“The best way to show that a stick is crooked is not to argue about it or to spend time denouncing it,
but to lay a straight stick along side it.” -D. L. Moody
Intro to the teaching which led to the existence of the SDA denomination:
In 1844, a man named William Miller predicted the second coming of Christ, for the second time. He had a large following of believers who had given up all their possessions in anticipation of the end. After Christ did not return, some followers of William Miller claimed God instructed through visions that they were not wrong about the time, but rather about the event itself. Their prophet claimed God himself had placed His hand over the truth in order to hide it from them, and test them. After they proved themselves faithful, He revealed his true plan. They began teaching that Jesus had finally in 1844 entered the Most Holy place in heaven’s sanctuary to begin the process of atonement for the sins of His people. They believed the Day of Atonement in the Old Testament feast cycle foreshadowed this new phase of the ministry of Christ as our high priest.
But before this atonement can take place for any one person, an investigation has to be conducted. Everyone who professes to believe in Christ became “pardoned” (a temporary stay until their case was fully decided) but their sins cannot be blotted out until it can be determined if they are in fact worth of eternity as judged by the Law. This process is said to have begun in 1844 with the names of those who had already died (soul sleep being an important doctrine here). After the dead were judged then the work could move to those who were still living. When these are all finally complete, Jesus will return. No one can ever know which phase the judgment process is in, or if your name has yet been cleared or not. As an SDA, I was taught Jesus cannot return until the living actually stop sinning so His mediation of atonement in the sanctuary is no longer necessary. We were instructed to never ever claim to “be saved.” We had no possible way to know how our case would be judged because it didn’t depend just on faith, but our performance as well.
Their writings say the blood of Christ transferred sins to the sanctuary above, and atonement finally ends with the sins “blotted out” but later placed on Satan who is banished. The blood of Christ does not cancel out sin so much as provide a catalyst to put them back on Lucifer who is seen as the scapegoat foretold by the Atonement day ceremonies of Israel. Instead of Jesus being the “Lamb of God which takes away the sin of the world” , Satan has the final work of taking away sin.
To contrast the difference between what evangelicals believe and what Adventism teaches happened in 1844, I want to start with the clear truth in God’s Word in order to demonstrate the overall, and frequent teaching about salvation and faith. This is a foundational truth in Christianity, and anything that dismantles or confuses this is a different gospel as warned about in the book of Galatians. Many of these verses are paired with instructions about holiness and good works, of which I am a huge supporter. But a changed life must be understood as the fruit of true saving faith and the New Birth, not a prerequisite for atonement.
After the Scripture are a few quotations, of many, demonstrating the “Investigative Judgment” teachings from the writings of Ellen White. This doctrine in question is still firmly holding its place in the official Fundamental Beliefs of the SDA organization, and the books these quotations are derived from still highly promoted and defended.
The Good News
John 5:24 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.
Hebrews 1:3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, (past tense)
Hebrews 6:19 We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.
Hebrews 9:11-12 But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. (past tense)
Hebrews 9:24-26 For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf. Nor was it to offer himself repeatedly, as the high priest enters the holy places every year with blood not his own, for then he would have had to suffer repeatedly since the foundation of the world. But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. (put away.. Greek word there means “cancelled” according to Strong’s)
Hebrews 10:12-14 But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet. For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified. (past tense… see a pattern here??)
Hebrews 10:17-23 then he adds, “I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.” Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin. Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh,
and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.
Romans 3:20-29 For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it–the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, ( see the law implied as belonging only to the Jews?)
Romans 5:1,2 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Romans 10:9-11 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.”
Galatians 2:16 yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.
Galatians 2:21 I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.
Galatians 3:11 Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.”
Galaitans 3:24 So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith.
Galatians 5:4 You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace. (This is SERIOUS error!)
Ephesians 1:7-9 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ
1Peter 1:13 Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Titus 3:4-7 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Ephesians 2:5-9 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ–by grace you have been saved– and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Rom 11:6 But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.
