--- title: "Chapter 33: Of the Last Judgment | Westminster Confession of Faith" description: "Westminster Confession of Faith, chapter 33: Of the Last Judgment 1. God hath appointed a day, wherein He will judge the world in righteousness, by Jesus Christ, to whom all power and judgmen" canonical: "https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-33-last-judgment/" source: "https://ctkrp.org/assets/rpcna-constitution-2026.pdf#page=112" --- # Chapter 33: Of the Last Judgment | Westminster Confession of Faith 1. 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. Scripture proofs: Acts 17:31; John 5:22, 27; 1 Cor. 6:3; Jude 1:6; 2 Pet. 2:4; 2 Cor. 5:10; Eccl. 12:14; Rom. 2:16; Rom. 14:10, 12; Matt. 12:36-37. 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; 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 fulness 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 be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of His power. Scripture proofs: Matt. 25:31-46; Rom. 2:5-6; Rom. 9: 22-23; Matt. 25:21; Acts 3:19; 2 Thess. 1:7-10. 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. Scripture proofs: 2 Pet. 3:11, 14; 2 Cor. 5:10-11; 2 Thess. 1: 5-7; Luke 21:27-28; Rom. 8:23-25; Matt. 24:36, 42-44; Mark 13:35-37; Luke 12: 35-36; Rev. 22:20. ## For kids — a study explanation (ages 10–13) These explanations are separate from the official text above. Words to knowFinal judgmentChrist’s just assessment of every person at the day God has appointed.Eternal lifeEverlasting life and fellowship with God through Christ. ### WCF 33.1 · Christ will judge everyone God has appointed a day when Jesus will judge the world with perfect righteousness. Fallen angels and every person who has lived will answer to him for thoughts, words, and deeds. Nothing is hidden from the Judge. His authority is complete and his judgment is just. Explore the ScripturesActs 17:31; John 5:22; 1 Corinthians 6:3. Talk about itWhy do our hidden thoughts matter as well as our public actions? [Read original paragraph 1 →](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-33-last-judgment/#paragraph-1) ### WCF 33.2 · Mercy and justice made plain The final judgment displays God’s mercy in the everlasting salvation of his people, and his justice in the punishment of the wicked. The righteous enter eternal life and full joy with the Lord. Those who do not know God and obey the gospel face lasting torment and exclusion from his blessed presence. We should take both his gracious invitation and his warnings seriously. Explore the ScripturesMatthew 25:31-46; Romans 2:5-6; Romans 9:22-23. Talk about itHow does the last judgment reveal both mercy and justice? [Read original paragraph 2 →](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-33-last-judgment/#paragraph-2) ### WCF 33.3 · Be ready and look forward Jesus wants us to know judgment is coming, so we resist sin and find comfort when suffering. He has not told us the date. We should therefore stay watchful rather than careless or busy guessing times. Believers can eagerly pray, “Come, Lord Jesus,” trusting the Savior who will return. Explore the Scriptures2 Peter 3:11; 2 Corinthians 5:10-11; 2 Thessalonians 1:5-7. Talk about itHow can we prepare for Jesus’ return without guessing its date? [Read original paragraph 3 →](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-33-last-judgment/#paragraph-3) ### Discuss and remember Read the chapter together, then choose a question to talk about. - What does the final judgment teach us about God’s justice? - Why does the believer’s hope rest in Christ rather than a perfect record? #### Scripture to remember 2 Corinthians 5:10 [Read the memory passage in our Bible reader →](https://ctkrp.org/bible/?q=2%20Corinthians%205%3A10) Read the passage in context. Explain it in your own words, then practice one short phrase at a time. Review it together during the week. #### Put it into practice Talk about one way the promise of Christ’s return encourages faithful living today. [Find help for family worship](https://ctkrp.org/family-worship/) Original source: [2026 RPCNA Constitution](https://ctkrp.org/assets/rpcna-constitution-2026.pdf#page=112) ## Related reading - [Assurance of salvation](https://ctkrp.org/learn/topics/assurance-of-salvation/) - [Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 32: Of the State of Men After Death, And the Resurrection of the Dead](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-32-state-of-men-after-death-and-of-the-resurrection/) - [Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 37: What benefits do believers receive from Christ at death?](https://ctkrp.org/shorter-catechism/question-37-what-benefits-do-believers-receive-from-christ-at-death/) - [Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 82: What is the communion in glory which the members of the invisible Church have with Christ?](https://ctkrp.org/larger-catechism/question-82-what-is-the-communion-in-glory-which-the-members/) - [Find teaching on resurrection](https://ctkrp.org/sermons/?q=resurrection) - [Read RP Testimony chapter 33](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-33-last-judgment/) - [Chapter 32](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-32-state-of-men-after-death-and-of-the-resurrection/) Canonical page: https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-33-last-judgment/