📅 6 January – The Heavenly Judgment

Monthly Theme: The Blessed Hope – Living in Expectation
Theme for 2026: “The King Is Coming Soon – Hope Beyond the End”

📖 Central Bible Text of the Day

“I watched until thrones were set in place,
and the Ancient of Days took His seat;
His garment was white as snow,
and the hair of His head like pure wool.
His throne was flames of fire,
and its wheels were burning fire.
The court sat in judgment,
and the books were opened.”
— Daniel 7:9–10

🌅 Devotional Thought for the Day

Judgment—for many, this word sounds heavy.
But the Bible does not paint a picture of cold condemnation,
but of divine justice and restoration.

Daniel sees heaven opened: not a dark courtroom, but a place full of light.
The Judge is the “Ancient of Days,” the God of love,
and standing on humanity’s side is Jesus, our Advocate.

“For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son.”
— John 5:22

The Judge, then, is the very One who redeemed us on the cross.
How comforting: the One who knows us better than we know ourselves
also stands before the Father as our Defender.

Ellen G. White wrote:
“In the judgment now taking place in heaven, Christ is not represented as accusing believers, but as their Advocate and Defender.”
(The Great Controversy, p. 422)

✨ Judgment as Part of the Good News

Many fear judgment because they see it as punishment.
But the Bible describes it as good news:

“Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come.”
— Revelation 14:7

This message is the first part of the three angels’ messages to the whole world.
Judgment is not a curse, but an invitation to live at peace with God
before the history of this world comes to its close.

Ellen White explains:
“The investigative judgment is part of the gospel.
It shows that God’s kingdom is founded on truth and righteousness.”
(The Great Controversy, p. 423)

🌿 The Open Heaven – The Opened Character

“For God will bring every work into judgment,
including every secret thing, whether good or evil.”
— Ecclesiastes 12:14

God sees everything, but He judges in love.
Judgment is not meant to condemn,
but to reveal who is in Christ.

Our works show to whom we have given our hearts.
And whoever stands under the blood of the Lamb
may look toward the heavenly judgment without fear.

Ellen White writes:
“In the hour of judgment, only those who rely on the merits of Christ will stand.
His righteousness is our garment; His grace our security.”
(Christ Is Our Life, p. 72)

Therefore, judgment does not lead believers into fear,
but into deep gratitude.
It confirms that God’s grace was real
and His plan of salvation perfectly just.

🕊️ A Look at the Advocate

“If anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father,
Jesus Christ the Righteous.”
— 1 John 2:1

In the heavenly sanctuary, Christ represents us.
He shows His wounds as proof of His love.
He does not speak to excuse sin,
but to claim His own sacrifice on our behalf.

Ellen White writes:
“Christ shows in the heavenly sanctuary His pierced hands and pleads:
‘I know them by name, Father; I have redeemed them with My blood.’”
(The Desire of Ages, p. 834)

What a comfort:
Judgment is not a place of fear,
but of vindication for those who remain in faith.
Here the universe will see that God’s love is just
and His justice is loving.

🙏 Prayer

Righteous Father,
thank You that You are a God who judges with justice and saves with love.

When I look at my life, I see guilt and weakness;
but when I look at Jesus, I see grace and victory.

Help me live today in peace,
knowing that my Savior is my Advocate.

Strengthen my faith,
so that I do not fear the judgment,
but praise Your righteousness.

Amen.

💭 Thought for the Day

“Judgment is not a threat, but the revelation of grace.
In Christ, the believer is justified, and the entire universe recognizes:
God is love.”
— Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, p. 424

💡 Personal Application

1. Read Daniel 7 today – write down what gives you hope, not fear.

2. Pray: “Lord, thank You that You are my Advocate. Help me rest in Your grace.”

3. Remember throughout the day:
   “Judgment is not the end—it is the beginning of God’s eternal justice.”

🌺 Closing Verse

“Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?”
— Genesis 18:25