The most hidden works of darkness shall be openly manifested. Though the actings of sin be in the dark, yet the judgings of sin shall be in the light (Luke 8:17). “For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.” (Ecclesiastes 12:14). Notice that he does not say some work, but every work; and not only works, but secrets; and not only secrets, but every secret; whether good works or ill works, whether secret or open, all must be brought to judgment. The books of God’s omniscience, and man’s conscience, shall then be opened … All men’s secret sins are printed in heaven, and God will at last read them aloud in the ears of all the world. “Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart” (1 Corinthians 4:5).

Look, as there are a world of flies and particles in the air, which we never see till the sun shines. So there are many thousands of proud thoughts, and unclean thoughts, and worldly thoughts, and malicious thoughts, and envious thoughts, and bloody thoughts, and many such thoughts which the world sees not and knows not. But in that great day, when the counsels of all hearts shall be manifest, then all shall come out, then all shall appear, for all to see. In that great day all masks, veils, and hoods shall be pulled off, and then all shall come out; all that you have ever done in the secret chamber, in the dark corner, shall be made known to men and angels, yea, to the whole court of heaven, and to all the world beside. “On that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus” (Romans 2:16). On that great day, God will judge not only our words but our works, not only our open works, but also our secret works and ways. … Though sinners may hide and keep close their horrid abominations for a time, yet there will come a time when all shall come out, when all their secret sins shall be obvious to all the world.

Thomas Brooks (adapted from Works, 2:286-287)

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