CONTRAST TO THE FOLLOWING:
“This work of examination of the character, of determining who are prepared for the kingdom of God, is that of the investigative judgment, the closing work of the sanctuary above. When the work of investigation shall be ended, when the cases of those who in all ages have professed to be followers of Christ have been examined and decided, then , and not till them, probation will close, and the door of mercy will be shut….. So when Christ entered the Holy of Holies to perform the closing work of the atonement, He ceased His ministration in the first apartment…. So Christ had only completed one part of His work as our intercessor, to enter upon another portion of the work, and He still pleaded His blood before the Father in behalf of sinners. ” Great Controversy p. 428, 429
“Every man’s work passes in review before God and is registered for faithfulness or unfaithfulness. Opposite each name in the books of heaven is entered with terrible exactness every wrong word, every selfish act, every unfulfilled duty, and every secret sin, with every artful dissembling. Heaven-sent warnings or reproofs neglected, wasted moments, unimproved opportunities, the influence exerted for good or for evil, with its far-reaching results, all are chronicled by the recording angel.
The Law of God is the standard by which the characters and lives of men will be tested in the judgment…
Those who in the judgment “accounted worthy” will have a part in the resurrection of the just.” GC p. 482
“All who have truly repented of sin, and by faith claimed the blood of Christ as their atoning sacrifice, have had pardon entered against their name in the books of heaven; as they have become partakers of the righteousness of Christ, and their characters are found to be in harmony with the law of God, their sins will be blotted out, and they themselves will be accounted worthy of eternal life.” GC p. 483
And what if we do not accept this claim to new truth?
“It is those who by faith follow Jesus in the great work of the atonement who receive the benefits of His mediation in their behalf, while those who reject the light which brings to view this work of ministration (i.e. investigative judgment) are not benefited thereby… (sins not blotted out) …. The condition of the unbelieving Jews illustrates the condition of the careless and unbelieving among professed Christians, who are willingly ignorant of the work of our merciful High Priest.” GC p. 430 (my comments in parentheses)
Blood of Sacrifice… Cleanse or Defile?
“As the sins of the people were anciently transferred, in figure, to the earthly sanctuary by the blood of the sin-offering, so our sins are, in fact, transferred to the heavenly sanctuary by the blood of Christ. And as the typical cleansing of the earthly was accomplished by the removal of the sins by which it had been polluted, so the actual cleansing of the heavenly is to be accomplished by the removal, or blotting out, of the sins which are there recorded. This necessitates an examination of the books of record to determine who, through repentance of sin and faith in Christ, are entitled to the benefits of his atonement. The cleansing of the sanctuary therefore involves a work of investigative Judgment. This work must be performed prior to the coming of Christ to redeem his people; for when he comes, his reward is with him to give to every man according to his works. [REV. 22:12.]” (The Spirit of Prophecy, Volume Four, page 266, paragraph 1.)
“The blood of Christ, while it was to release the repentant sinner from the condemnation of the law, was not to cancel the sin; it would stand on record in the sanctuary until the final atonement; so in the type the blood of the sin offering removed the sin from the penitent, but it rested in the sanctuary until the Day of Atonement.
“In the great day of final award, the dead are to be ‘judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.’ Revelation 20:12. Then by virtue of the atoning blood of Christ, the sins of all the truly penitent will be blotted from the books of heaven. Thus the sanctuary will be freed, or cleansed, from the record of sin. In the type, this great work of atonement, or blotting out of sins, was represented by the services of the Day of Atonement–the cleansing of the earthly sanctuary, which was accomplished by the removal, by virtue of the blood of the sin offering, of the sins by which it had been polluted.
“As in the final atonement the sins of the truly penitent are to be blotted from the records of heaven, no more to be remembered or come into mind, so in the type they were borne away into the wilderness, forever separated from the congregation.
Since Satan is the originator of sin, the direct instigator of all the sins that caused the death of the Son of God, justice demands that Satan shall suffer the final punishment. Christ’s work for the redemption of men and the purification of the universe from sin will be closed by the removal of sin from the heavenly sanctuary and the placing of these sins upon Satan, who will bear the final penalty. So in the typical service, the yearly round of ministration closed with the purification of the sanctuary, and the confessing of the sins on the head of the scapegoat.” (Patriarchs and Prophets, page 357 paragraph 5-page 358 paragraph 2.)
Summary
Atonement has a completely different meaning in Adventism than evangelical theology – not completed at the cross, in process right now as we speak, doesn’t cancel sin, only transfers from earth to heaven and then to satan, and isn’t given unless the professed believer is first found worthy. The final sin bearer is satan and not Christ. Is this the gospel found in scripture?
