SDA Sabbath School Lessons
Tuesday July 23, 1996

What scene was Daniel shown after the vision of the little-horn power? Daniel 7:8-10,21,22,25,26

What kind of session did Daniel say would be conducted in heaven? How many angels would be present? Daniel 7:10

Who was presented before God the Father as the advocate or attorney in this judgment? What was given to Him in this judgment session? Daniel 7:13,14

The period of papal ecclesiastical supremacy (Daniel 7:25) occupied the period A.D. 538 to 1798. Shortly after 1798 the heavely pre-advent judgment began. What is the nature of this judgment? What kinds of decisions does it make?

1. Verse 9 - This judgment is in heaven; God's throne is in heaven.
2. Verse 10 - The judgment involves a court session in which books of record are examined or investigated. The Bible teaches that God has records of every human life. The book of life contains the names of those who have at any time accepted Christ (Luke 10:20; Phil. 4:3; Heb. 12:23). Sins committed and pardoned are recorded (Eccl. 12:14; Matt. 12:36,37; Jer. 2:22; Rev. 22:12). Works of faith are also recorded (Mal. 3:16,17).
3. Verse 13 - The "Son of man" is the defense attorney in this judgment. The title Son of man was Jesus' favorite name for Himself (Matt. 8:20). The Son of man comes to God the Father in the heavenly judgment.
4. Verse 14 - The Son of man, Christ, receives His kingdom in this judgment. He receives the names of those who are His for eternity. The book of life is edited. The names of born-again Christians are always placed in the book of life (Heb. 12:23). But in the pre-advent judgment the decision is made as to whose names can be kept there and whose names should be taken out. The names of those who have lost their born-again relationship with Jesus are removed (Rev. 3:5). The end-time seal of God is placed upon those whose names are retained in the book of life (Rev. 7:1-3; 14:1-5).
5. Verse 22 - The pre-advent judgment is not convened merely to condemn the little-horn power; it also vindicates those who have been forgiven and who are living in union with Christ. Daniel 7:22 says that in this judgment God gives "justice," or "vindication," to his people.