§ 8. Yet more, we shall be so far from the dread of that judgment, that ourselves shall become the judges. Christ will take his people, as it were, into commission with himself, and they shall sit and approve his righteous judgment. Do ye not know that the saints will judge the world? Nay, know ye not that we shall judge angels?[101] Were it not for the word of Christ that speaks it, this advancement would seem incredible and the language arrogant. Even Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of this, saying, Behold the Lord cometh with ten thousand of his saints, to execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them, of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.[102] Thus shall the saints be honored, and the upright shall have dominion in the morning.[103] O that the careless world were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end![104] That they would be now of the same mind as they will be, when they shall see the heavens pass away with a great noise, and the elements melt with fervent heat, the earth also, and the works that are therein, burnt up! When all shall be on fire about their ears, and all earthly glory consumed. For the heavens and the earth, which are now, are reserved unto fire against the day of judgment, and perdition of ungodly men. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire, shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?[105]
[101] 1 Corinthians vi, 2, 3.
[102] Jude 14, 15.
[103] Psalm xlix, 14.
[104] Deuteronomy xxxii, 29.
[105] 2 Peter iii, 7-12.
§ 9. (4.) The last preparative to the saint's rest, is their solemn coronation, and receiving the kingdom. For, as Christ, their Head, is anointed both King and Priest; so under him are his people made unto God both kings and priests, to reign, and to offer praises for ever.[106] The crown of righteousness, which was laid up for them, shall by the Lord the righteous Judge be given them at that day.[107] They have been faithful unto death, and therefore he will give them a crown of life.[108] And according to the improvement of their talents here, so shall their rule and dignity be enlarged.[109] They are not dignified with empty titles, but real dominion. Christ will grant them to sit with him in his throne;[110] and will give them power over the nations, even as he received of his Father; and he will give them the morning star.[111] The Lord himself will give them possession with these applauding expressions: Well done, good and faithful servant, thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.[112]
[106] Revelation v, 10.
[107] 2 Timothy iv, 8.
[108] Revelation ii, 10.