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THE INVESTIGATIVE JUDGEMENT REFUTED

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Introduction

The devil has two modes of attack against the church of God: as a serpent, he is a deceiver, and as a dragon, he is a persecutor. His first method is almost invariably deception, because if he can deceive a man into teaching lies, he can get him condemned:

(Jeremiah 48:10) "Cursed be he who does the work of the LORD deceitfully,"
(James 3:1) "My brethren, be not many teachers knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation."
(Revelation 21:8) "and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone: which is the second death."

Not only this, but the devil can also condemn all those who follow false teaching:

(Isaiah 9:16) "For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and those who are led of them are destroyed."
(Matthew 15:14) "And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch."

This bible study is a scriptural refutation of the Investigative Judgment teaching based on Daniel 8:14. I hope therefore, that it will help those who are currently teaching falsely on this subject to reconsider what they believe, and to realize what will be the fate of those whom they are leading astray.
At Logos we are aware that these scriptures apply equally to us, if we are teaching error, as they do to others. So in view of these facts, we invite anyone who reads this study, who would like to contribute any constructive comments, either to enhance, or to correct, or to contribute in any way that will help others, and bring this study to what you may consider to be closer to the complete truth, to contact Logos Apostolic Bible College. As seems appropriate, we will use any information offered freely to make this study more in line with God's perfect will for his true people.

#1. REASONS WHY THE "INVESTIGATIVE JUDGEMENT" IS CONTRARY TO SCRIPTURE

Introduction 1

A picture of William Miller William Miller (picture on left) (1782-1849) was a Baptist minister in America, who interpreted the 2300 days referred to (KJV) in Daniel 8:14 to literally be 2300 years. According to the prophecy in Daniel, at the end of that time, the sanctuary would be cleansed. Miller assumed this was referring to the return of Christ to the earth, so starting with a beginning date of 457 B.C., Miller estimated that Christ would return between March 21st, 1843 and March 21st, 1844. When the year had passed, and Christ had not returned, some of Miller's followers attributed it to a miscalculation. They set another date: October 22nd 1844. However, the appearance of the Savior still did not take place then either, and according to some, Miller became very disillusioned after the failure of his prediction. The Millerites, as they were called, disbanded, and several smaller groups formed.
The group that eventually developed into present Seventh-day Adventism took Miller's teachings and reinterpreted them. They said that Miller was right about the time of the prophecy's fulfillment, but that he was wrong about the event of Christ's visible return. Ellen G. White (1827-1915) who is widely recognized as the founder of modern Adventism, along with her husband, James, was a part of the date-setting movement in 1844. After the disbanding of the Millerites, she and several others were instrumental in reinterpreting Miller's predictions. It occurred to Hiram Edson, that instead of Jesus coming to earth, he had entered into the Most Holy of the heavenly sanctuary. Ellen G. White (pictured below right) described it like this:

A picture of Ellen G. White "As the books of record are opened in the judgment, the lives of all who have believed on Jesus come in review before God. ... When any have sins remaining on the books of record, unrepented of and unforgiven, their names will be blotted out of the book of life,"
(Ellen G. White THE GREAT CONTROVERSY Pacific Press Publishing Company 1911 p483).

This provided the basis for the doctrine of the modern Seventh-day Adventist movement, that Christ, as part of his atoning work, has been conducting an "investigative judgment" in the heavenly sanctuary since 1844.

#1.02 BECAUSE IT IS CONTRARY TO SCRIPTURAL PRINCIPLES OF INTERPRETATION

The doctrine of the Investigative Judgment is a failure to rightly divide, and correctly interpret the scripture, and fails on at least five points.

(1) Out of the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established (Deuteronomy 19:15; Matthew 18:16; John 8:17; 2 Corinthians 13:1)
One principle of interpretation is that two or three witnesses are required to establish any truth from scripture. The whole doctrine of the Investigative Judgment depends on the interpretation of Daniel 8:14, and without this scripture it would not exist. As there are no other witnesses (scriptures) to support this point, it fails here. Peter said, "No prophecy of scripture is of its own interpretation." (2 Peter 1:20), that is, it should not be interpreted by itself. However, the Investigative Judgment is a prophecy based on one scripture by itself (Daniel 8:14), and so contradicts this principle of correct interpretation.

