Revelation 20:13

This verse describes the resurrection and judgment of the unrighteous more fully. In logical sequence this verse fits in the middle of the preceding one. This resurrection results in death (cf. Revelation 20:6) whereas the previous one (Revelation 20:4) resulted in life.

God will resurrect the bodies of all unbelievers and unite them with their spirits, even those bodies decomposed in the sea and in every other way. The special mention of death by drowning and burial at sea may be due to the fact that the ancients regarded these fates as especially abhorrent. [Note: Swete, p. 273.] "Death and Hades" probably refer to the state of death and the place of death. [Note: Thomas, Revelation 8-22, p. 433.] "Hades" is the temporary abode of unbelievers’ spirits until the great white throne judgment. Hades is the unseen place where all non-Christians (believers from other dispensations and unbelievers) who die reside until their resurrection (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:8). It includes Paradise (Luke 23:43) and Gehenna (Luke 12:5), also called Abraham’s bosom and the place of torment and anguish (Luke 16:22-28). It is a place of conscious torment for unbelievers (Luke 16:23). "Hades" is the New Testament word for this place, and "Sheol" is the Old Testament word.

Another reference to judgment on the basis of deeds again stresses personal responsibility (cf. Revelation 20:12; Revelation 2:23; Matthew 16:27; Romans 2:6; Romans 14:12; 1 Peter 1:17). God will judge all people on the basis of their works (Revelation 20:12; cf. Psalms 62:12; Matthew 25:41-46; Hebrews 4:12-13). This is also true of Christians at the judgment seat of Christ (Romans 14:10; 1 Corinthians 3:13; 2 Corinthians 5:10).

"The White Throne Judgment will be nothing like our modern court cases. At the White Throne, there will be a Judge but no jury, a prosecution but no defense, a sentence but no appeal. No one will be able to defend himself or accuse God of unrighteousness. What an awesome scene it will be!" [Note: Wiersbe, 2:621.]