“The book of life” appears in the context of Revelation 20:11-15. Eschatology is the study of end times. It explores the biblical concept of judgment, Jesus’ return, heaven and hell. One of the eschatological events at judgment will be the opening of the “book of life” (Revelation 20:12). No question is more important than, “Is your name in the book of life?” This question involves heaven and hell. If your name is written there, you are saved and headed for heaven. If your name is not, then hell awaits you. Today, you should know if your name is there. Consider the following.
The book of life is real. Right now in heaven there is a book of life. Both the Old Testament and the New Testament speak of it (OT – Exodus 32:32; Psalm 69:28; Malachi 3:16; NT – Philippians 4:3; Luke 10:20; Revelation 3:5; 13:8). The book of life is a registry. The idea is that rulers had a roll book of living citizens under their control. When a man died, his name was removed. The names in the book of life are living, active citizens and faithful members of the kingdom of God. The book of life lists the righteous. The book of life contains only the names of those who are righteous (Matthew 25:46). The names of the unrighteous will not be written there.
Whose name will not be found in the book life (Cf. Rev. 20:15)? The names of those who refuse to become New Testament Christians will not be written there (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9). Those who refuse to hear the Word (Acts 7:57), believe in Jesus (John 8:24), repent of their sins (Luke 13:3) and be baptized (Acts 24:25; 26:28) will not have their names entered in the book of life. Those who become New Testament Christians and quit practicing Christianity will not have their names therein (Hebrews 6:4-6). Christians who turn their back on God and remain in that condition until judgment, will not be granted repentance. However, there is hope. If they repent from their sins before the Judgment Day, God will forgive them (Revelation 3:5; 1 John 1:9).
How are names placed in the book of life? When one is “born again” (John 3:3, 5) his name is placed in the book of life (1 Peter 1:3-4). Jesus is the “author of salvation” unto all those who are obedient to His teachings (Hebrews 5:9; Mark 16:16). Notice the word, “written” (Luke 10:20, Revelation 21:27). The names “written” in the book of life are connected to the “added” concept in Acts 2:47.
Whose name will be in the book of life? Those that have overcome will have their names appear in there (Revelation 3:5; John 16:33). The names of workers in the kingdom will appear in the book of life (Philippians 4:3). Those that worship not the evil one will have their names in the book of life (Revelation 13:8). The names of those redeemed by the blood of the Lamb will appear there (Revelation 21:27; 1 Peter 1:19).
Your name must be in the book of life to go to heaven! Can you say, “My name is in the book of life”? If you cannot, surely you know where you are headed! Consider these happy words: “and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage” (Matthew 25:10). However, these are sad words – some of the saddest words that could ever be uttered: “and the door was shut” (Matthew 25:10). If your name in not written in the book of life, I plead with you to obey Jesus. If your name is written in the book of life, I pray that you will live and conduct yourself in such a way that your name may never be blotted out.
