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Revelation 20:12
Verse
Context
Judgment before the Great White Throne
11Then I saw a great white throne and the One seated on it. Earth and heaven fled from His presence, and no place was found for them. 12And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne. And there were open books, and one of them was the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their deeds, as recorded in the books.13The sea gave up its dead, and Death and Hades gave up their dead, and each one was judged according to his deeds.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The dead, small and great - All ranks, degrees, and conditions of men. This description seems to refer to Dan 7:9, Dan 7:10. And the books were opened - See Dan 12:1. "Rab. Jehuda said: All the actions of men, whether good or bad, are written in a book, and of all they shall give account." - Sohar Gen., fol. 79, col. 298. "How careful should men be to shun vice, and to act uprightly before the holy blessed God, seeing there are so many which go throughout the earth, see the works of men, testify of them, and write them in a book!" - Ibid., fol. 105, col. 417. "In the first day of the new year the holy blessed God sits that he may judge the world; and all men, without exception, give an account of themselves; and the books of the living and the dead are opened." Sohar Chadash, fol. 19, 1. The books mentioned here were the books of the living and the dead, or the book of life and the book of death: that is, the account of the good and evil actions of men; the former leading to life, the latter to death. St. John evidently alludes here to Dan 7:10, on which the rabbinical account of the books appears to be founded. The expressions are figurative in both. According to their works - And according to their faith also, for their works would be the proof whether their faith were true or false; but faith exclusively could be no rule in such a procedure.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
the dead--"the rest of the dead" who did not share the first resurrection, and those who died during the millennium. small and great--B has "the small and the great." A, Vulgate, Syriac, and ANDREAS have "the great and the small." The wicked who had died from the time of Adam to Christ's second advent, and all the righteous and wicked who had died during and after the millennium, shall then have their eternal portion assigned to them. The godly who were transfigured and reigned with Christ during it, shall also be present, not indeed to have their portion assigned as if for the first time (for that shall have been fixed long before, Joh 5:24), but to have it confirmed for ever, and that God's righteousness may be vindicated in the case of both the saved and the lost, in the presence of an assembled universe. Compare "We must ALL appear," &c. Rom 14:10; Co2 5:10. The saints having been first pronounced just themselves by Christ out of "the book of life," shall sit as assessors of the Judge. Compare Mat 25:31-32, Mat 25:40, "these My brethren." God's omniscience will not allow the most insignificant to escape unobserved, and His omnipotence will cause the mightiest to obey the summons. The living are not specially mentioned: as these all shall probably first (before the destruction of the ungodly, Rev 20:9) be transfigured, and caught up with the saints long previously transfigured; and though present for the confirmation of their justification by the Judge, shall not then first have their eternal state assigned to them, but shall sit as assessors with the Judge. the books . . . opened-- (Dan 7:10). The books of God's remembrance, alike of the evil and the good (Psa 56:8; Psa 139:4; Mal 3:16): conscience (Rom 2:15-16), the word of Christ (Joh 12:48), the law (Gal 3:10), God's eternal counsel (Psa 139:16). book of life-- (Rev 3:5; Rev 13:8; Rev 21:27; Exo 32:32-33; Psa 69:28; Dan 12:1; Phi 4:3). Besides the general book recording the works of all, there is a special book for believers in which their names are written, not for their works, but for the work of Christ for, and in, them. Therefore it is called, "the Lamb's book of life." Electing grace has singled them out from the general mass. according to their works--We are justified by faith, but judged according to (not by) our works. For the general judgment is primarily designed for the final vindication of God's righteousness before the whole world, which in this checkered dispensation of good and evil, though really ruling the world, has been for the time less manifest. Faith is appreciable by God and the believer alone (Rev 2:17). But works are appreciable by all. These, then, are made the evidential test to decide men's eternal state, thus showing that God's administration of judgment is altogether righteous.