Universal Temporary Justification: A Systematic Studyof the Involved Criteria

Abstract

This article critically examines the doctrine of temporary universal justification—also termed universal legal justification—promoted by the 1888 Message Study Committee and authors such as Robert J. Wieland and Arnold Wallenkampf. 
This doctrine asserts that Christ’s death legally justified all humanity temporarily, postponing their condemnation until the final judgment, without requiring initial faith. The article identifies this position as theologically problematic through a study of Pauline writings, the sanctuary doctrine, and Ellen White’s works, demonstrating that justification invariably entails active faith, repentance, and confession on the part of the believer.