If you have believed this I pray that as you read this your eyes are opened to see the beautiful simple truth of scripture. It does not require complicated time lines and arguing over definitions of words. It’s simple and it will set you free. It is no small thing to change the Word of God and teach a lie. We must repent and ask God to forgive us for not trusting His Word and precious promises to us through the Son. It is not my wish that anyone I know be deceived and led to trust something other than Jesus Christ for their eternity. Praise God, His work is complete, His forgiveness is total, and His promises are not revoked. The Word teaches clearly that since the sacrifice of Jesus, all believers have the privilege to enter the Holy of Holies before the presence of God – boldly, in full assurance of faith. If Jesus Himself could not enter until 1844, then we have not had access either and the Word of God is not true.
Above all, I challenge you to read the New Testament from beginning to end without any outside commentary or input, in deep prayer for God to reveal His truth to you. If you truly want the truth, you will find it.
Note: If you read an earlier version of this post I apologize for the overall tone and I have taken out some of the more personalizing statements. I do not wish to come across as having this anger toward people, because I do love all the people involved. I do however share Paul’s opinion of a “different gospel” . Please forgive my failure to express that.
8thDay4Life 
The bigger questions is this… How does one interpret the 70 weeks prophecy identifying Jesus as the Messiah apart from the 2300 days when its clear contextually that it’s bound to one another? There is nothing within the context of the prophecy that allows for a separation of 1 week from the 70 and put it in the future “some where”!
If you removed that time prophecy from its context then the 2300 days falls to pieces! But then it eliminates the absolutely certainty of Jesus being exactly who he says he is… The Messiah to a “T” at the precise time Daniel was shown. Often he declares timing in his gospels such as mark 1:15 in conjuction with acts 10:38 and the baptism of Jesus all being in line with Daniel 9 and all based on timing! Same with his crucifiction very detailed.
There are many different interpretations of these time prophecies in Christianity. But I definitely would not call that the “bigger” question when the very foundation of the gospel is in question with the SDA Sanctuary doctrine. Jesus is still validated as the Messiah from the entire Old Testament. Jesus never used Daniel time prophecies to prove He was the Messiah, and neither did Matthew as he was showing how Jesus fulfilled many prophecies of His coming. I am not saying it’s not important to study out, but we do not need the SDA interpretation in order to validate Jesus was the Messiah.
you kind of describe sda faith as works based… i disagree… from the time i have been baptised i have been told its my faith in Jesus that saves me not my works… also i have never heard anyone say Jesus is not coming back until the ‘world’ has stopped sinning… i have heard he is coming back at the hour he choses to collect his flock… the flock left who are still alive at his coming will be lead by the spirit and because of the help of the spirit we will be sinless because there is no one there to plead for us in the sanctuary… but it will not be by our own might because we are canal… Jesus died and suffered the punishment we where supposed to have… if we believe and accept his sacrifice on the vicariously, then we are saved… Satan’s the originator of sin so there his sins he will pay for… we are save by the blood of Christ from sins and not in sin… the wages of sin is death, but we don’t have to suffer the second death if only we accept christ… but after accept Christ we cannot carry on wilfully sinning, that makes no sense for the bible itself say if we do we sacrifice Christ again… the way we over come sin is by being lead by the spirit… and that my friend is a gradual process while we are alive… God will judge us on the sins we regard not the sins we recognise and have surrender to God to help us with… thats why we have to die daily…
Hi Gwyn, thanks for commenting! Thank you also for pointing out a sentence I need to edit. The teaching is that the church Jesus returns for will be sinless, not the whole world. Sorry to be vague there.
Either way – by our effort, or the Spirit, or a combination of both (which is the most common position) this is not a principle I find presented in the New Testament.
The original SDA/EGW teaching on the scapegoat is that Satan bears away ALL the sins – not just his own. This means he is paying the price, not Christ. John the Baptist cried, “Behold the Lamb of God which takes away the sin of the world.” But this entire doctrine has been explained and taught in different forms over time, so I am not surprised you may have been taught it differently than I heard it. I am presenting here the original historical position, which is the one I was taught.
One problem here is this. If EGW is still an authoritative source of truth, and this “midnight cry” message of the beginning judgment is the most precious message given to the end-time remnant church, as Early Writings indicates, then why would the church not stand by her original teaching and vision revelation, if it’s truly from God? I found there to be much controversy and confusion over the true nature of the Sanctuary teaching.