(2) Do not diminish from God's word (Deuteronomy 4:2; 12:32; Revelation 22:19)
Any attempt to interpret scriptures without a thorough study is diminishing from God's word, and it applies to all teachings which rely on one scripture only.

(3) Make sense of the apparent contradictions (Nehemiah 8:8)
There are very many scriptures given in this study which contradict the doctrine of the Investigative Judgment. These should either be sensibly explained, or the error rejected. Why does it contradict the words of Jesus (See #1.26), and the writer of Hebrews (See #1.20), and all of these other sections which follow?

(4) Consider the context
The whole context of this scripture (Daniel 8) is concerning Daniel's vision. The goat spoken of (v8) was the king of Greece (v21), and the large horn was Alexander the Great. He died in his prime at the age of 33 (v8) and his four Generals (four notable ones v9) took over his kingdom. The "little horn" is a type of the Antichrist of the last days, but in this context it is also said to refer to Antiochus IV Epiphanes, who during the last few years of his reign made a determined effort to destroy the Jewish faith. He captured the temple, and caused the daily sacrifice to cease (v11), but was eventually overcome by Judas Maccabeus, who recaptured the temple and rededicated it to the Lord on 25th Chislev 165 B.C. This rededication was the origin of the feast of Hanukkah, called "the feast of the Dedication" (John 10:22). The whole immediate context then is to do with the sacrifices (mentioned v11, 12, 13) that were made in the physical temple. The sanctuary referred to was also physical, "trodden underfoot" (v13) by the Greeks, so this context has nothing at all to do with any heavenly sanctuary. By not considering the context, the true meaning of this scripture has been missed by those who use it to teach the "Investigative Judgment".

(5)Check the original language
No scripture can be properly understood from faulty translations, and as no known perfect translations are available (2016) a good working knowledge of Greek and Hebrew is essential. Just looking in an interlinear (JPG p2016) we can see that the Hebrew text translated "days" (Daniel 8:14 KJV) are the Hebrew words עֶרֶב בֹּקֶר (Htr. ‘erev bōqer) which translate in the interlinear as "evenings and mornings", but literally as "evening morning", as they are both singular. The misunderstanding comes perhaps because of the translations in the KJV in Genesis chapter 1.

(Genesis 1:5) "And the evening and the morning were the first day."
(Genesis 1:8) "And the evening and the morning were the second day."
(Genesis 1:13) "And the evening and the morning were the third day."
(Genesis 1:19) "And the evening and the morning were the fourth day." Etc.

It appears from these translations as if the evening and the morning could refer to a whole day, and taking it to be so then enables "evening morning" to refer to a day (Daniel 8:14).
But again we need to look at the Hebrew words וַיְהִי-עֶרֶב וַיְהִי-בֹקֶר (Htr. vayehî ‘erev vayehî bōqer) translated, "And the evening and the morning were" (Genesis 1:5 etc). In other versions they translate like this:

(JPG) "And there was evening, and there was morning the first day."
(NASB) "And there was evening and there was morning, one day."
(NIV) "And there was evening, and there was morning - the first day."
(RSV) "And there was evening and there was morning, one day."
(YLT) "and there is an evening, and there is a morning - day one."

In this instance, these other translations are much better than the KJV. They are saying that there was an evening and there was a morning on the first day, but they are not saying that evening and morning makes up a day. Obviously it doesn't anyway, as there is also afternoon and night to account for. The "evening" and "morning" (Daniel 8:14) then refer to the times that the two daily burnt offerings were made (Exodus 29:38-42; Numbers 28:3-4; 2 Kings 16:15; 1 Chronicles 16:40; 2 Chronicles 2:4; 13:11; 31:3; Ezra 3:3), and not to literal days. In each of these scriptures the same two words (Htr. ‘erev and bōqer) are used together for the times of the burnt offerings. So why would they refer to days here (Daniel 8:14) and the times of burnt offerings everywhere else? God is not the author of confusion. Look at this scripture:

(Daniel 8:26) "And the vision of the evening and the morning which was told is true: therefore shut up the vision, for it is for many days from now."

