THE BOOK OF LIFE
The Book of Life is mentioned throughout the scriptures: Ex.32:32; Daniel 12:1; Luke 10:10; Philippians 4:3; Revelation 3:5; 13:8; 17:8; 20:12; 20:15; etc. These passages tell us very interesting and important facts.
This Book Belongs to Jesus- Revelation describes the book of life as "the book of life of the Lamb..."in chapter 13 verse 8. The Lamb of course, is Christ. (John 1:36). Our salvation depends on him. Through his suffering, he was perfected as the author of our salvation (Hebrews 2:10). Until his death on the cross, we were "helpless" (Romans 5:6). The book of life belongs to Christ. Therefore, those whose name are found in it will have been included on his terms.
You Can Have Your Name Added Now- At the judgement, the book of life will be opened (Revelation 20:12). There is no mention of names being added at this time. The reason is because the time for names to be added is NOW. Paul spoke of ones "whose names are in the book of life" (Phil 4:3). They were not waiting for their names to be added. They were already in the book at this time.
How Can You Have Your Name Added?- We now know that this book belongs to Jesus Christ. Who will be added to this book? The writer of Hebrews says that Jesus is to "all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation" (Hebrews 5:9). So we must follow the commandments of Jesus in order to have our name in the book of life, including the instruction to REPENT, BE BAPTIZED IN THE NAME OF JESUS, AND RECEIVE THE GIFT OF THE HOLY GHOST(Acts2:38)-evidenced by speaking in other tongues (Acts 2:4)
You Can Have Your Name Erased- This is an important point. The scriptures do not teach that once you are saved, salvation is forever guaranteed. Jesus told the few of the church in Sardis "He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life" (Revelation 3:5). So this implies that if you do not overcome, but become unfaithful, then Jesus will erase your name from his book.
If Your Name is Missing, You Will Be Condemned- In Revelation, at the scene of judgement we are shown the fate of those whose names are absent from the book. "And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire". ( Rev 20:15). Jesus described this as "everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels". (Matthew 25:41). It is also called a place of "outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth". (Matthew 25:30) "away from the presence of the Lord" (2 Thessalonians 1:9). "This is the second death" (Rev. 20:14). The consequences for not obeying the Lord are severe.
If Your Name is There, You Will Be Rewarded- In Revelation, John reveals that heaven is only for "those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life" (Rev. 21:27). In heaven, you will be free from tears, death, and pain (Rev. 21:4) and have access to the tree of life! (Rev. 22:2). In heaven, you will remain in the presence of God. This is a reward that all who are saved are striving for.
You now notice the importance of having your name in the book of life, as well as the horrible consequence if your name is missing. You have also seen what you must do to have you're name added. So ask yourself: "Is my name written in the book of life"?
Jesus said, "Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book. (Rev. 22:7). behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be". ( Rev. 22:12). Jesus' return is also compared to a thief that comes in the night (1 Thess. 5:2) The Lords' coming will be UNEXPECTED and UNANNOUNCED, we must remain in a constant state of readiness.
"And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take of the water of life freely". (Rev. 22:17)
If you want your name to be added to the book of life, then obey the Lord NOW while you still have the opportunity to except His invitation. HE'S WAITING.
Authored by:
Sis. Brittany Jenkins
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