6. The Commencement of the Judgment

Where in the Bible is the commencement of the investigative judgment described?QSEW 10.1

In Daniel 7:9, 10, 21, 22, 26. The prophecy of Daniel 7 pictures four successive world empires, following which the nations of Europe were to come on the scene. Daniel 7:1-7, 23, 24. These nations, in turn, would witness the development and age-long supremacy of the papal power. Daniel 7:8, 24, 25. Daniel states that, after the papacy had worn out the saints for three-and-a-half times or 1260 years (538-1798 AD.), the judgment would commence. Daniel 7:8, 26. This judgment, when the books were opened and inspected before the angelic host, would take place before Christ’s glorious kingdom is established. Daniel 7:11, 26, 27.QSEW 10.2

It can be seen that Daniel 7 locates the investigative judgment after the year 1798, but before the return of Christ. A more precise date for the beginning of the judgment, October 22, 1844, can be computed from Daniel 8:14. (The concept of an investigative judgment is found also in Matthew 13:47-50; 22:1-14; 2 Corinthians 5:10, etc.)QSEW 10.3