Now let us ask the question, "What is this vision of the evening and the morning mentioned here?" Obviously the one that was just told. So if the Hebrew words ‘erev and bōqer refer to evenings and mornings here, then why not in verse 14? If the vision in verse 14 was truly days, then this should say days also. The answer is obvious, that the words ‘erev and bōqer refer to the evening and morning sacrifices that were made, and not days in either verse 26 or verse 14.
The 2300 burnt offerings, evening - morning, would come to 1150 days, one fulfillment of which would be the interval between the desecration of the temple, and its rededication by Judas Maccabeus on 25th. Chislev 165 B.C. Antiochus set up a pagan altar on 25th. Chislev 168 BC, which is just 3 years before, but the Lord's altar was removed some time before that, so the 1150 days may be counted from the time of its removal. Unless the words "evening - morning" are understood as "days", the Investigative Judgment teaching fails completely.

#1.04 BECAUSE GOD IS ALL KNOWING

PSALM 147:4-5
4 He counts the number of the stars; he calls them all by their names.
5 Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.

MATTHEW 10:29-30
29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and not one of them shall fall on the ground without your Father.
30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

ACTS 15:18
18 Known to God are all his works from the beginning of the age.

1 JOHN 3:20
20 For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things.

Note: Is it possible that a God, who's "understanding is infinite." (Psalm 147:5), who can number the hairs on everybody's head (Matthew 10:30), who knows "all his (own) works from the beginning of the world." (Acts 15:18), and knows "all things." (1 John 3:20), does not know who is saved and who isn't? If "we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 2:10), and "he knows all his works from the beginning of the age." (Acts 15:18), then he must know who we are, and has no need to check any books of record to find out.
God knows all of his people. Concerning Abraham he said, "For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment;" (Genesis 18:19). Jeremiah said, "But you, O LORD, know me:" (Jeremiah 12:3). Concerning Jacob and Esau God said, "The elder shall serve the younger. As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated." (Romans 9:12-13).
God knows those who are his (2 Timothy 2:19), "Neither is there any creature that is not made manifest in his sight: but all things are bare and open to the eyes of him with whom we have to do." (Hebrews 4:13). God knows our thoughts and our hearts, as Solomon said, "every man ... whose heart you know; (for you, even you only, know the hearts of all the children of men;" (1 Kings 8:39). It is also written, "God knows the secrets of the heart." (Psalm 44:21), "The LORD knows the thoughts of man, that they are vanity." (Psalm 94:11), "God knows your hearts:" (Luke 16:15), and, "The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain." (1 Corinthians 3:20). Surely then, as God knows our hearts and our thoughts, he must therefore know every wicked thought that we have had, and every sin that we have committed. He knows whether we have repented or not, so why then would Jesus have to check the books of record in order to find out?
God also knows our words and our deeds:

(Psalm 139:4) "For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, you know it altogether."
(Psalm 139:2-3) "You know my sitting down and my rising up, you understand my thought afar off. You ... are acquainted with all my ways."

Jesus said, "I know your works, and your labor, and your patience," (Revelation 2:2), "I know your works, and tribulation, and poverty," (Revelation 2:9), "I know your works, and charity, and service, and faith, and your patience, and your works:" (Revelation 2:19). (See also: Revelation 2:13; 3:1, 3:8, 3:15). If God knows every word we speak (Psalm 139:4), all of our ways (Psalm 139:3), and Jesus knows our works (Revelation 2:2; 2:9; 2:19), then surely he must know if we are saved or not.
God knows what we are made of (Psalm 103:13-14), he knows our needs (Matthew 6:32; Luke 12:30), and he knows our sins (Psalm 69:5; Proverbs 15:3). Jesus knows his sheep (John 10:14; 10:27), and sheep are symbolic of those who are saved in scripture. Are you one of Jesus' sheep? then he already knows who you are, and he doesn't need to check the records to find out, because he is "the same yesterday, today, and for the age." (Hebrews 13:8). If Jesus knows "all men" (John 2:24), "all things" (John 16:30), and he is "the same yesterday, today, and for the age." (Hebrews 13:8), then he knows whether we have repented of our sins or not. All of these scriptures show that the Investigative Judgment is a false teaching.