To me Hebrews is very clear, and reading this book set me free in the finished atonement of Christ. He entered (past tense) the Most Holy Place, and we also can enter in by His blood. If this was true at the time Hebrews was written, then how could the way only begin to be made in 1844? The broken body of Jesus, his flesh – represented the veil that had to be crossed into the Most Holy. When He died, that veil in the physical temple on earth was torn, as a sign that through Christ we are reconciled to God and the way is open. We come to him in “full assurance of faith” – something I never had as an SDA. This is just one of many points in this great book that do not concur with SDA teachings.
You said
I agree. You cannot and will not want to. You will be daily broken away from sin as the Spirit continues to mature and prune. But this is not connected to how you are saved. It is because you are saved. If you can comfortably sin, you are not born again a New Creation.
You also said:
If you believe that as a child of God, you will still be judged for your sins, you have not truly seen His forgiveness. And how can you know you have reached the point where you have repented and confessed your sin to the point that is satisfactory and will escape judgment? You cannot ever really know this. What you can know is that in Him is total and complete atonement and forgiveness. Right now.
Joh 5:24 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.
Heb 6:19 We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain,
Heb 10:19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus,
Heb 10:20 by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh,
Heb 10:21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God,
Heb 10:22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
Joh 3:18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.
Joh 3:19 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.
Joh 3:20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed.
Joh 3:21 But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”
That last verse there – the undeniable outward (actions) fruit of light or darkness… It does create who you are, it demonstrates who you are.
Rom 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Rom 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.
Thanks again Gwyn for your input and may Christ bless you in your love for Him above all things.
I have been reading every day both from the Old Testament and the New Testaments. I notice that in your references there is absolutely no mention of the Old Testament. I must commend you that you are spending lots of time reading; however, i question if you are only searching the scriptures to find weapons to hurl against the church. Why do you so personally attack the SDA church? You have withdrawn yourself from the church and its teachings so why do u spend so much time trying to persuade people to denounce the message taught? Do you know of anybody who have accepted the faith and have become worse: a vagabond, thief, liar, murdered, rapist? I personally believe that you need to study prayerfully. The lessons in the Scriptures are amazing. There are so many churches and groups so don’t spend time trying to prove the SDA church wrong. Just focus on yourself and your salvation. If the SDA church is wrong, then the Holy Spirit will allow the church to dissolve. When Christ walked on the face of the earth, he was kind to everyone. The Romans had their own beliefs. The Gentiles were in His presence too. He did not condemn them. He was compassionate and loving. Let us follow His example. Jesus loves all of us – Evangelicals, Adventists, Catholics. Remember conviction comes from the Holy Spirit and salvation is through Christ. Being a member of any organization doesn’t save us. We are saved by accepting Christ’s gift. Lastly, if somebody said they love u but never demonstrated that love, how do you feel? There is never any kind words, gifts, precious memories together. Would you feel loved? There is also rules to being in love with someone that are based on our conscience, societies, etc. When we love someone, we DO perform acts of love. So it is with God. Although we accept His salvation, we still need to abide by his rules. Its just that simple. Let’s pray for each other and thank God for all christian denominations. History has shown that when people are christians, life is better for everyone at home, work, in our communities as well as our churces, etc. God bless!
Hello Anonymous! Thank you for all your thoughtful comments. So what exactly in this post did you disagree with?
I have heard some horror stories regarding the teachings various SDA members have received at the hands of their pastors, Bible workers, even parents. This sadly has left many with guilt, fear, and a perspective that has often led them to leave the church. I suspect this is the case with you. I am not an expert on the sanctuary doctrine, however, in reading through your interpretation of our teachings it strikes me as being very different to what I have read in publications during my short 12 years as an adventist.
There is certainly the impression throughout Christendom that Adventists are wringing their collective hands in fear, not knowing whether or not they are saved, or forgiven. This impression could not be further from the truth, except among those of us who misunderstand the sanctuary doctrine. For me, the one single most wonderful aspect of the judgement is brought out by the prophet Daniel himself when prophesying of the coming judgment. He said judgement is given in favour of the saints, which means the judgment isn’t to be feared, but its good news.
