Chapter 36 - OF THE LAST JUDGMENT

1 There will be a day appointed by God when He will righteously judge the world through Jesus Christ, to whom the Father has given all authority and judgment. On that day, not only the fallen angels, but also every person who has ever lived will stand before the judgment seat of Christ. They will give an account of their thoughts, words, and actions and will receive what they deserve based on what they did in their physical bodies, whether good or evil.

2 The ultimate purpose of God's establishment of this day is to showcase the glory of his mercy in the eternal salvation of those he has chosen, and the glory of his justice in the eternal damnation of the wicked and disobedient who are rejected. On that day, the righteous will enter into eternal life, receiving the fullness of joy, glory, and everlasting rewards in the Lord's presence. However, the wicked, who neither know God nor obey the gospel of Jesus Christ, will be cast into everlasting torment and punished with eternal destruction, separated from the presence of the Lord and the glory of his power.

3 Christ wants us to be absolutely certain that there will be a day of judgment. This truth serves two purposes: to warn everyone away from sin and to provide great comfort to believers during difficult times. At the same time, Christ keeps the exact date of this day unknown to us. He does this so we will not grow complacent or spiritually lazy. Instead, we are to be watchful and always ready, since we do not know the hour of His return. This preparation allows us to eagerly and continuously pray, "Come, Lord Jesus; come quickly. Amen.”