose names remain in the book of life, whose sins have been confessed and covered by Christ's blood, will be found worthy of eternal life. "For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works" (Matthew 16:27).
3. To Prepare for Christ's Return: This judgment ensures that when Jesus returns, He takes only those who are truly His, without spot or wrinkle, reflecting His character.

The investigative judgment is a thorough process, for "who will render to every man according to his deeds" (Romans 2:6). It's a time when the universe witnesses God's perfect justice and mercy in action, confirming that He has done everything possible for humanity's salvation.

Conclusion

The message of the judgment hour is a solemn but hopeful one. It assures us that God is actively working in heaven, preparing for the grand climax of earth's history. This pre-advent judgment, reviewing the lives of professed believers, ensures that every decision made by God is transparent and just to all the universe. It's a call to us today to examine our own hearts, to confess our sins, and to surrender fully to Christ, allowing Him to prepare us for His imminent return. The hour of His judgment has indeed come, and it invites us to live lives that honor His name.

Reflection Questions

1. What does the phrase "the hour of his judgment is come" (Revelation 14:7) mean to you personally?
2. How does the vision in Daniel 7:9-10, with "the judgment was set, and the books were opened," enhance your understanding of God's thoroughness and justice?
3. Considering 1 Peter 4:17, "judgment must begin at the house of God," what does this imply about the seriousness of our profession of faith?
4. In what ways can we ensure that our "wedding garment" (Matthew 22:11-14) is ready for the King's inspection?
5. How does understanding the investigative judgment motivate you to live a more consecrated life?