CHAPTER XXXIII.
Of the Last Judgment.
I. God hath
appointed a day, wherein he will judge the world in righteousness by Jesus
Christ, to whom all power and judgment is given of the Father. In which day,
not only the apostate angels shall be judged; but likewise all persons, that
have lived upon earth, shall appear before the tribunal of Christ, to give
an account of their thoughts, words, and deeds; and to receive according to
what they have done in the body, whether good or evil.
II. The
end of God's appointing this day, is for the manifestation of the glory of
his mercy in the eternal salvation of the elect; and of his justice in the
damnation of the reprobate, who are wicked and disobedient. For then shall
the righteous go into everlasting life, and receive that fullness of joy and
refreshing which shall come from the presence of the Lord: but the wicked,
who know not God, and obey not the gospel of Jesus Christ, shall be cast into
eternal torments, and punished with everlasting destruction from the presence
of the Lord, and from the glory of his power.
III. As
Christ would have us to be certainly persuaded that there shall be a day of
judgment, both to deter all men from sin, and for the greater consolation
of the godly in their adversity: so will he have that day unknown to men,
that they may shake off all carnal security, and be always watchful, because
they know not at what hour the Lord will come; and may be ever prepared to
say, Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly. Amen.
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