33. True Christians Need Not Fear the Judgment

Should a Christian live in constant fear lest his name be blotted out of the book of life? Does the doctrine of the investigative judgment automatically deprive a Christian of peace and the assurance of salvation? Ford asserts, “Fears concerning personal standing in the investigative judgment have cut the nerve of joyous witness for many church members. Legalism is one result, and lack of assurance another, when the judgment is traditionally presented, for the primacy of grace and imputed righteousness is usually forgotten” (Ford, Page 42).QSEW 24.4

Without doubt many of our presentations on the investigative judgment have not been as Christ centered as they should have been. However, this is not an argument against the validity of the doctrine itself.QSEW 24.5

There is certainly no need for a true Christian to have any fears concerning his personal standing with God. Romans 5:1; 8:1, 16; 1 John 3:14, 24; 4:13, 17 and John 3:36 are all filled with the most comforting promises. Ellen White states, “An unyielding trust, a firm reliance upon Christ, will bring peace and assurance to the soul” (The Sanctified Life, 90). “Through the imputed righteousness of Christ, the sinner may feel that he is pardoned, and may know that the law no more condemns him, because he is in harmony with all its precepts. It is his privilege to count himself innocent when he reads and thinks of the retribution that will fall upon the unbelieving and sinful” (Sons and Daughters of God, 240).QSEW 24.6

When we give ourselves to Christ, He forgives all of our past wrongs. “Christ’s character stands in place of your character, and you are accepted before God just as if you had not sinned” (Steps to Christ, 62). With Christ’s perfect life standing for our imperfect lives, we have all the security that Heaven can offer. This wonderful assurance is ours as long as we maintain a personal relationship with the Lord. Ellen White states, “If you are right with God today, you are ready if Christ should come today” (In Heavenly Places, 227).QSEW 25.1

A most practical and comforting assurance is found in Ellen White’s explanation that “When it is in the heart to obey God, when efforts are put forth to this end, Jesus accepts this disposition and effort as man’s best service, and He makes up for the deficiency with His own divine merit” (Selected Messages 1:382).QSEW 25.2