Where mankind will be judged
As to the place where mankind will be judged, we have no explicit account in scripture. An eminent writer, though not he alone, for many have been of the same opinion, supposes it will be on earth, where the works were done, according to which they shall be judged, and that God will, in order to that, employ the angels of his strength,
To smooth and lengthen out the boundless space, and spread an area for all human race.
But perhaps it is more agreeable to our Lord's own account of his coming in the clouds to suppose it will be above the earth, if not twice a planetary height. And this supposition is not a little favored by what Saint Paul writes to the Thessalonians. The dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we who remain alive shall be caught up together with them, in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17. So it seems most probable that the great white throne will be high exalted above the earth.
1771 text
3. With regard to the place where mankind will be judged, we have no explicit account in scripture. An eminent writer (but not he alone; many have been of the same opinion) supposes it will be on earth, where the works were done, according to which they shall be judged, and that God will in order thereto employ the angels of his strength,
“To smooth and lengthen out the boundless space, And spread an area for all human race.”
But perhaps it is more agreeable to our Lord’s own account, of his coming in the clouds, to suppose it will be above the earth, if not “twice a planetary height.” And this supposition is not a little favoured, by what St. Paul writes to the Thessalonians. The dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we who remain alive, shall be caught up together with them, in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air. So that it seems most probable, the great white throne, will be high exalted above the earth.
About this text
Rendered in modern English, to be read and heard. Open the 1771 text under each part to check the claims and the scripture.
Rendered in modern English. The 1771 panel is his own Pine printing of the Works. It is public domain.
Catalogue & scope
Sermon 15 in the 1771 Works. Romans 14:10. Bedford, 10 March 1758.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.