VIII. Why will there be a judgment?

The chief cause of this judgment lies in the decree of God. God has decreed and declared that it shall be. Hence there is a necessity in view of this decree, that it should take place. It is also necessary that God may obtain the end for which he created man, and be eternally praised by his people that he may declare his great goodness and mercy towards the faithful, who in this life suffer various trials and afflictions; and that he may manifest his justice and truth in the punishment of the wicked, who here flourish and prosper; for there is a necessity that it should at length be well with the righteous, and ill with the wicked both in body and soul. In a word, the end of the final judgment is, that God may cast away the wicked and deliver the church, that he may dwell in us and be all in all.