You suspect wrongly I’m afraid. I was not hurt by SDAs. In fact, I did more damage to others during my time there than was ever done to me, for which I regret. I love SDA people very much and pray for their freedom in Christ. But this is the first and most common assumption of why people leave, by those who are still there. I suppose it happens, in ANY church, that people leave over personal offense. I don’t personally know any Former SDAs who left for this reason, and I know dozens. Our testimonies (feel free to read my story here and those of others I have shared) are centered on what we believe to be true, and untrue, according to Scripture.
As to the Sanctuary doctrine, most modern SDAs probably have very little understanding of it. I studied it deeply and read books on it from different view points. It made sense for awhile, until I read Hebrews all the way through, from start to finish. Then I realized the work was done… the atonement is past tense! Jesus is SEATED at the right hand of the Father. That was one of the most liberating moments of my life. I finally knew I was secure in what Christ had done for me. I did not have to prove anything, or justify His character to the universe through my own obedience. I was living in fear because I DID understand this teaching. Adventists are not wringing their hands in fear, because most thankfully don’t have a clue about this. But I grew up with it. As did my family.
I later heard a famous SDA evangelist say that even though it sounds as if the atonement is in the past tense there in Hebrews, it actually did not begin until 1844, and is far from finished! I prefer to believe what it plainly, and simply says. In this teaching, finishing the atonement of Christ depends on our performance, not what Christ did on the Cross! He is waiting for us to get it right so He can come back! He can’t cleanse the Sanctuary and atone for it, if we keep sinning, which implies His blood wasn’t enough. This is what I was taught! I am not interpreting this doctrine here, I am directly quoting your prophet and giving an overview of this teaching in its original form, which can be found in many of the publications.
Since 1980, there have been been spins placed on it by various SDA authors, trying to resell this embarrassing “founding pillar of the faith” because to let it fall, is to also admit the prophet was wrong. I even heard one say that EGW herself didn’t really understand the vision and that it’s up to the church to now interpret it correctly!
I am continually amazed that SDAs want to come here and speculate about why I write and imply I’m making this up, but yet never ever find a way to defend the statements that I have quoted here from Ellen White herself. Folks, please see the evidence for what it is. Jesus said, “Follow Me”, not the lady in the long, black dress.
The question, What is the sanctuary? is clearly answered in the Scriptures. The term “sanctuary,” as used in the Bible, refers, first, to the tabernacle built by Moses, as a pattern of heavenly things; and, secondly, to the “true tabernacle” in heaven, to which the earthly sanctuary pointed. At the death of Christ the typical service ended. The “true tabernacle” in heaven is the sanctuary of the new covenant. And as the prophecy of Daniel 8:14 is fulfilled in this dispensation, the sanctuary to which it refers must be the sanctuary of the new covenant. At the termination of the 2300 days, in 1844, there had been no sanctuary on earth for many centuries. Thus the prophecy, “Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed,” unquestionably points to the sanctuary in heaven. GC 417
But the most important question remains to be answered: What is the cleansing of the sanctuary? That there was such a service in connection with the earthly sanctuary is stated in the Old Testament Scriptures. But can there be anything in heaven to be cleansed? In Hebrews 9 the cleansing of both the earthly and the heavenly sanctuary is plainly taught. “Almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these [the blood of animals]; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these” (Hebrews 9:22, 23), even the precious blood of Christ. {GC 417.2}
The cleansing, both in the typical and in the real service, must be accomplished with blood: in the former, with the blood of animals; in the latter, with the blood of Christ. Paul states, as the reason why this cleansing must be performed with blood, that without shedding of blood is no remission. Remission, or putting away of sin, is the work to be accomplished. But how could there be sin connected with the sanctuary, either in heaven or upon the earth? This may be learned by reference to the symbolic service; for the priests who officiated on earth, served “unto the example and shadow of heavenly things.” Hebrews 8:5. {GC 417.3}
