868. And the dead were judged according to their works, in accordance with the things which were written in their books. This symbolically means that all were judged in accordance with the inner life within their outward appearances.
The dead symbolize all who had died from earthly lands and were then in the world of spirits, as in no. 866 above. In accordance with the things which were written in their books means, symbolically, in accordance with the interiors of each person's mind then revealed, as in no. 867 just above. According to their works means, symbolically, according to the inner life in each person's outward appearances. That this is the symbolic meaning of works in the Word may be seen in nos. 72, 76, 94, 141, 641 above, to which I add the following, that some works are works of the mind and some are works of the body, both of them internal and at the same time external. Works of the mind are intentions and endeavors, and works of the body are words and actions. Both spring from a person's inner life, which is the life of his will and love. Whatever does not terminate in works, either in the internal works of the mind or in the external works of the body, is not part of a person's life, for though it flows in from the world of spirits, it is not embraced. Such things are consequently like images that strike the eyes, or like odors that strike the nose, from which the person turns his head away.
But more on this subject may be seen in the numbers cited above, where some passages from the Word are also presented to confirm that a person is judged according to his works. In addition to those passages are these as well from Paul:
...in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who will render to each one according to his works. (Romans 2:5-6)
...we must all appear before the tribunal of the Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or evil. (2 Corinthians 5:10)
