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One of the most misunderstood topics in Christian theology is the relationship between faith, works, and the final judgment. The confusion is especially evident in the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) doctrine of the Investigative Judgment, which has led to fear, insecurity, and a works-conscious faith. This blog compares the SDA view with the biblical view held by Former Adventists Philippines (FAP) to answer: Which one is truly biblical?
1. SDA View: Works as the Basis of the Investigative Judgment
The SDA doctrine teaches that in 1844, Jesus entered the "Most Holy Place" in heaven to begin an Investigative Judgment of professed believers. According to SDA teaching:
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The standard of judgment is the Ten Commandments.
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Every believer's works is reviewed to determine worthiness for eternal life.
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Only those who are found "faithful" in obedience will be acquitted.
As Ellen G. White wrote:
“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 names… Their lives are passed in review before God. All who have truly repented… will have their sins blotted out; while those who have not… will be weighed in the balance and found wanting.” (The Great Controversy, p. 483)
In short, final salvation in the SDA view is conditional upon the outcome of a judgment based on one's works, even for those who already believed in Christ.
2. FAP biblical View: Works as Evidence, Not Basis
In contrast, the Reformed Arminian position held by Former Adventists Philippines makes an important distinction:
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Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone (Eph. 2:8–9).
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Good works are the fruit and evidence of genuine faith, not the basis of salvation (James 2:18).
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The final judgment reviews work not to determine justification but to reveal the authenticity of faith (Rom. 2:6–7; 2 Cor. 5:10).
Here’s the biblical logic:
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We are justified once and for all at the moment of faith (Romans 5:1).
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We are sanctified progressively as the Spirit works in us (Philippians 2:12–13).
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In the final judgment, God vindicates the genuineness of our faith through our works, but not as the ground of our salvation.
Jesus said:
“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.”—John 5:24 (ESV)
3. What’s Wrong with the SDA View?
There are several serious errors in the SDA approach:
1. It Adds Human Effort to Justification
By making works a determining factor in the judgment for eternal life, the gospel of grace is compromised. It results in a form of legalism or salvation by merit.
Galatians 3:3 – “Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?”
2. It Contradicts the Assurance of Salvation
The Bible gives assurance of salvation to believers (1 John 5:13), but the SDA doctrine creates fear, uncertainty, and a never-ending concern about being “good enough.”
Romans 8:1 – “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
3. It Distorts the High Priestly Work of Christ
SDA theology teaches that Christ only began applying His atonement in 1844—a date not found in Scripture—thereby postponing assurance and final forgiveness.
Hebrews 10:14 – “For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.”
4. Application: How Should Christians Live Today?
If you are in Christ, your works matter—not to earn God’s favor—but because you already have it. As believers, we are saved by grace, judged by fruit, and kept by Christ.
Live with assurance.
You don’t need to fear the judgment if you are trusting in Christ.
Live a life that bears fruit.
Works are the natural outcome of true salvation. A tree is known by its fruit (Matthew 7:17-20).
Examine your faith.
Not with fear, but with faith. Are you growing in love, holiness, and obedience? These are the signs of true conversion (2 Corinthians 13:5).
5. Conclusion: Which View Is More Biblical?
Clearly, the FAP biblical view is more faithful to the gospel. It preserves the truth that:
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Justification is by grace through faith, not by performance.
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Works flow from salvation, they don’t earn it.
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Final judgment is about vindication, not qualification for salvation.
The SDA view, though sincere, misplaces the role of works and undermines the assurance we are meant to have in Christ.
“For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.”—Romans 3:28
Reflection Questions
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Are you living with the assurance of salvation based on Christ's finished work?
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Are your works flowing from love and gratitude—or from fear of not being “good enough”?
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Have you trusted in the gospel of grace, or are you still trying to “pass the judgment” by your own efforts?
Former Adventists Philippines
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