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And I saw the dead,.... An account being given of the Judge, next the persons to be judged are described, and in this clause, by the state and condition in which they had been; for it cannot be thought they were dead when they stood before the throne, but were raised from the dead; for this character is not descriptive of them as dead in trespasses and sins, though they are such as die in their sins, and rise in them, who are meant, but as having been corporeally dead; these are the rest of the dead, the wicked, who lived not again until the thousand years were ended, Rev 20:5 as for the righteous, they will be judged upon their resurrection from the dead in the beginning of the day of the Lord; and will be declared righteous and blessed, and be called upon and introduced to inherit the kingdom prepared for them, which they shall have possessed a thousand years when these wicked dead will be raised: who are said to be small and great; which may refer either to their age, being children and adult persons; or to their condition, being kings and peasants, high and low, rich and poor; or to their characters, as greater or lesser sinners; and this description respects them as they are in this world, and is designed to show that no consideration whatever, of age, condition, or character, will exempt them from the general judgment. This is a way of speaking used among the Jews (h), who say, "in the world of souls, , "the great and the small", stand before God.'' The disputations of the schoolmen, about the age and stature in which mankind will rise and be judged, are vain and foolish: these John saw stand before God; that is, Christ, who is God and Judge of all; before his judgment seat and throne, in order to be judged; for they will stand not as ministering to him, nor as having confidence before him; in this sense they shall not stand in the judgment, Psa 1:5 but as guilty persons, to receive their sentence of condemnation. The Alexandrian copy, the Vulgate Latin, and all the Oriental versions read, "before the throne"; the sense is the same; for if they stood before the throne, they must stand before God, that sat upon it: and the books were opened; the book of God's omniscience, which contains all the actions of the wicked, in which all their sins are taken notice of, and will now be brought to light; and the book of his remembrance, in which they are all written as with a pen of iron, and with the point of a diamond; and the book of the creatures, which they have abused, and which will witness against them; and the book of providence, the riches of whose goodness have been despised by them; and the book of the Scriptures, both of law and Gospel, as well as the book of nature, of the light of nature, see Rom 2:12 to which may be added, the book of conscience; the consciences of men will be awakened, and will accuse them, and bear witness against them, and be as good as a thousand witnesses: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: the same that is mentioned in Rev 3:5 the book of eternal election, See Gill on Rev 3:5, See Gill on Rev 13:8, See Gill on Rev 17:8. No other use seems to be made of this book in the judgment of the wicked, than only to observe whose names were not written in it, as appears from Rev 20:15 reference seems to be had to Dan 7:10. It is a notion that has obtained among the Jews (i), that "at the beginning of the year (or every new year's day) , "three books are opened", one of the wicked perfect, another of the righteous perfect, and a third of those between both; the righteous perfect are written and sealed immediately for life; the wicked perfect are written and sealed immediately for death; the middlemost are in suspense, and continue from the beginning of the year to the day of atonement; if they are worthy, they are written for life, if not worthy, they are written for death:'' and in the same treatise (k), they represent God at the same time of the year as a "King, sitting on a throne of judgment, and the books of the living, and the books of the dead, "open", before him:'' this with them was a prelude and a figure of the future judgment: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works; that is, they were sentenced to everlasting condemnation and death, according to the just demerit of their wicked works; for no other are done by wicked men, nor can any other be in the books, since they are without God and Christ, and destitute of the Spirit, have no principle of grace to act from, nor any good end in view in any action of theirs. So the Jews say (l), "all the works which a man does in this world are "written in a book", and they come into thought before the holy King, and they are manifest before him.'' (h) Tzeror Hammor, fol. 154. 2. (i) T. Bab. Roshhashanah, fol. 16. 21. (k) T. Bab. Roshhashanah, fol. 32. 2. & Erachin, fol. 10. 2. (l) Zohar in Gen. fol. 118. 3.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
20:12 books were opened: See Ps 56:8; Dan 7:10. • The Book of Life holds the names of faithful people who have experienced God’s saving power (Mal 3:16; see Rev 3:5; 13:8; 17:8; 20:15); they are probably the same ones as those who experience the “first resurrection” (20:5-6). • And the dead were judged: The works of both the redeemed and the unredeemed will be judged (see 22:12; Matt 16:27; 25:31-46).
