Plain-language reading guide
READING HELP
Read this chapter alongside the Confession chapter on the same subject. The Testimony states what the church teaches, applies that teaching, and identifies views it rejects. Read each statement with its Scripture proofs and the surrounding paragraphs.
To find explicit rejections in this chapter, go to point 3. Read each full point to see exactly which teaching is rejected.
This reading guide is separate from the official text below.
Read the official text, or choose a simpler explanation to explore together.
Westminster Confession
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.
Words to know
- Final judgment
- Christ’s just assessment of every person at the day God has appointed.
- Eternal life
- Everlasting 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.
Acts 17:31; John 5:22; 1 Corinthians 6:3.
Why do our hidden thoughts matter as well as our public actions?
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.
Matthew 25:31-46; Romans 2:5-6; Romans 9:22-23.
How does the last judgment reveal both mercy and justice?
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.
2 Peter 3:11; 2 Corinthians 5:10-11; 2 Thessalonians 1:5-7.
How can we prepare for Jesus’ return without guessing its date?
1. The return of our Lord to earth is clearly taught in Scripture. He made many promises to return. His coming will be personal and visible. He will come in glory at a time unknown to man. Rev. 22:7, 12, 20; John 14:3; Acts 1:11; Rev. 1:7; 1 Thess. 4:16; Matt. 16:27; Col. 3:4; Luke 12:40; Rev. 16:15; Mark 13:32-35; 1 Thess. 5:2.
2. At the time of Christ’s second coming all the dead will be raised and the world will be judged. John 5:28-29; 2 Thess. 1:7-10; Ps. 96:13; Ps. 98:9.
3. We reject the teaching that the Kingdom of God can only be brought in by Christ’s return or that Christ is not now reigning as King over all things. Matt. 28:18; Eph. 1:20-22; Phil. 2:9-11; Col. 1:18.
4. The final judgment for the Christian will be an assessment of his obedience to God and of his stewardship of the gifts and talents God has committed to his care. Whatever is imperfect will be burned away, and his faithfulness will be rewarded. 2 Cor. 5:10; Rom. 14:10-12; 1 Cor. 3:9- 15; 1 Cor. 4:5; Matt. 25:14-40.
5. Believers are to look forward eagerly to the last great day, in which they will share in Christ’s final victory over evil and experience the fulness of joy which is found in the presence of God, forever. 2 Pet. 3:11-13; Ps. 16:11.
Words to know
- Final judgment
- Christ’s just assessment of every person at the day God has appointed.
- Eternal life
- Everlasting life and fellowship with God through Christ.
- Rejects
- Says that a teaching is wrong and must not be accepted.
Testimony 33.1
Jesus will return personally, visibly, and in glory. We do not know when he will come.
Read original point 1 and its Scripture proofs →Testimony 33.2
When Christ returns, all the dead will rise and the world will be judged.
Read original point 2 and its Scripture proofs →Testimony 33.3
The Testimony rejects postponing Christ’s kingdom and kingship entirely until his return. He already reigns over all things.
Read original point 3 and its Scripture proofs →Testimony 33.4
At the final judgment, Christ will examine how Christians have obeyed him and used his gifts. He will remove what is imperfect and reward their faithfulness.
Read original point 4 and its Scripture proofs →Testimony 33.5
Believers should eagerly await Christ’s final victory over evil and everlasting joy in God’s presence.
Read original point 5 and its Scripture proofs →Source: The Constitution of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America, updated 2026, A-104, A-105, A-106.