“The Dead Will Stand before God,” For the Strength of Youth, Dec. 2023.
Line upon Line
The Dead Will Stand before God
In his revelation, John saw the Final Judgment.
He Comes Again to Rule and Reign, By Mary Sauer
the dead, small and great, stand before God
The power of Jesus Christ’s Resurrection brings all people into God’s presence to be judged (see Alma 11:42–44; 33:22; 40:21; Helaman 14:15–17; Mormon 9:13–14).
the books were opened
These books represent records kept on earth of what people did on earth to follow the covenant path (see Doctrine and Covenants 128:7).
the book of life
“In one sense the Book of Life is the total of a person’s thoughts and actions—the record of his life. However, the scriptures also indicate that a heavenly record is kept of the faithful, including their names and accounts of their righteous deeds” (Guide to the Scriptures, “Book of Life,” scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org).
judged
The Final Judgment comes after people are resurrected. Jesus Christ will be each person’s Judge. This judgment will determine the eternal glory each person will receive. (See Guide to the Scriptures, “Judgment, the Last,” scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org; Alma 41:3–5; Doctrine and Covenants 88:26–32.)
according to their works
Each person will be judged by their what they did and what they desired (see Doctrine and Covenants 137:9). They will be judged by whether they were obedient to God’s commandments and acted in harmony with whatever light and truth they received in this life.