#1.06 BECAUSE GOD HAS CHOSEN HIS PEOPLE FOR SALVATION

MARK 13:20 (Jesus)
20 And except the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he has chosen, he has shortened those days.

JOHN 13:18 (Jesus)
18 I do not speak of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He who eats bread with me has lifted up his heel against me.

JOHN 15:16, 19 (Jesus)
16 You have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that you should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatever you shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
19 If you were of the world, the world would love his own: but because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.

1 CORINTHIANS 1:27-28 (Paul)
27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, has God chosen, yes, and things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are:

2 THESSALONIANS 2:13 (Paul)
13 But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God has from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:

JAMES 2:5
5 Hear my beloved brethren, Has not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he has promised to those who love him?
(See also: Matthew 20:16; 22:14; John 6:70; Romans 16:13)

Note: There are so many scriptures that say Christians have been chosen, it must seem incredible to some, that after saying, "I know whom I have chosen" (John 13:18), people now preach that Jesus has returned to the heavenly sanctuary to find out who will take part in the first resurrection, and who won't. He is "the same yesterday, today, and forever." (Hebrews 13:8), so if he knew his people when he spoke those words, he still knows them today and has no need to check any books of record to find out who we are. Jesus also said, "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away." (Matthew 24:35; Mark 13:31), so his words still apply today.

#1.08 BECAUSE WE WERE PREDESTINED TO ETERNAL LIFE

ROMANS 8:29-30 (Paul)
29 For whom he did foreknow he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
30 Moreover whom he predestined, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

EPHESIANS 1:5
5 Having predestined us to the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

EPHESIANS 1:11 (Paul)
11 In whom we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things after the counsel of his own will:

Note: Are we to believe, that having predestined us to salvation, God does not now know our final destination, and has sent Jesus to check the books of record to find out?

#1.10 BECAUSE WE WERE CHOSEN BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD

JEREMIAH 1:4-5
4 And the word of the LORD came to me, saying,
5 Before I formed you in the belly I knew you; and before you came forth out of the womb I sanctified you, and I ordained you a prophet to the nations.

EPHESIANS 1:4
4 According as he has chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, for us to be holy and without blame before him in love:

Note: Having been chosen to salvation before the foundation of the world, has God now forgotten who we are? Has he had to send Jesus to check the books of record to find out?

#1.12 BECAUSE THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST DWELLS IN ALL SAVED CHRISTIANS

ROMANS 8:9 (Paul)
9 But you are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is not his.

2 CORINTHIANS 13:5 (Paul)
5 Examine yourselves, whether you are in the faith; prove your own selves. Do you not know your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except you are reprobates?

COLOSSIANS 1:27 (Paul)
27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

1 JOHN 5:11-12
11 And this is the record, that God has given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
12 He who has the Son has life; and he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.

Note: These scriptures show that Christ must live inside every true believer to some degree, because if he doesn't then we are "not his" (Romans 8:9), and we are "reprobates" (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). We would have no true hope of glory, because Jesus in us is our hope (Colossians 1:27;  1 Timothy 1:1), and we would not have eternal life (1 John 5:12). If Christ then lives inside us, why does he need to check the records to find out if we are saved or not? Does he not know who he is living in, and who he isn't?

#1.14 BECAUSE WE SHOULD NOT BELIEVE THAT CHRIST IS IN THE SECRET CHAMBERS

MATTHEW 24:23-26 (Jesus)
23 Then if any man shall says to you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; do not believe it.
24 For there shall arise false Christs and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
25 Behold, I have told you before.
26 Therefore if they shall say to you, Behold he is in the desert; go not out: behold, he is in the secret chambers; do not believe it.
27 For as the lightening comes out of the east, and shines even to the west; so shall also the coming of the son of man be.

