The book of life
Revelation 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
The Book of Life is the registry of all those who have been saved by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ. It contains the names of those who belong to God His chosen people, redeemed by the blood of the Lamb.
The "Book of Life" is mentioned several times throughout Scripture, from the Old Testament to the New Testament, as the divine record of all those who belong to God. It is more than a list; it signifies the secure and eternal belonging of the saved to their Creator.
In Revelation 20, we are given a glimpse of the final judgment, the great white throne, and the gathering of all humanity before God. In this moment, books are opened, including the Book of Life. This book will be the decisive factor in determining the eternal destiny of each person.
For those whose names are written in it, eternal life in the presence of God awaits. But for those whose names are missing, the consequence is eternal separation from God—the lake of fire, symbolic of ultimate judgment.
The question that naturally arises is: "How does one’s name get written in the Book of Life?" The answer is found in the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are not written into this book by our own merit or works; rather, it is by the grace of God alone through faith in Jesus Christ.
In Ephesians 2:8-9, we are reminded, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast." Our names are written in the Book of Life when we place our trust in the finished work of Christ—His death on the cross for our sins and His resurrection from the dead.
This book belongs to the Lamb that was slain (Revelation 13:8), for it is His sacrifice that makes it possible for our names to be inscribed in it.
Salvation is a divine gift, and God, in His sovereignty, knows those who are His. When we respond to His call, repent of our sins, and put our faith in Christ, we can have assurance that our names are recorded in the Book of Life, never to be blotted out (Revelation 3:5).
If your name is written in the Book of Life, it is not just a future reality to be experienced in eternity; it also has implications for how we live here and now. Living as those whose names are written in the Book of Life means that we are called to live as citizens of heaven (Philippians 3:20).
We are called to live in light of eternity, recognizing that this world is not our final home. We are called to live with purpose and intentionality, making sure that our lives reflect the truth of the gospel that has saved us.
Our priorities, values, and actions should reflect our identity as God's children. This means loving God with all our hearts, loving our neighbors as ourselves, and making disciples of all nations.
In conclusion, the Book of Life is the book that every believer should long to see their name written in. It is the record of those who have trusted in Jesus for salvation and who will enjoy eternal life in the presence of God. If you have placed your faith in Christ, you can rest in the assurance that your name is securely written in this book.
However, if you have not yet come to Christ, this scripture is a loving but firm warning. There is still time to repent and turn to Jesus. God does not desire that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your heart. Let today be the day your name is written in the Book of Life.
God bless you.
Prayer key:
1. Lord, then you for the blessing of your word today in Jesus Christ name
2. Lord, grant me the grace to live my life as one of the citizens of your kingdom in Jesus Christ name.
3. Lord, by your mercy and grace, write my name in the book of life in Jesus Christ name.
4. Thank you Lord for answered prayers in Jesus Christ name. Amen.