And thank you John!! I was blessed by your comments. And I was happy to learn that our views on this important topic are so similar.

I received my copy of the Review today and there was an excellent article in it by Roland Hegstead on sanctification and the investigative judgement. He ends with a gripping, beautiful, true story of passion, love and court room drama.

I see the judgment as a fearful thing. The COI were not rejoicing while the high priest was officiating within the MHP. Yes, our salvation is assured in Jesus, but it doesn't totally do away with the fearfulness of judgment. If we do not crucify every sin we shall be cast out with weeping and gnashing of teeth. Overcoming sin is a life and death issue.

Leviticus
16:31 It [shall be] a sabbath of rest unto you, and ye shall afflict your souls, by a statute for ever.

Matthew
25:30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

1T 242
Angels are watching the development of character and weighing moral worth. All our words and acts are passing in review before God. It is a fearful, solemn time. The hope of eternal life is not to be taken up upon slight grounds; it must be settled between God and your own soul. {1T 242.2}

GC 489
"He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy." Proverbs 28:13. If those who hide and excuse their faults could see how Satan exults over them, how he taunts Christ and holy angels with their course, they would make haste to confess their sins and to put them away. Through defects in the character, Satan works to gain control of the whole mind, and he knows that if these defects are cherished, he will succeed. Therefore he is constantly seeking to deceive the followers of Christ with his fatal sophistry that it is impossible for them to overcome. But Jesus pleads in their behalf His wounded hands, His bruised body; and He declares to all who would follow Him: "My grace is sufficient for thee." 2 Corinthians 12:9. "Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light." Matthew 11:29, 30. Let none, then, regard their defects as incurable. God will give faith and grace to overcome them. {GC 489.2}

GC 489, 490
We are now living in the great day of atonement. In the typical service, while the high priest was making the atonement for Israel, all were required to afflict their souls by repentance of sin and humiliation before the Lord, lest they be cut off from among the people. In like manner, all who would have their names retained in the book of life should now, in the few remaining days of their probation, afflict their souls before God by sorrow for sin and true repentance. {GC 489.3}

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. (1 John 4:18)

Jam 2:13 For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.

Which of the two would you like?

Mike

Is God out to get you? Does He labour to find reason to destroy you? Who is the accuser of brethren? Who is your defendor? Who would rejoice in your death?

Eze 33 specifically verses 11 and 13

/Thomas