Note: Jesus himself warned us not to believe those who say, "he is in the secret chambers;" (Matthew 24:26). Should we now believe that Jesus secretly came back to the heavenly sanctuary in 1844 as Seventh Day Adventist's teach? Or should we believe that he came back invisibly in 1914 as Jehovah's Witnesses teach? Or should we believe Jesus, who said, "do not believe it. For as the lightening comes out of the east, and shines even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the son of man be." (Matthew 24:26-27)?

#1.16 BECAUSE JESUS NOW HAS AN UNCHANGEABLE PRIESTHOOD

HEBREWS 7:17
17 For he testifies, You are a priest forever after the order of Melchisedec.

HEBREWS 7:24
24 But this man, because he continues ever, has an unchangeable priesthood.
25 Therefore he is able to save to the utmost those who come to God by him, seeing he ever lives to make intercession for them.

Note: Since his ascension Jesus' ministry has been unchangeable. He is preparing a place for us (John 14:2-3), and making intercession for us (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25); there is no mention of his ministry changing in 1844 to judge whether we are worthy or not.

#1.18 BECAUSE CHRIST ENTERED THE HEAVENLY SANCTUARY BEFORE THE BOOK OF HEBREWS WAS WRITTEN

HEBREWS 6:17-20
17 In which God, willing more abundantly to show to the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath:
18 That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold on the hope that is set before us:
19 Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters into that within the veil;
20 Where the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made a high priest for the age after the order of Melchisedec.

HEBREWS 9:11-12
11 But Christ being come a high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;
12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place1, having obtained eternal redemption for us.

HEBREWS 9:23-24
23 It was therefore necessary that the pattern of things in the heaven should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.
24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places1 made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us.

Note: These scriptures show that Jesus entered into the heavenly sanctuary "within the veil" (Hebrews 6:19) before the book of Hebrews was written. The words translated the holy place(s)1 (Gr. ἅγια, Gtr. hagia, Hebrews 9:12; 9:24) literally "the holies", shows that it has already been done, not to check any books of record, but to cleanse the sanctuary with his own blood (Hebrews 9:12; 9:23). Thus the idea that Jesus did not enter the heavenly sanctuary until 1844 is contradicting these scriptures.

#1.20 BECAUSE THE FULL GOSPEL WAS PREACHED TO AND BY THE APOSTLES WITH NO MENTION OF THE 1844 RETURN OF CHRIST

JOHN 15:15 (Jesus to his disciples)
15 From now on I do not call you servants; for the servant does not know what his Lord does: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known to you.

ACTS 20:27 (Paul)
27 For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God.

GALATIANS 1:8-9 (Paul)
8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel to you than that you have received, let him be accursed.

Note: If Jesus revealed to his disciples, "all things that I have heard of my Father" (John 15:15), how then did he not mention his return in 1844? Perhaps it was because Jesus himself did not know (Mark 13:32), and later told his disciples, "It is not for you to know the times and the seasons which the Father has put in his own power." (Acts 1:7). Having also said, "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away." (Matthew 24:35), how then can anybody know when he will return? Paul also preached "the whole counsel of God." (Acts 20:27), and never once mentioned Christ entering the heavenly sanctuary in 1844. Why not? Was it not that Paul did not know when Christ would return, and therefore taught them to live as though it was imminent (Hebrews 10:37)? At one time he may have thought himself that Jesus would come back during his lifetime, because he said, " we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air:" (1 Thessalonians 4:17). Who then can have more understanding of the scripture than either Jesus or Paul?

#1.22 BECAUSE BELIEVERS SINS ARE NOT REMEMBERED AFTER THEY BECOME PARTAKERS OF THE NEW COVENANT

JEREMIAH 31:33-34
33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, says the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.
34 And they shall no more teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.

ROMANS 11:27
27 For this is my covenant with them, when I take away their sins.

HEBREWS 8:10-12
10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says 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:
11 And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.
12 For I will be merciful unto their unrighteousness, and their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.