Revelation 20:12
Judgment before the Great White Throne
11Then I saw a great white throne and the One seated on it. Earth and heaven fled from His presence, and no place was found for them. 12And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne. And there were open books, and one of them was the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their deeds, as recorded in the books.13The sea gave up its dead, and Death and Hades gave up their dead, and each one was judged according to his deeds.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Hell - Part 2
By David Wilkerson7.6K20:27HellISA 47:7MAT 6:33MAT 7:22HEB 2:3REV 3:5REV 20:12REV 20:15In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not neglecting salvation. He highlights how people often neglect prayer and the word of God, instead spending their time on worldly pursuits. The preacher warns that these actions will be recorded in the book of judgment. He shares a personal story of a young man who had a powerful encounter with God and was delivered from the fear of hell. The preacher challenges the audience to prioritize seeking God and praying for the salvation of their loved ones, reminding them of the reality of a Godless, eternal hell.
True Success
By George W. Truett3.1K03:10SuccessPSA 23:1PSA 23:4MAT 6:33ROM 8:311CO 15:571JN 2:1REV 20:12In this sermon, the preacher reassures the audience that God will be with them throughout their lives, even in the face of death. He promises to make their path beautiful and fill their ears with music. The preacher emphasizes that there is no need to fear death, as God will be there waiting and will personally come to guide them. He also highlights the importance of putting trust in Jesus Christ as our advocate and attorney, who will forgive, save, and take care of us. The sermon concludes by emphasizing that true success comes from recognizing and following the will of God.
Why Christ Died and Rose Again
By Zac Poonen2.9K1:07:31MAT 6:33MAT 27:46JHN 3:16REV 20:12In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the concept of our memories being recorded and played back on a "videotape" in the day of judgment. He explains that every single thing we have done, including our thoughts, attitudes, and motives, is recorded and will be shown on the screen. The speaker highlights the fact that no one can escape guilt, as we have all sinned against God. However, he also emphasizes that God, in His love, provided a solution for our guilt by sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to pay the penalty for our sins. The speaker encourages listeners to share this message of salvation with others in their own little world, as it is a great honor to be representatives of God.
Men Like Noah
By Leonard Ravenhill2.4K1:14:52NoahGEN 6:5PSA 139:13JER 9:1MAT 6:33GAL 2:202PE 1:12REV 20:12In this sermon, the speaker begins by discussing the negative impact of television on families, referring to it as the "life support" of most homes. He shares a story of a woman at a funeral who reveals that her children have a bad habit of watching TV late into the night. The speaker then criticizes the American way of evangelizing, emphasizing the need for genuine compassion and love in reaching out to others. He concludes by referencing the biblical story of Noah and the Ark, highlighting the importance of diligently preparing for the coming judgment.
Do You Have the Real Thing? (Compilation)
By Compilations2.1K34:33CompilationMAT 6:33LUK 13:3JHN 3:14ACT 1:14ROM 6:14GAL 3:13REV 20:12In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of repentance and the need to turn away from self-centeredness and please God instead. He urges the audience to run from false gospels that focus on success, prosperity, and self-improvement, as well as churches that glorify men rather than Christ. The preacher also highlights the sacrifice of Jesus, who took on the wrath of God and satisfied justice, allowing sinners to be justified. The sermon encourages listeners to seek a genuine and transformative relationship with God.
(Through the Bible) 2 Timothy 3-4
By Chuck Smith1.8K1:13:30GEN 1:1MAT 25:402TI 3:162TI 4:1REV 20:12In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the contrast between Christians and the world around them. He highlights how the Christian lifestyle should stand out as the world becomes more corrupt. The speaker expresses concern over the deterioration of a person who once had a legitimate ministry but has now become crude and blasphemous. He emphasizes the importance of preaching the Word of God and warns against the prevalence of preaching psychology and other topics instead. The speaker also references the Scriptures and encourages Timothy to continue in what he has learned from them.
