The Hour of His Judgement has Come!

Everything in life leads to the moment when our names will be called in the final judgment. Will we be counted among the faithful and welcomed into everlasting life? Or will we be found unfaithful and face eternal death?

The judgment of God has already begun in the courts of Heaven. As soon as Jesus finishes this work in the Most Holy Place of the Heavenly Sanctuary, He will lay aside His priestly garments and return in glory as King of kings and Lord of lords, to gather all who have trusted in Him.

In the preceding article, "Our High Priest and the Heavenly Sanctuary" (click here to read), we explored the earthly sanctuary’s structure and symbolism and discovered that Christ is now mediating for us as our High Priest in the true Sanctuary in Heaven. We saw that at His ascension, Jesus entered the Holy Place, where He presented His own blood as the perfect offering for sin. As the Lamb of God, He bore our sins; as our High Priest, He transferred those sins into the Heavenly Sanctuary.

Yet the work does not end there. At the close of the 2300-day prophecy, the Heavenly Sanctuary was to be cleansed—just as the earthly sanctuary was cleansed each year on the Day of Atonement.

“Therefore it was necessary that the copies of the things in the heavens should be purified with these, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.”—Hebrews 9:23

We previously established that this cleansing began on October 22, 1844, at the conclusion of the 2300-year prophecy. On that day, Jesus moved from His ministration in the Holy Place into the Most Holy Place, to begin the work prefigured by the Day of Atonement—the final phase of His ministry in Heaven. What many overlook, however, is that this cleansing involves a solemn act of judgment.

On the ancient Day of Atonement, only the sins of those who had confessed and had their guilt transferred into the sanctuary were removed. For obvious reasons, if a person's sins were never transferred in, there could be no cleansing for them.

Similarly, in the Heavenly Sanctuary, sin will leave in one of two ways:

1. Upon the scapegoat—symbolising Satan—who will ultimately bear the blame and be destroyed in the lake of fire.

2. Returned to the sinner, if they have turned away from Christ and persisted in sin.

   
   

What determines which way it goes? It all hinges on whether we remain faithful to Jesus, or whether we fall back into the world and reject the One who redeemed us. It is the purpose of the judgement to openly investigate each case to determine which of these two paths were taken.

But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die. - Ezekiel 18:24 

And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. - Revelation 22:12 

The message is sobering but clear: This is no ordinary judgment. It is a Heavenly investigation—a work of review before Jesus returns. How we respond today determines whether our sins will be remembered or blotted out forever.

THE RIGHTEOUS IN JUDGEMENT

Many believe that the righteous will never stand in judgment—but this view is not supported by Scripture. The Bible boldly declares that all will be judged—both the righteous and the wicked.

“I said in my heart, ‘God shall judge the righteous and the wicked, for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.’”—Ecclesiastes 3:17

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.”—2 Corinthians 5:10

While many view judgment as a fearful event, Scripture reveals that judgment is part of God’s plan to save the humble and faithful.

“You caused judgment to be heard from heaven; the earth feared and was still, when God arose to judgment, to save all the meek of the earth. Selah.”—Psalm 76:8–9

This reality stands in direct opposition to the popular yet unbiblical teaching of “once saved, always saved.” Salvation is indeed a free gift—but it must be received, and it can also be rejected. God will never force anyone to remain in Christ against their will. It is entirely possible for someone to come to the knowledge of salvation, even experience the power of the Holy Spirit, and yet choose to return to sin. When that happens, the sins that had once been forgiven are no longer covered.

“For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened… if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God and put Him to an open shame.”—Hebrews 6:4–6

“For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning.”—2 Peter 2:20

Jesus made it plain:

“He who endures to the end shall be saved.”—Matthew 24:13

Salvation is not a single moment but a life of faithfulness. As Paul said near the close of his life:

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.”—2 Timothy 4:7–8

Those who endure to the end, faithfully bearing life’s burdens and walking with Christ day by day, will be found worthy in judgment. Their sins will be forever blotted out—removed from the sanctuary and placed upon the scapegoat, Satan, who will bear them away into destruction.

TWO JUDGEMENTS: ONE FOR THE SAINTS, ONE FOR THE LOST

As we’ve seen through the example of the Earthly Sanctuary, only the sins of those who have at some point confessed them to Jesus come under review in the heavenly judgment. This pre-Advent judgment—which began in 1844—is concerned only with those who have professed faith in God. The names reviewed are those written in the Book of Life, and it is during this time that their cases are decided before Christ returns.

“For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?”—1 Peter 4:17

This solemn process of investigation does not include those who have persistently rejected God. Their time for judgment comes later—during the millennium, after Christ’s second coming, when the redeemed reign with Him in heaven. Then, the roles are reversed: the saints, once judged, now become judges.

Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? —1 Corinthians 6:2-3 

“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.”—Daniel 7:22

“And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them… and they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.”—Revelation 20:4

Scripture presents two phases of judgment:

1. The first phase—the pre-advent judgment—is for the righteous.

2. The second phase—the millennial judgment—is where the righteous take part in reviewing the records of the lost, including fallen angels and Satan himself.

