Of the Last Judgment, XXXIII:3

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.

Of that day and hour no one knows but the Father only (Matthew 24:36, paraphrased). That this day is coming is certain--our Lord has assured us of this and we may rely upon it. Furthermore, knowing this provides a source of comfort and consolation. No matter how grim circumstances may appear to us we may certainly lean upon this precious truth. Furthermore, the uncertainty of the timing (not, again, of the actuality) of the coming judgment affords us no opportunity to be "at ease in Zion," or worse indulging the sinful nature under the pretense that judgment is still far off. At all times and in all ways it behooves the Christian to be prepared to enter into the presence of his divine glory. All the more does it behoove the unbeliever to examine himself in light of the many truths we have discussed these eight months. Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess the lordship of Jesus Christ; whether one does such with joy or with grief depends upon the decisions that are made now. What say you of Christ? Whose Son is he?

Thus we have come to the conclusion of our examination of the teachings of the Westminster Confession of Faith. It is my sincere hope that readers have been blessed in some measure by the reading of the Confession itself if not necessarily by my insignificant comments and summaries. If nothing else perhaps the reader's mind and heart have been elevated by contemplating some of the magnificent truths affirmed in this document. I pray that you have been driven back upon the Word of God itself, perhaps to confirm in Berean-like fashion against that un-normed Norm the claims that have been made herein. Even more, I pray that you have been driven back to the Author of that Word, for in him alone is life and light.

For the next several posts I will provide some additional historical background and introduce readers to some of the men who participated in the Westminster Assembly and contributed to the Confession as well as to the Catechisms.

Tomorrow: What is a Puritan?