Woe Is Me, I Am Undone - Part 2
By Leonard Ravenhill1.7K38:42SinfulnessHAB 2:1ACT 20:27ROM 1:16REV 20:12In this sermon, the preacher tells the story of a criminal named Charlie Peace who committed heinous crimes and was eventually sentenced to death. Despite his impending execution, Peace remained unrepentant and claimed to have paid all his debts except one to the law. The preacher uses this story to emphasize the need for divine intervention and a change of heart in society. He also highlights the brokenness of the nation, with issues such as drug abuse, alcoholism, and underage pregnancies, and calls for a revival where people see themselves as God sees them and strive for holiness.
God's Wrath and His Love
By Steve Hill1.6K04:30PSA 106:37PRO 24:11ISA 1:17ROM 6:23REV 20:12This sermon delves into a courtroom battle where the verdict is about to be delivered, highlighting the consequences of sin and the need for God's mercy through the blood of Jesus. It addresses the atrocities of the past and present, emphasizing the importance of standing up for the voiceless and the unborn. The sermon challenges the nation's stance on abortion and the disregard for God's commandments, warning of the impending judgment and the ultimate authority of God over man's laws.
Purified by Leonard Ravenhill
By Compilations1.5K07:18EXO 28:15PRO 10:20MAL 3:161CO 3:121CO 4:52TI 2:20JAS 4:81PE 1:71PE 4:17REV 20:12This sermon emphasizes the importance of living a life devoted to God, comparing the value of our actions and words to wood, hay, stubble, silver, gold, and precious stones. It challenges believers to invest in what truly matters, such as devotion to God, purity in speech, and a deep prayer life, rather than seeking worldly entertainment or approval. The speaker highlights the accountability every individual will face before God, urging a commitment to a life that reflects true holiness and dedication to Christ.
(Rebuilding the House of the Lord) 3. the Lord's House Lying Waste
By Roy Hession1.5K54:41RebuildingMAT 6:33REV 20:12In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being prepared to risk everything for the sake of God's work. He shares a story about a man named John Collinson who was willing to be known as a sinner saved by Jesus and gave his testimony in a parish where no one was saved. Despite facing criticism, the house of God began to grow in that parish. The speaker also mentions the messages of conviction and comfort found in the book of Haggai and Zechariah, specifically highlighting the message of comfort that God's work is not accomplished by human might or power, but by His Spirit.
Face to Face
By G.W. North1.4K1:29:43Christian LifeEXO 33:14EXO 34:7MAT 6:33HEB 8:6REV 20:12In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the glorious audience with God and the desire for more of His presence. The sermon references hymns and emphasizes the peace that comes from knowing God. The preacher then focuses on Exodus 33, where God instructs Moses to lead the people to the promised land but states that He will not go up in their midst due to their sinful nature. However, God promises to protect and cover Moses, revealing His desire for a close relationship. The sermon concludes by highlighting the better covenant established through Jesus Christ, where God deals with us through His grace rather than the law of Moses.
(Genesis #8) Safe Through Judgement
By J. Glyn Owen1.4K51:41PreservationGEN 6:3GEN 6:5ISA 5:20MAT 6:33MAT 7:24ROM 14:12REV 20:12In this sermon, the preacher discusses the state of the world and the need for God's judgment. He emphasizes the social consequences of sin throughout history, highlighting the damage it has caused to individuals, families, and society. The preacher quotes verses from Genesis 6 to support the idea that God has determined to destroy mankind due to the violence and wickedness on earth. He warns that if the Creator declares destruction, it will surely happen. Overall, the sermon focuses on the state of the world and the impending judgment of God.
Funeral Sermon Message
By Erlo Stegen1.3K43:41PSA 90:12JHN 4:16JHN 11:25PHP 1:21REV 20:12This sermon reflects on the reality of death and the importance of being prepared to meet God at any moment. It shares stories of individuals facing death, highlighting the peace and triumph that can come with a strong faith in Christ. The message emphasizes the need to examine one's life in light of eternity, ensuring reconciliation with God and others before it's too late.
Calling or Leading
By Paris Reidhead1.3K41:43CallingMAT 6:331CO 3:132CO 5:102TI 4:1HEB 9:27REV 20:12In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living for God and obeying Him. He highlights the biblical truth that all believers will appear before the judgment seat of Christ to give an account of their actions. The preacher urges the audience to consider how they would feel standing before God and having to give an account of their deeds. He shares a personal story about visiting Athens and being reminded of the Olympic Games, using it as an analogy to emphasize the seriousness of the judgment seat of Christ. The sermon also briefly touches on the topic of the call to ministry and the importance of following God's leading.
Hyper-Grace and Religious Hypocrisy in the Last Days - (Carter Conlon, Zac Poonen)
By Compilations1.2K04:44MAT 7:21LUK 12:2JHN 14:6ROM 6:23REV 20:12This sermon emphasizes the danger of covering up sin with self-made righteousness, leading to a false sense of security and a lack of repentance. It warns against the consequences of unforgiveness and the importance of acknowledging one's sins before God. The speaker highlights the significance of Christ's death and resurrection as the foundation of Christianity, emphasizing the need for genuine repentance and surrender to God before it's too late.
A Man of God - Part 7
By Leonard Ravenhill1.2K09:02ISA 29:13MAT 16:261CO 3:131CO 6:19JAS 4:6REV 20:12This sermon emphasizes the need for true repentance and revival, highlighting the story of a man who experienced a deep transformation after years of living in sin and denial of God's calling. It calls for a rediscovery of the value of each human soul, the importance of genuine repentance, and the understanding of key spiritual concepts like atonement, forgiveness, and justification. The speaker also addresses the consequences of living in arrogance and sin, urging a return to a sincere relationship with God and a recognition of the coming judgment.
The Damnation of Hell - Part 1 (Voice Only)
By Compilations1.1K28:29CompilationPSA 9:17MAT 12:36LUK 15:10LUK 16:25ROM 6:23HEB 9:27REV 20:12In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the seriousness of idle words and their consequences in the judgment. He passionately expresses his concern for the listeners, urging them to recognize the gravity of their actions. The preacher also addresses the question of the fairness of eternal punishment for sin, explaining that it is justified because sin is ultimately against God. He shares a personal story of witnessing his wife's agony and relates it to God's forsaking of Jesus on the cross. The sermon highlights the need for repentance and the importance of understanding the weight of our words and actions.
Preparation to Meet God
By Chuck Smith1.1K34:59REV 20:12This sermon emphasizes the importance of being prepared to meet God, highlighting the need for forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ to be ready for the ultimate judgment. It warns of the consequences of living without God and the significance of turning back to Him. The message stresses the two possible ways of meeting God - as a friend or as an enemy, urging listeners to seek forgiveness and cleansing through Jesus to be prepared for that encounter.
We Live in a Fallen World
By Joe Lee1.1K1:02:00Fallen WorldGEN 1:3MAT 6:33MAT 11:28JHN 1:1JHN 1:14ROM 14:12REV 20:12In this sermon, the speaker addresses the constant bombardment of advertisements and images that try to grab our attention and create an illusion of a perfect life. They acknowledge that we all long for something more and often seek new programs or solutions to change ourselves. The speaker then highlights how humans tend to make excuses and shift blame, referencing the story of Adam and Eve in Genesis 3. They emphasize the need for Christians to have a sense of urgency and compassion for those who do not know Jesus, as there is a judgment coming where we will be held accountable for our actions.
Tophet - the Beating of Drums - Part 1 by Robert Wurtz
By Robert Wurtz II1.0K24:24REV 20:12This sermon delves into the concept of Gehenna, a place of ultimate torment, as described in the Bible. It explores the distinction between Hades and Gehenna, emphasizing the eternal nature of punishment in Gehenna. The sermon highlights the historical and biblical origins of Gehenna, warning about the seriousness of eternal damnation and the need for repentance and acceptance of God's grace. It also discusses the violent and sinful nature of humanity throughout history, contrasting it with God's desire for love and obedience.
Lost
By William Blackburn1.0K24:34Lost SoulsEXO 20:8EXO 20:12MAT 5:27LUK 19:10HEB 9:27REV 20:12In this sermon, the preacher shares a tragic story of two brothers trying to rescue a young girl trapped in a car accident. Unfortunately, the older brother unknowingly ignites a fire when he lights a cigarette near the gasoline spill from the car. Despite their efforts, the flames become too intense, and the girl's body is consumed by the fire. The preacher uses this story to emphasize the importance of making a decision to choose life or death, heaven or hell. He urges the listeners to repent, give their hearts to Christ, and be saved, as this decision is the most crucial one they will ever make. The sermon also highlights the consequences of being lost from God and the urgency to seek salvation before facing death.
The Great White Throne
By E.A. Johnston99429:33Judgment DayISA 1:4JHN 5:22ACT 7:582TI 4:6REV 6:9REV 20:12REV 20:15In this sermon, the preacher discusses the Great White Throne Judgment, a solemn event where all of mankind will be brought before God for review. The sermon explores the judge who sits on the throne, which is revealed to be the Lord Jesus Christ, who has been given all authority by the Father. The sermon emphasizes the severity of God's holy law, which will be used to judge every person's life. Only those who have accepted Jesus as their Savior and have been washed in His blood will escape the judgment and find refuge. The sermon also warns of the consequences for those who reject God and His Son, as they will face the judge and be condemned.
Hell Whats It Like - Whos Going There
By David Wilkerson89642:30HellISA 14:15MAT 5:22MAT 10:28MAT 10:33MAT 23:332PE 2:17JUD 1:13REV 3:5REV 20:12REV 21:23In this sermon, the preacher shares a powerful story about a man who experienced a tragic accident on an oil rig. Despite being mocked by a young man prior to the accident, the injured man selflessly saved him from the fire. The preacher then transitions to discussing the reality of hell and the importance of accepting Jesus Christ as the only way to salvation. He emphasizes that hell is a place of darkness, both literally and spiritually, and shares the story of Iranian young people who were deceived by false promises of paradise. The preacher concludes by urging listeners to accept the simple and free gift of salvation offered through Jesus Christ.
Bags - Bottles - Books
By Walter Wilson78336:22Christian LifeMAL 3:16MAT 6:33JHN 3:16EPH 1:7PHP 1:6REV 20:12In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of confessing our sins to the Lord. He explains that at the judgment throne, the Lord has evidence of our actions and a book for our thoughts. The preacher uses the analogy of a queen wearing expensive jewelry but being unaware of a small stain on her chin to illustrate how we often prioritize worldly things over spiritual matters. He also shares an anecdote about two women who were amazed by the depth of God's presence in nature and in people's hearts. The preacher concludes by encouraging listeners to have their thoughts focused on God in all aspects of life.
David's Prayer for Relief
By Chuck Smith67425:04DavidPSA 56:8PSA 82:2MAT 6:33ROM 8:1EPH 3:16REV 20:12In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith shares the story of how God transformed the lives of 10 men, including Greg Laurie, Raul Rees, Mike McIntosh, John Corson, and Skip Heitzig, who were once gang members, drug addicts, mental patients, and society's rejects. These men were used by God to spread the gospel worldwide, showing that God can use anyone. Pastor Chuck encourages listeners to check out the book "Harvest" which tells the testimonies of these transformed lives. He concludes by reminding believers to walk in fellowship with God, be strengthened by His Spirit, and trust in His eternal plans.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The dead, small and great - All ranks, degrees, and conditions of men. This description seems to refer to Dan 7:9, Dan 7:10. And the books were opened - See Dan 12:1. "Rab. Jehuda said: All the actions of men, whether good or bad, are written in a book, and of all they shall give account." - Sohar Gen., fol. 79, col. 298. "How careful should men be to shun vice, and to act uprightly before the holy blessed God, seeing there are so many which go throughout the earth, see the works of men, testify of them, and write them in a book!" - Ibid., fol. 105, col. 417. "In the first day of the new year the holy blessed God sits that he may judge the world; and all men, without exception, give an account of themselves; and the books of the living and the dead are opened." Sohar Chadash, fol. 19, 1. The books mentioned here were the books of the living and the dead, or the book of life and the book of death: that is, the account of the good and evil actions of men; the former leading to life, the latter to death. St. John evidently alludes here to Dan 7:10, on which the rabbinical account of the books appears to be founded. The expressions are figurative in both. According to their works - And according to their faith also, for their works would be the proof whether their faith were true or false; but faith exclusively could be no rule in such a procedure.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
the dead--"the rest of the dead" who did not share the first resurrection, and those who died during the millennium. small and great--B has "the small and the great." A, Vulgate, Syriac, and ANDREAS have "the great and the small." The wicked who had died from the time of Adam to Christ's second advent, and all the righteous and wicked who had died during and after the millennium, shall then have their eternal portion assigned to them. The godly who were transfigured and reigned with Christ during it, shall also be present, not indeed to have their portion assigned as if for the first time (for that shall have been fixed long before, Joh 5:24), but to have it confirmed for ever, and that God's righteousness may be vindicated in the case of both the saved and the lost, in the presence of an assembled universe. Compare "We must ALL appear," &c. Rom 14:10; Co2 5:10. The saints having been first pronounced just themselves by Christ out of "the book of life," shall sit as assessors of the Judge. Compare Mat 25:31-32, Mat 25:40, "these My brethren." God's omniscience will not allow the most insignificant to escape unobserved, and His omnipotence will cause the mightiest to obey the summons. The living are not specially mentioned: as these all shall probably first (before the destruction of the ungodly, Rev 20:9) be transfigured, and caught up with the saints long previously transfigured; and though present for the confirmation of their justification by the Judge, shall not then first have their eternal state assigned to them, but shall sit as assessors with the Judge. the books . . . opened-- (Dan 7:10). The books of God's remembrance, alike of the evil and the good (Psa 56:8; Psa 139:4; Mal 3:16): conscience (Rom 2:15-16), the word of Christ (Joh 12:48), the law (Gal 3:10), God's eternal counsel (Psa 139:16). book of life-- (Rev 3:5; Rev 13:8; Rev 21:27; Exo 32:32-33; Psa 69:28; Dan 12:1; Phi 4:3). Besides the general book recording the works of all, there is a special book for believers in which their names are written, not for their works, but for the work of Christ for, and in, them. Therefore it is called, "the Lamb's book of life." Electing grace has singled them out from the general mass. according to their works--We are justified by faith, but judged according to (not by) our works. For the general judgment is primarily designed for the final vindication of God's righteousness before the whole world, which in this checkered dispensation of good and evil, though really ruling the world, has been for the time less manifest. Faith is appreciable by God and the believer alone (Rev 2:17). But works are appreciable by all. These, then, are made the evidential test to decide men's eternal state, thus showing that God's administration of judgment is altogether righteous.