The ministration of the earthly sanctuary consisted of two divisions; the priests ministered daily in the holy place, while once a year the high priest performed a special work of atonement in the most holy, for the cleansing of the sanctuary. Day by day the repentant sinner brought his offering to the door of the tabernacle and, placing his hand upon the victim’s head, confessed his sins, thus in figure transferring them from himself to the innocent sacrifice. The animal was then slain. “Without shedding of blood,” says the apostle, there is no remission of sin. “The life of the flesh is in the blood.” Leviticus 17:11. The broken law of God demanded the life of the transgressor. The blood, representing the forfeited life of the sinner, whose guilt the victim bore, was carried by the priest into the holy place and sprinkled before the veil, behind which was the ark containing the law that the sinner had transgressed. By this ceremony the sin was, through the blood, transferred in figure to the sanctuary. In some cases the blood was not taken into the holy place; but the flesh was then to be eaten by the priest, as Moses directed the sons of Aaron, saying: “God hath given it you to bear the iniquity of the congregation.” Leviticus 10:17. Both ceremonies alike symbolized the transfer of the sin from the penitent to the sanctuary. {GC 418.1}
Such was the work that went on, day by day, throughout the year. The sins of Israel were thus transferred to the sanctuary, and a special work became necessary for their removal. God commanded that an atonement be made for each of the sacred apartments. “He shall make an atonement for the holy place, because of the uncleanness of the children of Israel, and because of their transgressions in all their sins: and so shall he do for the tabernacle of the congregation, that remaineth among them in the midst of their uncleanness.” An atonement was also to be made for the altar, to “cleanse it, and hallow it from the uncleanness of the children of Israel.” Leviticus 16:16, 19. {GC 418.2}
Once a year, on the great Day of Atonement, the priest entered the most holy place for the cleansing of the sanctuary. The work there performed completed the yearly round of ministration. On the Day of Atonement two kids of the goats were brought to the door of the tabernacle, and lots were cast upon them, “one lot for the Lord, and the other lot for the scapegoat.” Verse 8. The goat upon which fell the lot for the Lord was to be slain as a sin offering for the people. And the priest was to bring his blood within the veil and sprinkle it upon the mercy seat and before the mercy seat. The blood was also to be sprinkled upon the altar of incense that was before the veil. {GC 419.1}
“And Aaron shall lay both his hands upon the head of the live goat, and confess over him all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions in all their sins, putting them upon the head of the goat, and shall send him away by the hand of a fit man into the wilderness: and the goat shall bear upon him all their iniquities unto a land not inhabited.” Verses 21, 22. The scapegoat came no more into the camp of Israel, and the man who led him away was required to wash himself and his clothing with water before returning to the camp. {GC 419.2}
The whole ceremony was designed to impress the Israelites with the holiness of God and His abhorrence of sin; and, further, to show them that they could not come in contact with sin without becoming polluted. Every man was required to afflict his soul while this work of atonement was going forward. All business was to be laid aside, and the whole congregation of Israel were to spend the day in solemn humiliation before God, with prayer, fasting, and deep searching of heart. {GC 419.3}
Important truths concerning the atonement are taught by the typical service. A substitute was accepted in the sinner’s stead; but the sin was not canceled by the blood of the victim. A means was thus provided by which it was transferred to the sanctuary. By the offering of blood the sinner acknowledged the authority of the law, confessed his guilt in transgression, and expressed his desire for pardon through faith in a Redeemer to come; but he was not yet entirely released from the condemnation of the law. On the Day of Atonement the high priest, having taken an offering from the congregation, went into the most holy place with the blood of this offering, and sprinkled it upon the mercy seat, directly over the law, to make satisfaction for its claims. Then, in his character of mediator, he took the sins upon himself and bore them from the sanctuary. Placing his hands upon the head of the scapegoat, he confessed over him all these sins, thus in figure transferring them from himself to the goat. The goat then bore them away, and they were regarded as forever separated from the people. {GC 420.1}
THIS SHOWS THAT JESUSCHRIST WAS TRULY THE SIN BEARER,AND HE PASSES THESE SINS TO THE SCAPEGOAT OR SATAN.AND AT THE END OF 1000 YEARS WHEN THE ORIGINATOR OF SIN,SATAN,WHO IS THE ROOT OF SIN AND THE BRANCHES OR HIS FOLLOWERS WILL BE TORMENTED AND THERE WILL BE NO SIN IN THE WORLD….I THINK YOU SHOULD CAREFULLY STUDY THE OLD TESTAMENT ALSO…GODBLESS
Jonathan, I have little understanding of SDA. You started off your comment with, The question, What is the sanctuary? is clearly answered in the Scriptures. I see that you quote Biblical scripture and referenced those scriptures. I have been raised in church I do not recognize the reference of {GC}. What book of the bible is this? Just curious. thanks
A lot of of the responses on this particular site dont make sense.