   
   

At the close of the millennium, Christ will return with His saints and the New Jerusalem (Revelation 20:9). The wicked will be resurrected to face final sentencing (Revelation 20:5, 11-13). Each person will acknowledge the justice of God's verdicts before receiving their punishment.

“For it is written: ‘As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall confess to God.’ So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.”—Romans 14:11–12

“Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.”—Revelation 20:14–15

The beginning of the judgment for the righteous is heralded by the first angel’s message in Revelation 14:

“Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.”—Revelation 14:7

In 1844, Jesus entered the Most Holy Place of the heavenly sanctuary to begin this solemn work of judgment. Beginning with the very first humans—Adam and Eve—and continuing through every generation, the names of all who have ever professed faith are being examined. The books of record are opened, and each case is reviewed before the watching universe.

“I watched till thrones were put in place, and the Ancient of Days was seated… a thousand thousands ministered to him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the court was seated, and the books were opened.”—Daniel 7:9–10

This divine courtroom scene reveals the ultimate transparency and righteousness of God’s judgment. Nothing is hidden. Every case is weighed with justice, mercy, and love.

THE WEDDING GARMENT AND THE INVESTIGATIVE JUDGEMENT

Jesus outlined the reality of the investigative judgment in His parable of the wedding feast in Matthew 22. In this parable, the king’s invitation to the wedding represents the gospel call extended to the world. Those who respond and come into the feast symbolise those who have accepted Christ. Yet not all who enter remain, for there is a moment of examination—a pre-advent investigation to determine who is truly clothed in the righteousness of Christ.

“But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man there who did not have on a wedding garment. So he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless. Then the king said to the servants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’”—Matthew 22:11–13

The wedding garment represents Christ’s righteousness given to the believer through faith and obedience.

“He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness.”—Isaiah 61:10

This examination—portrayed by the king moving among the guests—must happen before the return of Christ. Why? Because when Jesus comes, His reward is already determined:

“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.”—Revelation 22:12

In this heavenly courtroom, Jesus is both our Judge and our Advocate:

• “For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son.” —John 5:22

• “If anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” —1 John 2:1

But while Christ pleads on our behalf, Satan acts as the accuser:

“For the accuser of our brethren… who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down.”—Revelation 12:10

And the standard by which all are judged? The Ten Commandments—the perfect expression of God’s character:

“For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all. For He who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” Now if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty.”—James 2:10, 12

But this judgment is not for God’s benefit. God already knows who are His. The purpose of opening the books is to make His decisions plain and transparent to the entire universe. Heaven's judgment is public because the great controversy between Christ and Satan is being watched by “thousands upon thousands.”

The heavenly record contains every thought, motive, word, and deed—a full account of each life. This is not just a legal process; it is a revelation of character, where God's justice and mercy are displayed to all creation.

“For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil.”—Ecclesiastes 12:14

The investigative judgment reveals who has truly accepted Christ’s righteousness and who has only made a profession without transformation. It ensures that only those who have persevered in faith and been clothed in Christ’s righteousness will remain in the wedding feast.

A SOLEMN TIME OF HEART SEARCHING

During the earthly Day of Atonement, God gave His people solemn instruction: they were to humble themselves, search their hearts, and turn from sin. This was a time of deep spiritual reflection—an appointed time of soul affliction.

“It is a sabbath of solemn rest for you, and you shall afflict your souls. It is a statute forever.”—Leviticus 16:31

Now, as we live in the antitypical Day of Atonement—the heavenly judgment that began in 1844—we are called to do the same. This is a time to examine our lives and seek the cleansing of Christ. As the apostle Paul said:

“Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”—Philippians 2:12

This work of heart-searching is not meant to be done in fear alone, but in the context of divine hope and invitation. The three angels of Revelation 14 bear the final messages of warning and mercy to a perishing world. The first angel has already sounded: the judgment is now underway. The second has declared the fall of Babylon. The final events—the enforcement of the mark of the beast—are soon to follow.

God is calling His people to respond. He urges us to:

• Repent of sin,

• Humble ourselves,

• Receive the gift of eternal life through Christ.

This is the great work of preparation for those who will stand when Jesus returns. When we give Him our hearts, He fills us with His Spirit and transforms us into new creations.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”—Galatians 5:22–23

Soon, the judgment will conclude. Every case will have been decided. Then Jesus will rise, lay aside His priestly robes, and return in glory as King of kings to claim His faithful people.

“He who is unjust, let him be unjust still… and he who is righteous, let him be righteous still… And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me…”—Revelation 22:11–12

There is only a short time left. The books of Heaven are open now. Today, your name may be coming up in review. Will you surrender fully to Christ? Will you allow Him to write “Pardoned” beside your name?

Now is the time. Do not delay. The door of mercy is still open, but not for long.