XXXII. Of the Last Judgment
1. God hath appointed a Day wherein he will judge the world in Righteousness, by aJesus Christ; to whom all power and judgment is given of the Father; in which Day not only the bApostate Angels shall be judged; but likewise all persons that have lived upon the Earth, shall appear before the Tribunal of Christ; cto 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.
aActs 17:31; John 5:22, 27 b1 Cor. 6:3; Jude 6 c2 Cor. 5:10; Eccles. 12:14; Matt. 12:36; Rom. 14:10, 12; Matt. 25:32–46
2. 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; aand of his Justice in the Eternal 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 Glory, with everlasting reward, in the presence bof the Lord: but the wicked who know not God, and obey not the Gospel of Jesus Christ, shall be cast into Eternal torments, and cpunished with everlasting destruction, from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power.
aRom. 9:22–23 bMatt. 25:21, 34; 2 Tim. 4:8 cMatt. 25:46; Mark 9:48; 2 Thess. 1:7–10
3. As Christ would have us to be certainly persuaded that there shall be a Day of judgment, both ato deter all men from sin, and for the greater bconsolation 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 cLord will come; and may ever be prepared to say, dCome Lord Jesus, Come quickly, Amen.
a2 Cor. 5:10–11 b2 Thess. 1:5–7 cMark 13:35–37; Luke 12:35–40 dRev. 22:20