That is so true, but I’m sure you would agree that all the posts are perfectly logical! lol. Thanks for your interests! 🙂
Why someone asked is he attacking a certain church saying the people come out good and morale amen that’s a good thing but morality will not get you to heaven my friend so your good upright moral person we need more in society I asure but this will not put you in good standings with the Lord. I see someone trying to reach out to those blinded by false doctrines and teachings. Christ said I am the way the truth and the life(john 14:6) Salvation is fully dependant on his work on calvary his death burial resurrection not your works. For by grace are you saved through faith and that not of yourselves it the gift of God not of works lest any man should boast (Ephesians 2:8-9) Quit incluing yourselves into the equation and your works but trust in him the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2) The law was never intended to be used to obtain salvation but is the knowledge of sin and that no man is justified by the deeds of the law ( Romans 3:20) but by the blood of Jesus Christ (Romans 5:9) The law let’s us see how far we have falling and that we have sinned infact that all have sinned and come short of his glory (Romans 3:23) It is our schoolmaster to bring us to Christ as our Savior ( Galatians 3:24) For if c the law could save o r the keeping of it to gain salvation then Christ died in vain why frustrate Gods grace ( GALATIANS 2:21) This is not mine or his opinion but Gods word thus saith the Lord! Quit trying to establish your own righteousness for you cannot for it is as filthy rags at best mines also (Isaiah 64:6) But submit yourself to the righteousness of God which is through faith in Jesus Christ and his atonement of his shed blood (Romans 10:3-4) Christ paid the full price you cannot and could not and will not be able to. Humble yourself acknowledging your sinful state come to Christ empty handed for you have nothing to give and he asks nothing of you no payment plan no law away not a borrowed salvation or loan but a fully paid for bought purchased redeemed by the blod of the Lamb of God Jesus Christ which taketh away the sins of the world. I don’t have works that save but a faith that works because I am saved and have been changed through his Holy Ghost power being made a new creature in Christ. I bear fruit because I am saved and the fruit I bear is not mine own but of the inward work of Gods Holy Spirit in me. An Apple tree bears apples because it is an Apple tree not to become an Apple tree. And the Spirit comes by faith in Jesus Christ not by works of the flesh( Galatians 3:1-6) Jesus said Ye must be born again (John 3:5-6) of the Spirit or you cannot see the kingdom of God. It is by Christ alone we are made worthy through his blood his righteousness which is charged to our account upon receiving him as Savior being made a child of God through faith in Christ not of the law ( John 1:12) Jesus told the law keepers in his times Search the scriptures for in them you think Ye have eternal life. You need moremo then morality you need the saving grace of God through Jesus Christ our Lord. That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the.dead thou shalt be saved! For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation (Romans 10:9-10) And to say Satan will or has bore or sin and is the scapegoat contradicts Gods Holy Word and is taking the credit of the full atonement away from Christ please don’t credit Satan this is what he wants for you to believe any and everything but the truth Gospel of Jesus Christ your eternal destination depends on whether you receieve Christ unto life eternal or reject him unto eternal damnation in the lake of fire. He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him (John 3:36)
Sorry so many typos on mobile God bless may the truth of Gods word not man’s teachings make you free and who the son Jesus has freedis freed indeed. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ for it is the power of God unto salavation to everyone (that what?) that believeth.(Romans 1:16) I work and live for Christ because Im saved not to be saved or to obtain my salvation. I keep Christs laws to the best of my ability because I love him and he has changed my want to’s he has inwardly changed my desires from servng self and the flesh to serve the one true God which the law could not do and was never attended to do so. You cannot add to the work of calvary Christ said It is finished the way was made to God through his Son and the veil was rent so we could enter the holiest of holies! Praise the Lord Jesus! Neither is there salvation in any other for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12)
Thank you Soldier. Good words.
Is Jesus seated and simply waiting for the time he comes the second time to be fulfilled or is he actually doing something for us before the father? Is he pleading for us? Is he interceding for us?
This is where you miss it. Jesus paid the penalty of our sin on the cross. The devil was defeated on the cross. The salvation of man was assured on the cross. Salvation in the Bible is spoken of in three tenses I.e. saved, being saved and will be saved. Saved by what Jesus has already done for us, being saved by sanctification because of what Jesus did on the cross that allows the Holy Spirit in our life and ultimately will be saved when he comes the second time.
For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.
Romans 5:10 NKJV