HEBREWS 10:16-17
16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;
17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.

Note: Once we become a partaker of the New Covenant (and that is not manifested when we first become believers in Jesus) then our sins are no more remembered by God (Jeremiah 31:34; Romans 11:27; Hebrews 8:12; 10:17). If God cannot remember them, and will remember them no more (Hebrews 8:12; 10:17), then they can no longer be on any books of record that God has kept, because "Known to God are all his works from the beginning of the world." (Acts 15:18).

#1.24 BECAUSE NO ONE KNOWS THE DAY OF CHRIST'S RETURN

MATTHEW 24:36-44 (Jesus)
36 But of that day and hour knows no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
37 But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark,
39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
40 Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken and the other left.
41 Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
42 Watch therefore: for you do not know what hour your Lord comes.
43 But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have allowed his house to be broken into.
44 Therefore be you also ready: for in such an hour as you think not the Son of man comes.

MARK 13:32-37 (Jesus)
32 But of that day and that hour knows no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.
33 Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is.
34 For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.
35 Watch therefore: for you do not know when the master of the house comes, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:
36 Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.
37 And what I say to you I say to all, watch.

LUKE 12:40 (Jesus)
40 Be you therefore ready also: for the Son of man comes at an hour when you think not.

LUKE 21:34-35 (Jesus)
34 And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.
35 For as a snare it shall come upon all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth.

ACTS 1:7 (Jesus)
7 And he said to them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons which the Father has put in his own power.

REVELATION 3:3 (Jesus)
3 Remember therefore how you have received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore you shall not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you shall not know what hour I will come upon you.

Note: Jesus said that no man could know when he will return (Matthew 24:36; 24:42; 24:44; Mark 13:32; 13:35; Luke 12:40; 21:35; Revelation 3:3). His words will not pass away (Matthew 24:35; Mark 13:31), so no one will know until it happens; it is not for us to know (Acts 1:7). Therefore, all past predictions of his return have been false, "When a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD has not spoken," (Deuteronomy 18:22). The father knows the day, "For the day of vengeance is in my heart," (Isaiah 63:4), but he has not spoken it yet.

#1.26 BECAUSE JESUS HIMSELF DOES NOT KNOW THE DAY OF HIS RETURN

MARK 13:32-33
32 But of that day and that hour knows no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, nor the Son, except the Father.
33 Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is.

Note: Jesus said he did not know the day of his return (Mark 13:32), and he is "the same yesterday, today, and for the age." (Hebrews 13:8). Obviously Jesus did not interpret Daniel 8:14 as a prediction of the day of his return, and who would claim to have more spiritual understanding than Jesus? Jesus is the Word (Gtr. logos) of God (John 1:1; 1:14), and his name is "the word of God" (Revelation 19:13). Jesus is the living Word and the scripture is the written Word; they are the same form (words of God) but different substance (spirit or ink). So if Jesus would not tell us the day of his return, and he is "the same yesterday, and today, and for the age." (Hebrews 13:8), then neither will the Word of God know or tell us when Christ will return. Therefore any attempt to predict it from the scripture is futile.

#1.28 CONCLUSION

The Investigative Judgment is a doctrine which was invented to explain away a false prophecy about the second coming of Jesus, by people who were obviously deceived. This teaching contradicts many scriptures, as shown in this study, and I urge every Seventh Day Adventist to cry out against this false teaching, so that you are not a partaker of their sin. When a woman was raped in the Old Testament, if she did not cry out against it (even though she may not have agreed with it) she was counted guilty with the rapist (Deuteronomy 22:23-24). Therefore, if you do not cry out against it, you are guilty with them, and the penalty for false teaching is severe:

(Jeremiah 48:10) "Cursed is he who does the work of the LORD deceitfully,"
(James 3:1) "My brethren, do not be many teachers, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation."
(Revelation 21:8) "and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone: which is the second death."

Not only this, but the devil can also condemn all those who follow false teaching:

(Isaiah 9:16) "For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and those who are led of them are destroyed."
(Matthew 15:14) "And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch."

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