A topic to discuss and unpack unto experimental religion and practical godliness

[Ed Sutton]

MR No. 593 - The Investigative Judgment

     God sees many temptations resisted of which the world, and even near friends, never know; temptations in the home, in the heart; He sees the soul's humility in view of its own weakness, the sincere repentance over even a thought that is evil; He sees the whole heart's devotion to the upbuilding of the cause of God, without one tinge of selfishness; He has noted those hours of hard battle with self, battles that won the victory--all this God and angels know.--Letter 18, 1891, p. 4. (To Brother Irwin, June 29, 1891.)  {8MR 244.1} 

     When speaking to congregations, there is always before me the final judgment, which is to be held in the presence of the world, when the law of God's government is to be vindicated, His name glorified, His wisdom acknowledged and testified of as just to believers and unbelievers. This is not the judgment of one person, nor of a nation, but of a whole world of intelligent beings, of all orders, of all characters. The judgment takes place first upon the dead, then upon the living, then the whole universe will be assembled to hear the sentence. I feel as if I were in the presence of the whole universe of heaven, bearing my message for time and for eternity.--Letter 109, 1898, p. 4. (To Brother Moon, November 29, 1898.)  {8MR 244.2} 

     In clear, plain language I am to say to those in attendance at this conference [the General Conference of 1905] that Brother Ballenger has been allowing his mind to receive and believe specious error. . . . God has not indited the message that he is bearing. This message, if accepted, would undermine the pillars of our faith.--Ms 62, 1905, pp. 1, 2. ("A Warning Against False Theories," Talk, May 24, 1905.)  {8MR 244.3}
 
     The truths given us after the passing of the time in 1844 are just as certain and unchangeable as when the Lord gave them to us in answer to our urgent prayers.--Letter 50, 1906, p. 1. (To W. W. Simpson, January 30, 1906.)  {8MR 245.1} 

     I have been surprised and made sad to read some of your articles in the "Medical Missionary," and especially those on the Sanctuary question. These articles show that you have been departing from the faith. You have helped in confusing the understanding of our people. The correct understanding of the ministration in the heavenly sanctuary, is the foundation of our faith.--Letter 208, 1906, p. 2. (To G. C. Tenney, June 29, 1906.)

Released March 17, 1978.  {8MR 245.2}