For the work of a man will he render unto him
The reward of his work, as Ben Gersom interprets it, whether the
work of a wicked man or of a good man:
and cause every man to find according to [his]
ways.
Which is a truth frequently inculcated in the Scriptures; and
will take place especially at the resurrection of the dead, which
is for that purpose, and at the final judgment, by the righteous
Judge of all; for, though wicked men may not be punished now
according to their deserts, they will hereafter, which is
sufficient to vindicate the justice of God: and as for the works
and ways of good men, though God does not proceed according to
them in the methods of his grace, they are not justified by them,
nor called and saved according to them; for, though evil works
deserve damnation, good works do not merit salvation; yet they
are not neglected by the Lord; he is not unrighteous to forget
them, and verily there is a reward for righteous men though it is
not of debt but grace; and not for, but in keeping the commands
of God, is this reward; even communion with him and peace in
their souls, which they enjoy in, though not as arising from
their keeping them; and at the last day, when their justification
will be pronounced before men and angels, it will be according to
their works of righteousness, not done by themselves, but done by
Christ, in their room and stead and reckoned to them; for the
obedience of Christ, by which they are made righteous, though
imputed to them without works, is nothing else but a series of
good works most perfectly done by Christ for them; and according
to which the crown of righteousness in a righteous way will be
given them by the righteous Judge. All which therefore is a full
proof that no iniquity is, will, or can be committed by the Lord.