III. For convincing a man of judgment by the law, consider 2 Thess i.7.
The Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, Ver.8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Ver.9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; Ver.10 When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.
Wherein we are taught, that our Lord Jesus, who now offers to be Mediator for them who believe in him, shall, at the last day, come armed with flaming fire, to judge, condemn, and destroy all them who have not believed God, have not received the offer of grace made in the gospel, nor obeyed the doctrine thereof; but remain in their natural state, under the law or covenant of works.
Hence let every man reason thus:
"What the righteous Judge hath forewarned me shall be done at the last day, I am sure is just judgment:
But the righteous Judge hath forewarned me, that if I do not believe God in time, and obey not the doctrine of the gospel, I shall be secluded from his presence and his glory at the last day, and be tormented in soul and body for ever:
Therefore I am convinced that this is a just judgment: And I have reason to thank God heartily, who hath forewarned me to flee from the wrath which is to come."
Thus every man may be, by the law or covenant of works, convinced of judgment, if he shall continue under the covenant of works, or shall obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus.