Verse 12
The dead before this throne are evidently at least the unsaved of all ages who now stand resurrected (Revelation 20:5; Daniel 12:2). They come from all classes and groups of humanity. The "books" contain a record of their deeds (cf. Deuteronomy 32:34; Psalms 56:8; Isaiah 65:6; Daniel 7:10; Malachi 3:16; Matthew 12:37). The "book of life" contains the names of God’s elect (Revelation 3:5; Revelation 13:8; Revelation 17:8; Revelation 20:15; Revelation 21:27; Isaiah 4:3; Psalms 69:28; Daniel 12:1; Luke 10:20; Philippians 4:3). God will condemn unbelievers raised to face this judgment because of their works, including failure to believe in Jesus Christ (John 6:29). Since He will evaluate their deeds, there seems to be a difference in degrees of punishment as there will be differences in rewards for believers (cf. Matthew 11:20-24).
"The teaching of judgment by works runs throughout both the OT and the NT." [Note: Mounce, p. 365. Cf. Psalms 62:12; Jeremiah 17:10; Romans 2:6; 1 Peter 1:17.]
There is no revelation about what will happen to mortal believers who are alive at the end of the Millennium. Perhaps Satan and his followers will kill them all before God judges the rebels. Another possibility is that they will live through this rebellion and God will give them immortal bodies with which they will be able to enter the new earth. Neither is there information about the divine judgment of these believers. There will probably be a judgment of them since God judges everyone else who has ever lived at one time or another. Probably He will judge them at the end of the Millennium. A resurrection of those of them that died during the Millennium is also probable (cf. Isaiah 65:17-20).
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