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And I saw the dead,.... An account being given of the Judge, next the persons to be judged are described, and in this clause, by the state and condition in which they had been; for it cannot be thought they were dead when they stood before the throne, but were raised from the dead; for this character is not descriptive of them as dead in trespasses and sins, though they are such as die in their sins, and rise in them, who are meant, but as having been corporeally dead; these are the rest of the dead, the wicked, who lived not again until the thousand years were ended, Rev 20:5 as for the righteous, they will be judged upon their resurrection from the dead in the beginning of the day of the Lord; and will be declared righteous and blessed, and be called upon and introduced to inherit the kingdom prepared for them, which they shall have possessed a thousand years when these wicked dead will be raised: who are said to be small and great; which may refer either to their age, being children and adult persons; or to their condition, being kings and peasants, high and low, rich and poor; or to their characters, as greater or lesser sinners; and this description respects them as they are in this world, and is designed to show that no consideration whatever, of age, condition, or character, will exempt them from the general judgment. This is a way of speaking used among the Jews (h), who say, "in the world of souls, , "the great and the small", stand before God.'' The disputations of the schoolmen, about the age and stature in which mankind will rise and be judged, are vain and foolish: these John saw stand before God; that is, Christ, who is God and Judge of all; before his judgment seat and throne, in order to be judged; for they will stand not as ministering to him, nor as having confidence before him; in this sense they shall not stand in the judgment, Psa 1:5 but as guilty persons, to receive their sentence of condemnation. The Alexandrian copy, the Vulgate Latin, and all the Oriental versions read, "before the throne"; the sense is the same; for if they stood before the throne, they must stand before God, that sat upon it: and the books were opened; the book of God's omniscience, which contains all the actions of the wicked, in which all their sins are taken notice of, and will now be brought to light; and the book of his remembrance, in which they are all written as with a pen of iron, and with the point of a diamond; and the book of the creatures, which they have abused, and which will witness against them; and the book of providence, the riches of whose goodness have been despised by them; and the book of the Scriptures, both of law and Gospel, as well as the book of nature, of the light of nature, see Rom 2:12 to which may be added, the book of conscience; the consciences of men will be awakened, and will accuse them, and bear witness against them, and be as good as a thousand witnesses: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: the same that is mentioned in Rev 3:5 the book of eternal election, See Gill on Rev 3:5, See Gill on Rev 13:8, See Gill on Rev 17:8. No other use seems to be made of this book in the judgment of the wicked, than only to observe whose names were not written in it, as appears from Rev 20:15 reference seems to be had to Dan 7:10. It is a notion that has obtained among the Jews (i), that "at the beginning of the year (or every new year's day) , "three books are opened", one of the wicked perfect, another of the righteous perfect, and a third of those between both; the righteous perfect are written and sealed immediately for life; the wicked perfect are written and sealed immediately for death; the middlemost are in suspense, and continue from the beginning of the year to the day of atonement; if they are worthy, they are written for life, if not worthy, they are written for death:'' and in the same treatise (k), they represent God at the same time of the year as a "King, sitting on a throne of judgment, and the books of the living, and the books of the dead, "open", before him:'' this with them was a prelude and a figure of the future judgment: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works; that is, they were sentenced to everlasting condemnation and death, according to the just demerit of their wicked works; for no other are done by wicked men, nor can any other be in the books, since they are without God and Christ, and destitute of the Spirit, have no principle of grace to act from, nor any good end in view in any action of theirs. So the Jews say (l), "all the works which a man does in this world are "written in a book", and they come into thought before the holy King, and they are manifest before him.'' (h) Tzeror Hammor, fol. 154. 2. (i) T. Bab. Roshhashanah, fol. 16. 21. (k) T. Bab. Roshhashanah, fol. 32. 2. & Erachin, fol. 10. 2. (l) Zohar in Gen. fol. 118. 3.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
20:12 books were opened: See Ps 56:8; Dan 7:10. • The Book of Life holds the names of faithful people who have experienced God’s saving power (Mal 3:16; see Rev 3:5; 13:8; 17:8; 20:15); they are probably the same ones as those who experience the “first resurrection” (20:5-6). • And the dead were judged: The works of both the redeemed and the unredeemed will be judged (see 22:12; Matt 16:27; 25:31-46).